Portland is justly proud of its green spaces, and foremost among them 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, World Forestry Center, and CM2--Children's Museum 2nd Generation.
The 175-acre * Hoyt Arboretum (tel. 503/228-8733), which is planted with 800 species of trees and shrubs from temperate regions around the world. The arboretum has 10 miles of hiking trails and is a great place for a quick hike. Between April and October, there are free 1-hour guided tours of the arboretum on Saturdays and Sundays 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. At the Visitor Center, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd. (open daily 9am-3pm), you can pick up maps and guides to the arboretum. The arboretum can be reached either from the Oregon Zoo/World Forestry Center/CM2--Children's Museum 2nd Generation area or by following the arboretum signs from West Burnside Street.
To the north of Hoyt Arboretum is * Forest Park (tel. 503/823-PLAY), which, with nearly 5,000 acres of forest, is the largest forested city park in the United States. Within the park, there are more than 65 miles of trails and old fire roads for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. More than 100 species of birds call this forest home, making the park a great spot for some urban bird watching. Along the forest trails, you can see huge old trees and find 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). However, if you park at the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center or the Audubon Society , can pick up a map of Forest Park and head out from either of these locations.
Adjacent to Forest Park, you'll also find the Portland Audubon Society, 5151 NW Cornell Rd. (tel. 503/292-9453), which has a couple of 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. To find this facility from downtown Portland, first drive to NW 23rd Avenue, and then head uphill on NW Lovejoy Street, which becomes NW Cornell Road. (Warning: Car break-ins are commonplace at the parking area just down the road from the Audubon Society, so don't leave anything of value in your car.)
By car, the easiest route to the Washington Park attractions from downtown Portland is to take SW Jefferson Street west, turn right onto SW 18th Avenue, left on SW Salmon Street, right on SW King Street, and then left onto SW Park Place. Although this sounds confusing, you'll find most of the route well marked with Scenic Drive signs. Alternatively, you can drive west on West Burnside Street and watch for signs to the arboretum, 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, CM2--Children's Museum 2nd Generation, 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's also a miniature train that runs from the zoo to a station near the two public gardens. However, to ride this train, you must first pay zoo admission.
