Many critics, travelers and locals agree that of all of Portland’s parks (and they are numerous), Washington Park is perhaps the best. Washington Park is home to such notable landscaping feats as the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden, as well as the World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum and several memorials dedicated to pivotal points in Oregon’s history.
There are also family-friendly attractions like the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children’s Museum, along with a large playground, soccer fields, tennis courts and an archery range. Just make sure you save plenty of time for a leisurely stroll down one of the many shady paths, which are often decorated with flower displays and fountains.
Recent visitors said even with all the attractions, the park never feels crowded and gives travelers the perfect opportunity to experience nature in the middle of the city.
Washington Park is located in the Southwest Portland, between West Burnside Street and U.S. Highway 26. You can pay to park (for $2 an hour) or take advantage of several public transit options, which may be your best bet as parking space is limited. TriMet’s Blue and Red MAX Light Rail lines serve the Washington Park MAX station. The park offers a year-round free shuttle that stops at all of the park’s major attractions. If you’re coming to the park via light rail or bus, you can catch the shuttle on the plaza level of the Washington Park station.