City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
63. Willamette Park
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (503) 823-7529
Description: Nestled along the banks of the Willamette River and just a few miles south of downtown, Willamette Park is undoubtedly one of Portland’s busiest and most popular parks. This is a fine place for boating, picnicking, watching the Fourth of July fireworks celebrations, or just hanging around. The parking lot fills up fast, especially in the summertime and on weekends, and some areas of the park itself can get a little crowded. But with more than 30 acres, including a boat ramp, soccer field, tennis court, playground, and hiking and bicycling trails, there’s room to spread out. If it’s raining and you have an outdoor party or barbecue planned, Willamette Park has covered group picnic facilities.
64. Couch Park
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (503) 823-7529
Description: First thing: It’s pronounced “kooch.” But however you say it, this little neighborhood park, with lovely trees and a playground, is a draw for residents and for the students next door at the Metropolitan Learning Center. And it is a true neighborhood park, even down to its design and execution, which was largely the work of students and neighbors. Its namesake, Captain John Heard Couch, was responsible for the alphabetized street names of this sector of town, which he developed. The park site was originally the estate of one of Captain Couch’s daughters and her family.
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
67. Creston Park
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (503) 823-7529
Description: This green, tree-filled oasis bordering bustling Powell Boulevard is a great place for a summer birthday party or even a quiet, shady lunch. Less than 15 acres, it offers an outdoor swimming pool, lighted tennis court, well-equipped playground, group picnic facilities, and restrooms. While the pool gets very crowded on warm days and is a favorite for summertime swimming lessons, the park grounds are usually quiet and serene on weekdays. Weekends are a different story; many reunions and parties are held here.
68. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (503) 823-7529, (503) 771-8386
Description: Crystal Springs offers the tranquility of a peaceful refuge away from the hurried pace of urban living. In the early spring and summer, its gardens explode in a riot of colors with every size and shade of rhododendron and azalea imaginable. A host of birds and waterfowl also thrives in the sprawling ponds, where children of all ages enjoy feeding the ducks. Crystal Springs also holds annual shows (see the Festivals and Annual Events chapter), at which visitors can see unusual rhododendrons and azaleas not normally found in this area. From Labor Day through Feb, admission is free. From Feb through Labor Day, admission is $3 for those older than 12 if you visit between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thurs through Mon. Duck food is sold separately.
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
70. Leach Botanical Garden
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (503) 823-9503
Address: 6704 Southeast 122nd Ave.
Description: The Leaches were a couple devoted to plants: John Leach was a pharmacist and his wife Lilla was a botanist. Together they collected more than 2,000 species, some of which they discovered. The Leach Botanical Garden was their estate; its nine acres have been given over to preserving and studying plant life and maintaining a seed bank, as well as preserving the legacy of the couple who made this lovely, botanically diverse sanctuary possible. The grounds include the garden, the manor house, and natural areas. Garden and guided tours are free, and special tours are given by appointment. (For more information see the Attractions chapter.) There’s a gift shop and library; classes are offered for adults and children. It’s closed on Monday.
71. Mt. Scott Park
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (503) 823-7529, (503) 823-3183
Description: Harvey W. Scott was the editor of the Oregonian from 1865 to 1910 and by all accounts was a force to be reckoned with (you can see him in statue form, pointing west, at the top of Mt. Tabor). Mt. Scott Park is named for him. The park encompasses 12 arboreal acres with a playground, softball field, and tennis courts as well as picnic benches. The Mt. Scott Community Center, on the grounds of the park, offers one of the nicest pools you’ll find anywhere. Did we say one pool? Make that two—a beautiful lap pool and a fun leisure pool with a great water slide, current channel, and imaginative built-in water toys as well as a separate spa. The facility also has meeting rooms, gyms, classes, an auditorium, and a roller-skating rink. Call for times and fees (which are low—$4.50 for adults).
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
73. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (503) 823-6131
Description: Great blue heron and osprey are the star attractions here, but you can also view 185 other species of birds in this 160-acre refuge. The trail is easy and only 1 mile long, thus it’s good for small children. The park is on a floodplain of the Willamette, so the trail can get quite muddy. This park is not wheelchair accessible. (See the Recreation chapter for more information.)
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
75. Sellwood Park
City: Portland, OR
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (503) 823-7529
Description: Tall, well-spaced trees distinguish this pretty park, which is a crowd pleaser for its sports fields, excellent playground, and wonderful round swimming pool. The park has both sunny, grassy, open spaces and shady, cool refuges. On the bluff above Oaks Bottom and the Willamette River, you’ll get pretty river views as you peer between the trees. Trails link Sellwood Park to Oaks Bottom and Oaks Park. The pool is outdoors, so it’s open only during the summer, but it is popular. An abundance of picnic tables encourage large groups—it’s a favorite spot for reunions and company parties.