Mt. Hood and the Gorge are incredible, but there’s no need to travel when we have so much great nature right in the city. If you are looking for something to do in Portland in the great outdoors, head to one of these beautiful spots around town to enjoy the natural environs close to home.
- Mt Tabor
Tom Hilton / Flickr If you haven’t been to the extinct volcano in our city, now is the time to head on over. There are plenty of great trails, grassy meadows and quiet spots to enjoy nature at this eastside location.
- Leach Botanical Gardens
Scuff Productions / Flickr For a picturesque walk on beautifully manicured trails, Leach Botanical Garden is a great place to visit. Located in SE Portland, this garden is quiet and shady, making it a great respite on a hot day.
- Sauvie Island
brx0 / Flickr To the north of the city lies the wonderful natural paradise of Sauvie Island. Pick fruit, walk on the scenic trails, and enjoy the sweeping views of the mountains at this unique island.
- Elk Rock Island
brx0 / Flickr In the heart of the city is the ancient Elk Rock Island, formed from a volcanic eruption over 40 million years ago. Accessible only by a land bridge when the water is low, this is one natural area that won’t be crowded.
- Forest Park
Albeto20 / Flickr Forest Park is Portland’s backyard. Explore the many trails for miles and you will feel like you are in another world entirely.
- Tryon Creek State Park
J. Maughn / Flickr Our only state park in the city, Tryon Creek is a natural force. Enjoy the miles of trails and wildlife at this forested park in SW.
- Blue Lake
Tom Borton / Flickr An East Portland treasure, Blue Lake is a family fun destination. Featuring a lake for swimming and fishing, as well as a disc golf course and sports fields, this is one natural area that the whole family can enjoy together.
- Crystal Springs Rhododendren Garden
Wendy Cutler / Flickr The amazing flowers at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden are reason enough to visit this little paradise in the city. The healthy duck population makes it fun for all ages and many quiet spots for reflection will keep you coming back.
- Reed Canyon
Meekrok / Flickr Reed Canyon is another quiet oasis in the city. Located on the Reed College campus, this 28-acre watershed and wildlife refuge is perfect for an afternoon in nature.
Did we miss your favorite natural destination in the city? Let us know in the comments below.
Tom Hilton / Flickr
If you haven’t been to the extinct volcano in our city, now is the time to head on over. There are plenty of great trails, grassy meadows and quiet spots to enjoy nature at this eastside location.
Scuff Productions / Flickr
For a picturesque walk on beautifully manicured trails, Leach Botanical Garden is a great place to visit. Located in SE Portland, this garden is quiet and shady, making it a great respite on a hot day.
brx0 / Flickr
To the north of the city lies the wonderful natural paradise of Sauvie Island. Pick fruit, walk on the scenic trails, and enjoy the sweeping views of the mountains at this unique island.
In the heart of the city is the ancient Elk Rock Island, formed from a volcanic eruption over 40 million years ago. Accessible only by a land bridge when the water is low, this is one natural area that won’t be crowded.
Albeto20 / Flickr
Forest Park is Portland’s backyard. Explore the many trails for miles and you will feel like you are in another world entirely.
J. Maughn / Flickr
Our only state park in the city, Tryon Creek is a natural force. Enjoy the miles of trails and wildlife at this forested park in SW.
Tom Borton / Flickr
An East Portland treasure, Blue Lake is a family fun destination. Featuring a lake for swimming and fishing, as well as a disc golf course and sports fields, this is one natural area that the whole family can enjoy together.
Wendy Cutler / Flickr
The amazing flowers at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden are reason enough to visit this little paradise in the city. The healthy duck population makes it fun for all ages and many quiet spots for reflection will keep you coming back.
Meekrok / Flickr
Reed Canyon is another quiet oasis in the city. Located on the Reed College campus, this 28-acre watershed and wildlife refuge is perfect for an afternoon in nature.
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