Get up close with farm animals and enjoy family-friendly activities during a Farm Walk About. Every spring and summer, Frog Pond Farm invites the public to spend the day enjoying life on the 40-acre property. On the weekend, bring your family to explore the farmyard by feeding animals and playing … [Read more...] about Farm Walk About at Frog Pond Farm
Nature
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: Southeast Portland’s Botanical Oasis
Nestled between Reed College and the Eastmoreland Golf Course is an urban oasis called Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. On the 9-acre property grows a collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, shrubs, companion plants and unusual trees. The garden blends water and land as … [Read more...] about Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: Southeast Portland’s Botanical Oasis
Ride the Free Shuttle at Washington Park
Washington Park is the keeper of Portland's best attractions. The International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, and more dazzling sights are all housed within the 410-acre property. The best way to access the attractions at Washington Park is on the free shuttle. The Washington Park … [Read more...] about Ride the Free Shuttle at Washington Park
Portland’s Free Rose Gardens
Stop and smell the roses at these four Portland rose gardens. Portland is the Rose City, so it is only natural that rose gardens are one of the main attractions. Rose gardens have taken root rich history of our city. The four gardens highlighted below have been public attractions for more than … [Read more...] about Portland’s Free Rose Gardens
Looking for Wildflower Hikes? Use This Bloom Map
Get out and enjoy our region's beautiful flora on a wildflower hike. You'll always know what's in bloom with this map. Spring has sprung in the Northwest. We've already seen many of the best springtime blooms filling our neighborhoods and parks with vibrant colors. If you enjoy hiking and want to … [Read more...] about Looking for Wildflower Hikes? Use This Bloom Map
Earth Day Celebration at Leach Botanical Garden
Celebrate the Earth Day with a special celebration at Leach Botanical Garden. Leach Botanical Garden is a natural oasis nestled in Southeast Portland. The 16-acre estate features more than 2,000 plant species growing along the banks of Johnson Creek. Adding to the unique charm is the historic … [Read more...] about Earth Day Celebration at Leach Botanical Garden
2022 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks
Get out and enjoy Portland metro parks during free parking days. In 2022, there are 19 free parking days at Portland metro parks, a beach and boat ramps that typically charge a $5 parking fee per car. All of these locations get you up close to our unique waterways, including the Columbia and … [Read more...] about 2022 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks
National Park Week: Free Entrance Day and Virtual Activities
During National Park Week, April 16-24, 2022, you can explore our country's most stunning national parks, both in person and from home. The National Park Service is helping us connect with nature through a free entrance day and digital opportunities that bring the national parks to … [Read more...] about National Park Week: Free Entrance Day and Virtual Activities
2022 Free Days at U.S. National Parks
The national parks get even better during free days. America's Best Idea — our national parks — is even better when admission is free! Mark your calendar now for entrance fee-free dates for the coming year. On these dates, free entrance is available at national parks across the country that … [Read more...] about 2022 Free Days at U.S. National Parks
Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park Grand Opening
A new nature park has opened in the heart of Oregon City. Attend the grand opening this weekend and partake in fun family-friendly activities. Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park is a 236-acre forested park featuring a multiuse trail system that provides more than 2 miles of walking paths and nearly … [Read more...] about Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park Grand Opening
Where to See Cherry Blossom Trees in Portland
After another grey, cold winter in Portland, I think I speak for all of us when I say spring cannot come soon enough. Thankfully, Portland is filled with one of the best signs that spring has officially sprung—cherry blossom trees. From March to April, cherry trees burst into bloom throughout the … [Read more...] about Where to See Cherry Blossom Trees in Portland
Must-See Spring Flowers in Portland
As the city shakes off the winter blues, signs of the changing season are popping up all over Portland. Some of the first spring flowers in your neighborhood are likely crocuses and tulips. Next are the cherry blossoms, rhododendrons and, finally, our city's crowning buds, roses. Springtime … [Read more...] about Must-See Spring Flowers in Portland
Go on a Spring Break Adventure in and around Portland
