A vital part of Southwest Portland’s sprawling Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum is the city’s “living museum,” offering 2,300 species of trees and shrubs, miles of hiking trails, outdoorsy events and more.

Outdoors

Portland is the perfect launchpad for outdoor activities and adventures.

Home to a sprawling urban forest, dozens of verdant public parks, gorgeous gardens and a sparkling river running through the middle of the city, there’s never a shortage of ways to explore Portland’s amazing outdoors. Whether you’re a fan of flowers, tranquil gardens, urban hikes, traveling with a pet, cycling, camping or just looking to get some fresh air, Portland has outdoor activities for every kind of enthusiast.

Take a Walk in a Portland Park

With nearly 300 parks, gardens, trails and natural areas in Portland and the metro area comprising 18,000 acres (7,284.3 ha), you’re never far from some greenery to enjoy. Explore Portland’s neighborhoods, take a stroll along the Willamette River, or explore some of the many lush gardens around the city — many of which offer glimpses of wildlife and stunning views of the river and, on a clear day, of nearby Mount Hood.

Mt. Tabor Park

This popular park features expansive views, picnic areas, natural-surface and paved paths, a dog off-leash area, a playground and a performance stage, plus tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.
Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade

Named after former Portland mayor Vera Katz, this 1.5-mile esplanade provides a riverfront bike and pedestrian path between the Hawthorne and Steel bridges. The esplanade features public art and popular swimming docks.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

This 170-acre mix of meadows, woodlands and wetlands is the lower Willamette River floodplain’s largest remaining natural area, and a refuge for wildlife including threatened salmon and over 175 bird species.
Powell Butte Nature Park

This park is spread over 608 acres and features over nine miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The butte has three distinct habitat types: open meadow, mature Douglas fir forest and oak savanna.
Laurelhurst Park

Surrounding a scenic lake, Laurelhurst Park was the first city park named to the National Register of Historic Places. It offers picnic and play areas, a dog off-leash area and a horseshoe pit, plus basketball, tennis and volleyball courts.

Hikes in Portland

At any time of year, and in any weather, you’ll find Portlanders hitting the many hiking trails around town. Within city limits, Forest Park offers 70 miles (113 km) of trails. Locals love the 4.9 mile (7.9 km) hike from Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion with scenic views across the city, and Wildwood Trail which winds through Forest Park’s many points of interest. Be sure to also check out Mount Tabor, which offers two easy trails and two more adventurous ones.

Hikes in and Near Portland

With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers — explore the city’s urban walks, verdant parks and lush gardens, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

person walking among tall evergreen trees in a wooden trail

Soft Hiking in Portland

A collection of accessible soft hikes perfect for leisurely strolls, low-impact exercise and lots of meandering dilly-dallying.

a girl in a wheelchair on nature trail with a man and a dog

Accessible Trails in and Near Portland

Portland and the Columbia River Gorge are filled with hiking opportunities for everybody, many of which have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible trails.

Portland Aerial Tram with Mt. Hood is visible in background horizon

4T Trail

The 4T trail is a self-guided tour that lets you explore the city — and see some of the best views — without a car.

Fall Hikes Near Portland

These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.

colorful wildflowers with a snowy mountain in the distance on a beautiful day

Spring Hikes Near Portland

These spring hikes near Portland offer wildflowers, bird-watching and breathtaking scenery — learn how to find them and what to bring along on your trek.

a towering waterfall behind a stone bridge surrounded by snow and ice

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.

Two people view a waterfall from a wood deck

Waterfalls Near Portland

Some of the most picturesque waterfalls line the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland. But these cascading natural wonders are even closer to Portland from the Willamette River to the Cascade Mountain Range.

people enjoy a picnic at sunset looking out over a reservoir

Exploring Portland’s Extinct Volcanoes

Portland is home to four extinct volcanoes — some dating back millions of years. Here’s how to enjoy hiking, shooting hoops, picnicking and more on these natural wonders.

Seasonal Portland

Portland has a gorgeous range of seasons with year-round color and evergreen foliage to enjoy. Take a walk along the Willamette River to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the spring, have a picnic in Mount Tabor Park during the summer, hike through Forest Park in the fall and stroll through The Grotto for a colorful winter light display. Or pitch a tent and go camping in one of the many forests and camping spots near the city. In town, a visit to Hoyt Arboretum in any month of the year will reveal the splendor of Portland’s outdoors, no matter what the weather.

a flock of Canadian geese take flight at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Bird-Watching in Portland

Catch sight of 200+ types of birds at the Portland area's dozens of prime bird watching destinations, including sanctuaries, refuges and urban parks.

a wooden dock in a river — with swimmers standing, sitting or climbing out of the water — looks toward a city skyline in the fading sunlight

Swimming Holes Near Portland

Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.

three adults and two children view koi fish in a pond

Spend Spring Break in Portland

Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.

A boy stands in a field of tulips with oak trees and people in the background

Best Spots for Spring Flowers

Find your favorite blooms, from roses to rhododendrons and tulips to trilliums, with our guide to spring flowers in Portland.

two people enjoy a picnic beneath a tree with a scenic city view

Portland Picnic Guide

Nothing beats spreading out a picnic blanket on a sunny day, and Portland has no shortage of delicious grab-and-go eats and scenic spots for a feast.

four people illuminated by campfire at a dimly lit campsite, backed by a serene lake and a large mountain obscured by mist

Camping Near Portland

To truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, you can spend a memorable night under the stars at these scenic campsites — from rustic tent camping to cabins and yurts — all located within an easy drive from the city.

one person wearing a life jacket pilots a stand-up paddleboard in a river while a second person in the water looks on

Where to Stand-Up Paddleboard Around Portland

Find out where to stand-up paddleboard in Portland, as well as where to find SUP lessons, paddleboard rentals, guided lake tours and SUP yoga classes.

