Portland, Oregon's Great Parks

Portland, Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful and active filled parks in the great Pacific Northwest. After residing here for 45 years I wish to share with you, my readers, some of the parks and what they have to offer. When visiting Portland take an afternoon to enjoy one of our famous parks. Visitors, travelers, and residents who find themselves in Portland, Oregon seeking quiet, peace, beauty, activities and a moment to just smell the roses will find one of these parks a perfect spot.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park located along Naito Parkway between SW Harrison and SW Glisan stretches along the great Willamette River right in downtown Portland. Home of the Saturday Market, Rose Festival Fun Center, The Bite of Oregon (a fun filled festival of local restaurants serving meals), the Blues Festival, Fourth of July Fireworks, and much more, find the dancing fountain or walk along the banks of the Willmette River.

Washington Park Located west of downtown Portland, Washington Park is filled will great adventures for every one of all ages. Washington Park is home of the Oregon Zoo, the Forestry Center, Children's Museum, the Rose Garden Amphitheater (where summer outdoor concerts are the in thing), Japanese Gardens, tennis courts and play grounds and most importantly the world famous Washington Park Rose Garden.

Forest Park located between NW 29th and Upshur Street to Newberry Rd. Forest Park has beautiful natural forest trails for hiking and some biking trails provided by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Forest Park's trails can be accessed by entering the park from many directions and hiking down or up these trails. Home of many different animal and bird species Forest Park is a forest wonderland. Hike up the trails and tour the Pittock Mansion or hike the trails to the Witches Castle located within the park boundaries. Purported to be haunted the Witches Castle was originally built as a trading shack in the 1600's. I have never had the pleasure of being visited by a ghost while visiting however, there are many different stories regarding the Forest Park Witches Castle.

Mt Tabor Park located at 60th and Salmon is one of two dormant volcanoes within city boundaries in Oregon. The other being Pilot Butte, which is located in Bend Oregon. Mt. Tabor Park has nice grass filled play areas for children and a web of forested hiking trails. View the inside of the crater while visiting the park or have a quiet peaceful picnic.

Laurelhurst Park located at 3499 SW Oak St and runs between Stark Street and Oak Street with the Eastern boarder along 39th Ave. Laurelhurst is a beautiful park within the city limits and also houses a Portland Parks and Recreation center and play area for children with a wading pool. There is a duck pond in Laurelhurst Park, please don't feed the ducks it is against the law. Great flowers, and rhododendron bushes are located within Laurelhurst Park.

Cathedral Park is located in Saint Johns district of Portland, Oregon under the St. Johns Bridge. Not only one of Portland's most beautiful and quiet parks Cathedral park shows us the archways of the St. John's Bridge which gives the park it's name due to the vision of the Cathedrals within a church. Not only is this a great place to fish and have a picnic but Cathedral Park is also home of the Portland Renaissance Fair.

Portland State Park Blocks located in the middle of Portland State Universities campus in downtown Portland, is a great location for a picnic or walk on a warm sunny day. Filled with trees and floral displays Portland State Park Blocks is also the home of the Farmers Market where passerby's can purchase fresh home grown organic fruits and vegetables. Along the Park Blocks visitors find small bistros, coffee shops, and museums that will keep them interested throughout the day.

Peninsula Park located along N. Rosa Parks Ave and North Ainsworth. Peninsula Park has one of the Portland Recreation Centers and Pools for summer fun and is home of another one of Portland's beautiful rose gardens.

Blue Lake Park is located in Troutdale, Oregon just a few moments from Downtown Portland. This park not only comes equipped with a lake for fishing, swimming and water sports, it also has a great picnic area and is a wonderful place to enjoy a day in the sun.

Columbia Park located between N. Lombard and N. Chautauqua Blvd. A Portland Parks and Recreation center is located at Columbia Park along with a pool and picnic areas with children's playgrounds another wonderful park for picnics and days in the sun or shade.