Romantic Park Picks

Do Valentine’s Day the Portland way by taking your significant other outside in a park this year.  Here is a list of our top romantic park spots to get you in the mood.

Photos courtesy Portland Parks & Recreation

1.      Chinese Garden New Year Celebration: gardens illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and traditional music and performances combine for an unforgettable evening.

2.       Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: The pathways and bridges guiding you and your sweetheart around this spring-fed oasis are romantic any time of year.

3.       Leach Botanical Garden: The quiet paths and magical plants spanning Johnson Creek in this historic botanical garden will enchant your valentine.

Photos 5 and 6 courtesy Portland Parks & Recreation

4.       Tanner Springs Park: Renew your love at the site of an unearthed wetland pond once buried beneath the industrial landscape.  While small, this park allows plenty of space for quiet reflection and sweet nothings.

5.       Washington Park Rose Garden: This park always has a way of blooming love in the hearts of Portlanders and visitors alike any time of year. Step into the Shakespeare garden and recite your favorite sonnets for an added romantic effect.

6.      South Waterfront Park: If you haven’t been to the new park space along the south waterfront it is a perfect date night destination.  Get in early for a waterfront dinner and then digest on alcove seating surrounding garden planters and pools. Skip stones from the south waterfront beach to round out the experience.

Photo 7 courtesy Metro; Photos 8 and 9 courtesy Portland Parks & Recreation

7.      Broughton Beach: Romance is in the air at this beach.  A sandy beach and sailboats slicing through the majestic Columbia River makes for a perfect stroll arm-in-arm.

8.      Laurelhurst Park: The weeping willows and paths around the lake in Laurelhurst Park are a picturesque backdrop for a budding romance.

9.     Peninsula Park: Over 10,000 crocus blooms will delight you and your date in this historic park known for its summer rose displays. If it is drizzling during your visit, the National Heritage designated pavilion is a great place to sip hot chocolate and overlook the gardens.

Top Winter Hiking Trails

Winter is one of the best times to get out and enjoy the many trails our 215+ parks offer.  The combination of cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make hiking a great winter season sport.  Show us your favorite winter hiking trails by posting your pics here and we’ll keep a list of the best spots on our website for future urban hiking enthusiasts!

1. Forest Park: Of course.  With more than 80 miles of hiking reverie, it is easy to experience nature up-close in this park.
2. Powell Butte: The varied terrain and views of surrounding mountains in this 612 acre park are well worth the climbs on this extinct volcano.
3. Marquam Park: The Marquam Trail climbs steadily through SW Portland connecting several parks on its path through the lush forest of fir, hemlock, cedar and maples.  Most hikers end for a welcome rest at the vista point at Council Crest Park.
4. Marshall Park: If you are looking for a less-traveled traverse of Tryon Creek, you should try Marshall Park.  The creek provides a small waterfall and tranquil music throughout this 25 acre hiking area.  If the trails here leave you wanting for more, the next park listed below is very close by.
5. Tryon Creek State Park: 8 miles of hiking trails and a wonderful visitor center are the jewels of this 658 acre state park.  It is one of the only state parks that doesn’t require a fee, but parking can be difficult so it might be best to access via bike if possible.
6. Woods Memorial Natural Area: The trail in this park boasts only 2% non-native plants thanks to the diligent work of volunteers from the neighborhoods surrounding the park.  Woods creek also provides a greater opportunity to see native wildlife as well.
7. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge: Anyone who knows birds knows about Oaks Bottom.  At the time of its protection, it was one of the only remaining marshland in Portland.  Continual restoration has made it a park that changes dramatically with the seasons and promises each season’s varied winged wetland companions.
8. Washington Park: Home to Hoyt Arboretum and many of Portland’s most iconic memorials and gardens, Washington Park has a little of everything for the day trekker. History, art, beauty and paths for contemplation.

Find out information about these trails and more by clicking here.