Maple trees with red leaves frame a light green bridge

Portland’s Best Spots for Fall Color

Autumnal beauty abounds in Portland, and there are plenty of prime places to revel in leaf-crunching relaxation.

Apple Picking Near Portland

Freshly-picked Pacific Northwest apples are a local favorite, and many Portland-area orchards allow visitors to pluck the fruit right off the branch.

a person standing in front of a pumpkin patch holding a pumpkin in front of their face

Pumpkin Patches in and Near Portland

Get swept up in that autumnal feeling at these friendly farms just outside of Portland with U-pick pumpkin patches and fun family activities like hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos and festive autumn food and drink.

Brooks Winery garden and vineyard landscape

Sip and Savor Willamette Wine Country

Just south of Portland lies the Willamette Wine Valley, a rich wine country known for premium pinot noir, rolling hills and stellar bucolic views.

$stylized photo showing PORTLAND spelled out in inflatable floaties on the water with a person floating on the \'O\' floatie$

Water Activities

With a major river running through it, it’s no surprise that Portland and the surrounding region offer an abundance of water-centric fun, from paddling and swimming to floating, fishing and sailing, nearby.

Making the Outdoors Accessible to All

Visitors of all cultures, races, ethnicities, identities and abilities should feel comfortable basking in the magnificent natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and several fantastic organizations exist to help all people explore the great outdoors in and around Portland.

Friends on Bikes connects and hosts rides for women and non-binary people of color, with monthly all-levels social rides, as well as “bike-packing” trips, workshops and happy hours.
Through outings, skill sessions and climb nights at local rock climbing gyms, PDX Climbers of Color levels the playing field by eliminating the social and economic roadblocks that typically make the sport inaccessible.
Portland’s Pamela Slaughter, the founder of the nonprofit People Of Color Outdoors creates safe and welcoming ways for Black, Indigenous and people of color to enjoy nature in and around Portland while learning about nature and the environment.
Portland POC Hikes is a hiking group specifically for Black, Indigenous and people of color. Join their private Facebook group to learn about upcoming events.
Vive NW is a nonprofit organization that connects local Latinx communities with the great outdoors with a wide range of dynamic events, including hikes, ski lessons, stand-up paddle boarding and snowshoeing excursions.

Outdoor Gear

The great outdoors isn’t just a way of life for Portlanders — it’s big business for local brands. Whether you need to shield yourself from the elements, outfit your feet in the latest cutting-edge sneaker designs or launch your passion for paddling, climbing, snowboarding, skating, kayaking or disc golfing, these local stores have you covered.

Columbia Sportswear Company Flagship Store

The Flagship Store is located two blocks away from landmark Pioneer Courthouse Square in the historic United Carriage Building in downtown Portland.
Nike Portland

The world’s most popular athletic shoes were invented right here in Oregon, and the recently redesigned Nike Portland is arranged like a gallery of shoes, apparel and sports gear.
Next Adventure

Whether you’re a kayaker, climber, snowboarder, hiker, camper, skier, cyclist, mountaineer or picnicker, find the gear for your next outing at Next Adventure.
Filson

Comfort, protection and durability never go out of style. Come find Filson’s quality outdoor apparel in its Portland flagship store, one of only two in the U.S.
Icebreaker

Since 1995, Icebreaker has been using nature’s great technological achievement, the wool of merino sheep in New Zealand, with their own unmatched technical performance and contemporary elegance to create men’s and women’s active and leisure apparel.

a couple with a dog and another person sit on a park bench

Laurelhurst Park

Just north of Portland's Belmont neighborhood sits Laurelhurst Park, one of the city's most scenic escapes with over 300 trees, a duck pond and an array of free public events.

stairs up a hillside covered in bright blooms of flowers and fresh spring growth on trees

Leach Botanical Garden

Walk through verdant treetops and breathe in the scent of a four-season pollinator garden in this urban oasis in SE Portland.

a path leads toward a large observation deck among ferns and towering trees

Hoyt Arboretum: Portland’s Museum of Trees

Hoyt Arboretum is Portland’s “living museum of trees” — and is home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs, as well as 12 miles (19.3 km) of hiking trails in Washington Park near downtown Portland.

roses bushes, climbing roses in large lush rose garden

Washington Park

Beyond picnics and verdant strolls, Washington Park offers up a zoo, two museums, a spectacular rose garden, an arboretum, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the world, all lined by one of the largest urban forests, Forest Park.

A woman holds a camera to her eyes in a traditional Chinese garden with a pond, pavilion and trees.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

This year-round wonder houses an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans, offering a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown.

Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park, a century-old public space, is known for its open-air reservoirs, forested hiking trails, sunset picnics, epic city views, its annual Adult Soapbox Derby, and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone.

tall bridge with circular bracing above a pond with ducks amid a forested park

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portland’s lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, with blooms from late February – June.

Exploring Portland’s Extinct Volcanoes

Portland is home to four extinct volcanoes — some dating back millions of years. Here’s how to enjoy hiking, shooting hoops, picnicking and more on these natural wonders.

Forest Park

Escape the city without leaving Portland; with 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike and supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species.

sunrise through trees with grassy field on waterfront park

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Hugging the Willamette River in downtown Portland, this once bustling highway now offers a strollable, bikeable and dog-walkable public park with historical and cultural monuments, and kid-friendly fun.

women pose in front of a wall of white roses

Peninsula Park & Rose Garden

Discover outdoor fun for the whole family — plus thousands of blooms — at Oregon’s oldest public rose garden.

Was this page helpful?