Let’s be honest. There aren’t really any secret spots in Portland anymore, but there are still some where you can get away from people and be in your own little paradise. These 12 places are those spots. If you want to relax away from the crowds, check out these quiet locations where you can find your own space, if only just for a little bit.
- Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
kator29 / Flickr This amazing area is actually kind of hiding in plain sight. Surrounded by warehouses and port terminals, the wetland is actually a thriving ecosystem with beavers, deer, bald eagles, and osprey. Head to North Portland to sink into relaxation at this quiet spot.
- Mt. Tabor
Tom Hilton / Flickr There may be crowds on the weekend, but with nearly 200 acres of space, you can find your own little paradise. Head to the top of the park to find a place among the trees, or hike a trail to find your private oasis.
- Hoyt Arboretum
Mary Anne Thygesen / Flickr There is plenty of room to stretch out at this expansive 189-acre park, featuring 2000 species of trees. Walk the winding trails to find a place of your own.
- Japanese Garden
Ian Sane / Flickr Head to this amazingly manicured garden during the week to beat the crowds. It is peaceful and a great place for a little afternoon relaxation.
- Portland International Rose Test Garden
duluoz cats / Flickr You are going to want to avoid peak hours, especially in the summer. But even then, there are plenty of places to sneak away, have some awe-inspiring city views, and relax in this large, fragrant garden.
- Laurelhurst Park
Tom Hilton / Flickr One of the best urban parks in the city, Laurelhurst feels a lot bigger than its 31 acres. Its pond is a lovely feature and just sitting beside it for a bit is therapeutic for stress.
- Peninsula Park Rose Garden
Decaseconds / Flickr If you really want to beat the crowds at the Rose Garden, head to this lesser known rose garden for a peaceful experience.
- Rocky Butte
brx0 / Flickr You can see Mt. Rainer on a clear day from the top of Rocky Butte, and it is a wonderful place to spend a little time in peace. Sunset and sunrise are especially beautiful here high above the city.
- Powell Butte
Sarah McDevitt / Flickr Located on an extinct cinder cone volcano, Powell Butte features over 600 acres for your exploring pleasure.
- Forest Park
Robert Tuck / Flickr While Forest Park can get crowded on weekends, you can also venture out and find plenty of secret spots here if you walk a little further. With over 5,000 acres, this park is huge and teeming with nature and tranquility.
- Sauvie Island
murkmad / Flickr There are many great hikes on Sauvie Island that will put you in the middle of wilderness. If you want to be away from it all, head out to this island and walk awhile.
- Crystal Springs Rhododendren Garden
Jeff Hart / Flickr The ducks may be particularly noisy, but there are plenty of benches and paths that are generally wide open at this beautiful garden. It will be particularly busy when the rhododendrons are in bloom in the spring and early summer, but the rest of the year, it is a quiet place to get lost in the impeccably manicured scenery.
Where is your favorite place to relax in nature in the city? Let us know in the comments below.
kator29 / Flickr
This amazing area is actually kind of hiding in plain sight. Surrounded by warehouses and port terminals, the wetland is actually a thriving ecosystem with beavers, deer, bald eagles, and osprey. Head to North Portland to sink into relaxation at this quiet spot.
Tom Hilton / Flickr
There may be crowds on the weekend, but with nearly 200 acres of space, you can find your own little paradise. Head to the top of the park to find a place among the trees, or hike a trail to find your private oasis.
Mary Anne Thygesen / Flickr
There is plenty of room to stretch out at this expansive 189-acre park, featuring 2000 species of trees. Walk the winding trails to find a place of your own.
Ian Sane / Flickr
Head to this amazingly manicured garden during the week to beat the crowds. It is peaceful and a great place for a little afternoon relaxation.
duluoz cats / Flickr
You are going to want to avoid peak hours, especially in the summer. But even then, there are plenty of places to sneak away, have some awe-inspiring city views, and relax in this large, fragrant garden.
One of the best urban parks in the city, Laurelhurst feels a lot bigger than its 31 acres. Its pond is a lovely feature and just sitting beside it for a bit is therapeutic for stress.
Decaseconds / Flickr
If you really want to beat the crowds at the Rose Garden, head to this lesser known rose garden for a peaceful experience.
brx0 / Flickr
You can see Mt. Rainer on a clear day from the top of Rocky Butte, and it is a wonderful place to spend a little time in peace. Sunset and sunrise are especially beautiful here high above the city.
Sarah McDevitt / Flickr
Located on an extinct cinder cone volcano, Powell Butte features over 600 acres for your exploring pleasure.
Robert Tuck / Flickr
While Forest Park can get crowded on weekends, you can also venture out and find plenty of secret spots here if you walk a little further. With over 5,000 acres, this park is huge and teeming with nature and tranquility.
murkmad / Flickr
There are many great hikes on Sauvie Island that will put you in the middle of wilderness. If you want to be away from it all, head out to this island and walk awhile.
Jeff Hart / Flickr
The ducks may be particularly noisy, but there are plenty of benches and paths that are generally wide open at this beautiful garden. It will be particularly busy when the rhododendrons are in bloom in the spring and early summer, but the rest of the year, it is a quiet place to get lost in the impeccably manicured scenery.
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