|
|
 |
|
|
|
Attractions & Activities: Washington Park & Portland's West Hills
|
 |
|
Portland is justly proud of its green spaces, and foremost of these are Washington Park and Forest Park. Within Washington Park, you'll find the Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden, which are adjacent to one another on the more developed east side of the park. On the west side of the park (farther from the city center), you'll find not only the Hoyt Arboretum but also the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center. By 2001, this will also be the site of the new Portland Children's Museum.
The 175-acre Hoyt Arboretum, which is planted with 900 species of trees from temperate regions around the world, is immediately adjacent to the Oregon Zoo and the World Forestry Center. The arboretum has 10 miles of hiking trails and is a great place for a quick hike. Between April and October, there are guided tours of the arboretum on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. At the south end of the arboretum, adjacent to the World Forestry Center and the Oregon Zoo is the Vietnam Veterans Living Memorial.
To the north of Hoyt Arboretum is Forest Park, which, with 4,900 acres of forest, is the largest forested city park in the United States. There are 60 miles of trails and old fire roads for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. More than 100 species of birds call these forests home, making this park a bird-watcher's paradise. Along the forest trails, you can see huge old trees and quiet picnic spots tucked away in the woods. One of the most convenient park access points is at the top of NW Thurman Street (just keep heading uphill until the road dead-ends).
Adjacent to Forest Park, youll also find the Portland Audubon Society, 5151 NW Cornell Rd. (tel. 503/292-9453), which has 4 miles of hiking trails on its forested property. In keeping with its mission to promote enjoyment, understanding, and protection of the natural world, these nature trails are open to the public. You can also visit the Nature Center or wildlife care center here.
You can pick up a map of Forest Park at the Audubon Society, at the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center, or at Portland Parks & Recreation headquarters, 1120 SW Fifth Ave., Room 1302 (tel. 503/823-5122).
By car, the easiest route to the Washington Park attractions is straight up SW Main Street from downtown Portland. Alternatively, you can drive west on West Burnside Street and watch for signs, or take the zoo exit off U.S. 26. All of these attractions can also be reached via Bus 63. You can also take the MAX line to the Washington Park Station, which is adjacent to the Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, and Hoyt Arboretum. From here, it is possible (in the summer months) to take a bus shuttle to the Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden. There is also a miniature train that runs from the zoo to a station near the two public gardens.
|
Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Although efforts have been made to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, Travelocity does not accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. In particular, it is your responsibility to verify all information regarding visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation with the relevant authorities before you travel.
|
|
