Portland's many scenic parks and spacious gardens are one of the city's most attractive features. Spending time in a natural setting can relieve stress, improve our mood and rejuvenate us. Moreover, setting aside space for trees, shrubs and greenery also cleans the air, improves property value and attracts residents and tourist as well as wildlife, improving the quality of life for those living within city limits. Take a tour of the city's beautiful botanical gardens and vast wilderness preserves and discover why Portland is known as one of America's most livable cities.
Forest Park
Northwest Portland is home to the vast Forest Park, a nature preserve covering over 5,000 acres of mature forest and dozens of winding trails popular for hikes, quiet strolls or even a horseback ride. The park's many natural waterfalls and streams are a huge draw for the city dwellers living just minutes from the trails.
The park is on forested hills in the Tualatin Mountains with views of the Willamette River and provides a home for hundreds of native plant, animals and bird species. One of the largest urban parks in America, the Forest Park is offers a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland.
Portland International Rose Test Garden
Portland has been known for over a century as the City of Roses for its temperate climate ideal for growing roses outdoors. The Portland International Rose Test Garden was built during the early 19th century to preserve the delicate plants, and currently covers about 4.5 acres just west of downtown within the bounds of Washington Park.
The terraced landscape garden contains over 10,000 flowering plants including many rare hybrids and European varieties than can no longer be imported under today's laws. The best time to visit the rose garden is from May through September.
Silver Falls State Park
About one hour's drive south of Portland, beautiful Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon. The park takes its name from Silver Creek and for its abundance of scenic waterfalls. The tallest in the park is Silver Falls at 54 meters, which is also the most visited. Visitors can walk behind the lengthy curtain of water on the Maple Ridge Loop. For a full day of falls viewing, the Trail of Ten Falls takes about three hours to complete and can be started from the South Falls Day Use Area.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Lan Su Chinese Garden is an ornamental garden in Old Town Chinatown designed to resemble classical Chinese landscape gardens. The garden was renamed 'Lan Su' to celebrate its sister city, Suzhou, on the garden's ten-year anniversary.
The garden's many exotic plant species are native to China, and were donated from other gardens around Oregon, brought over before import bans were enacted. The landscape is dominated by Lake Zither, a manmade water feature lined with viewing pavilions and walking trails inspired by traditional Chinese garden aesthetics.
Portland Japanese Garden
One of Portland's most acclaimed gardens, the Japanese Garden is a traditional landscape garden in Washington Park. Unlike Washington Park, however, the Japanese Garden is operated by a non-profit with no help from government agencies.
Around 12 acres in size, the garden includes an authentic Japanese teahouse, ponds, waterfalls, decorative lanterns and a Garden Pavilion where cultural events, festivals and art shows are held. The Portland Japanese Garden was built in the 1960s to celebrate becoming sister cities with Sapporo, Japan. Today, the garden is a hub for cultural exploration and exchange as well as traditional Eastern aesthetics.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was originally developed as a place to test rhododendron species before releasing them onto the domestic flower market. This beautiful botanical garden is now one of the most popular bird-watching spots in the state, as the natural trees, shrubbery and lakes attract plenty of waterfowl.
Manicured sections of the garden are often used for wedding photography and the park is sometimes closed for private events on weekend afternoons. The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden boast over 2,000 flowering plants, including azaleas, daffodils and of course the namesake rhododendrons, and is open all year round.
Mount Tabor Park
Mount Tabor Park is a spacious public park built around Mount Tabor, an extinct volcano named after the sacred mountain of the same name in Israel. The park is located within city limits on the the southeast side and covers nearly 200 acres of wilderness, scenic reservoirs and a maze of hiking trails.
Visitors can climb 194 meters to the summit, enjoy a picnic at one of the provided benches or admire the historic water reservoirs that circle the park. Mount Tabor Park welcomes leashed dogs on all the trails and includes an off-leash dog run.
In Conclusion
Known as one of America's most livable cities, Portland is home to plenty of parks, gardens and public green space to make life pleasant for denizens. A magnet for bird watchers, equestrians, seasoned hikers and nature enthusiasts alike, these conservation areas are also a refuge for rare or endangered plant and animal species. Enrich your travels and relieve stress while delving into the gardening culture and history of Portland.