Spring break in Portland is the ideal time to get out of the house and explore the many wonderful places our corner of the Northwest has to offer. If you're looking for a unique experience for the entire family, look no further than these spring break activities both in and around … [Read more...] about Go on a Spring Break Adventure in and around Portland
Whale Watching Season on the Oregon Coast
Oregon is truly a natural wonder. In Portland, we're lucky enough to live a short drive from the mountain and the ocean. If you're looking for an unforgettable day trip or want to get out of the city during spring break, head to the coast for whale watching. Nearly 25,000 gray whales will be … [Read more...] about Whale Watching Season on the Oregon Coast
2022 Free Entrance Days at Washington State Parks
Enjoy Washington's best nature trails during free days at Washington parks. In 2022, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering outdoor enthusiasts 12 free days to get out and see the wild side of the Evergreen State. Access to Washington State Parks typically requires a … [Read more...] about 2022 Free Entrance Days at Washington State Parks
Spring Garden Fair at Leach Botanical Garden
Celebrate the beginning of a new season, nature and gardening at the Spring Garden Fair. Leach Botanical Garden is a natural oasis nestled in Southeast Portland. The 16-acre estate features more than 2,000 plant species growing along the banks of Johnson Creek. Adding to the unique charm is the … [Read more...] about Spring Garden Fair at Leach Botanical Garden
Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees
Looking for a fun, outdoor activity like no other? Let me tell you why a self-guided tour of Portland's monkey puzzle trees should be your next adventure. Monkey puzzle trees, Araucaria araucana, are one of the most unique looking species in our city. I remember the first time I noticed one I … [Read more...] about Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees
Spring Native Plant Sale with Sparrowhawk Native Plants
Sparrowhawk Native Plants is hosting a spring native plant sale with an expansive species selection available for purchase. This local company provides eco-minded gardeners in the Portland and Vancouver area with habitat-friendly and climate-resilient plants that support healthy … [Read more...] about Spring Native Plant Sale with Sparrowhawk Native Plants
Escape to Portland’s Best Urban Parks
Find a great urban park in your neighborhood Finding a place where you can escape the city may be easier than you think. Many of us leave Portland to enjoy nature and find it isn't quite what we expected. I am sure many of you have experienced the dread of driving an hour to a hiking … [Read more...] about Escape to Portland’s Best Urban Parks
2022 MLK Day Events in Portland
Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at one of these activities in and around Portland. On Monday, January 17, 2022, celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by giving back to your community, getting out into nature or tuning in to community leaders and activists. All of … [Read more...] about 2022 MLK Day Events in Portland
Guided First Day Hike at Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Start your new year off on the right foot at Tryon Creek State Natural Area's first day hike. Located in Southwest Portland, Tryon Creek is a great example of our temperate rainforest climate: trees covered in moss with huge ferns lining the trails that leads to the waterway. More than 658 acres … [Read more...] about Guided First Day Hike at Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Portland
You’re finally done grocery shopping. The house is clean. You have a schedule of what's cooking for the next 24 hours. It is officially the calm before the holiday storm. But there is still one thing you might have overlooked: what do to with your guests over Thanksgiving weekend. Make new … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Portland
Free State Park Entrance on Black Friday
Choose to #OptOutside on Black Friday Want a change of pace this Black Friday? Skip the hyper-consumerism and work off that holiday meal at your favorite state park. On Friday, November 26, receive free state park entrance in Oregon and Washington. Autumn day at Washington State Parks Washington … [Read more...] about Free State Park Entrance on Black Friday
Best Places to See Fall Colors in Portland
The crisp air, cloudy skies and intermittent rainstorms mark the changing of the season in Portland. As we transition from hot to cool weather, our city shines with pops of red, yellow, orange and gold around every corner. Fall colors in Portland reign supreme. Starting in October, the … [Read more...] about Best Places to See Fall Colors in Portland
Fall Sunflower Field at West Union Gardens
Standing out in a field of beautiful flowers and taking some pictures with your loved ones is a great outdoor activity for everyone. The West Union Gardens sunflower field is now in bloom for the 2021 season. Get your tickets now for this popular attraction at the Hillsboro you-pick farm. West … [Read more...] about Fall Sunflower Field at West Union Gardens
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