PARKS AND GARDENS IN OREGON

STONER-FRIENDLY PLACES NEAR DOWNTOWN PORTLAND

Contributing Author: Anonymous McGee

If you are the kind of person who likes to take a toke and wander through beautiful parks and gardens—for free!—here are some stoner-friendly green spaces close to downtown Portland. These are perfect day trip destinations to either be alone with nature, or enjoy it with family or friends, all while feeling free and far from “The Man” … but not too far from the city.

HOYT ARBORETUM

The Hoyt Arboretum, located in the enormous, rambling center of Washington Park, is a quick MAX or bus ride from the heart of downtown, and is home to over 100 species of trees. Plot your own course through acres of woodland and enjoy a slow and peaceful walk (or heart-pumping hike) into the depths of an ever-shifting landscape of native and rare forest species. The park is big enough to find seclusion, avoid crowds, and immerse into nature, but it is also family and pet friendly. It is a good place to sit under a giant sequoia and meditate, have a romantic walk, or just trip out on how cool trees are.

BISHOP’S CLOSE

Also located just outside downtown is the well-kept secret garden of Bishop’s Close. This free garden was once a private estate, but now opens its gates to plant enthusiasts. Multiple paths take you across the grounds past rock gardens, ponds and bridges. Along every pathway are native plants in full splendor. The garden also has some incredible viewpoints of the Willamette River. The trails themselves are mild to moderate in walking difficulty, so you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the grounds to their fullest. And if you are lucky, you might stop in on a day when a native plant sale is taking place.

MOUNT TABOR PARK

If you are on the east side of Portland, Mount Tabor Park is a nature and recreation playground for kids and adults alike. Located on a dormant volcano, the park’s trails wind up and down the mountain, supplying great views of the city and a middle-of-the-forest feel. The park is perfect for nature activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, picking wild blackberries or taking a nap in a field, but it is also home to outdoor theatre events, a large playground for the kiddos, and the annual soapbox racing derby. Climb down from Mount Tabor on the west side and you will be in Portland’s hip Hawthorne/Belmont neighborhoods—a great place to get quality munchies after a day of toking and hiking.

PORTLAND ROSE GARDEN

Why is Portland called the “City of Roses?” Find out at the Portland Rose Garden, located in Washington Park. Perched above the city with amazing views, the rose garden is home to an incredible variety of roses. Immerse your senses while walking down rows of flowers, learn about rare species of roses, and bask in the beauty of the city below. The best time to visit is in the summer when the season blossoms.  There may be a small crowd, but your nose and eyes will thank you!