Gardens and Green Spaces in Portland

There are several green spaces in Portland that allow for exploration, long walks, and the enjoyment of being surrounded by nature. All are child friendly as well, which I appreciate, especially as we anticipate the arrival of our
first child. A few of our favorite locations that my husband and I spent time at were the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Cathedral Park, Laurelhurst Park, and Multnomah Falls. Each location is different, offering something unique.

ROSE GARDEN

If you're visiting Portland in the late spring and early summer, the Rose Garden is a must. I was amazed by the variety and amount of colorful roses. There are several picture perfect spots and one could easily spend 30 minutes to an hour walking around and taking pictures.

*Admission is free


JAPANESE GARDEN

Across the street from the Rose Garden, and up a mountain (a tram is also available), is the Japanese Garden. It doesn't take too long to walk through, but it is worthwhile, and there is plenty of shade provided by the trees, making it enjoyable even on a hot day. My favorite spot is by the waterfall, where koi fish can also be spotted.

*Admission: $14.95 for adults, $11.95 for students, Children (5 and under) are free


CATHEDRAL PARK 

This park was a Pinterest find for me, and if you arrive early in the morning, you essentially have it all to yourself, accept for the occasional dog walker and joggers. Underneath the St. Johns bridge, is a cathedral-like appearance formed by the arches of the bridge, creating a beautiful backdrop. The surrounding landscape also offers a nice area to walk around or to have a picnic.

*Public park - no admission fee

LAURELHURST PARK

This park was recommended to us by our AirBnb hosts, as it wasn't too far from where we stayed. Several trees provide a lot of shade, and several runners and walkers can be spotted along the trails. There is a large pond in the middle of the park, but my favorite thing was coming across wild strawberries growing along the trail.

*Public park - no admission fee


MULTNOMAH FALLS (about a 45 min drive outside of Portland)

A popular tourist attraction, Multnomah Falls boasts a breathtaking scene surrounded by deep forest greens and moss covered stones. This was my second time there. The first time I visited was in the winter, and I found the crowd size to be about the same in the summer. It is still worth a visit, and the hike isn't too bad either, unless you're carrying a heavy load (i.e.in your third trimester of pregnancy). The hike (there and back) is about 2 to 2.5 miles long, which provides you with a closer perspective of the waterfall.

*Public park - no admission fee