Upcoming Free Nature Classes and Activities Around Portland

Photo by Oregon Metro.

Looking for free things to do outdoors around Portland this fall? Metro Parks and Nature is hosting a series of free nature classes and activities, from learning to fly fish to making art with natural pigments.

These events offer opportunities to explore local parks, learn new skills and help care for the region’s natural spaces.

All classes and activities are free, although parking costs $5 per car or $7 per van or bus at Blue Lake and Oxbow regional parks. Some activities require advance registration.

Free Metro Nature Events Around Portland

Fly Fishing: Learn the Basics

Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 1–3 p.m.
Location: Blue Lake Regional Park, Fairview
Ages: 7 and older

Learn the basics of fly fishing with fisheries biologist Anna Le. This beginner-friendly workshop covers fly casting, knot tying, rod setup, trout behavior and ethical harvesting.

The class is free, but Blue Lake Regional Park charges a $5 parking fee per car.

Learn more about the fly fishing workshop.

Cemetery Tending

Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: Columbia Pioneer Cemetery, Portland
Ages: All ages

Spend part of Halloween caring for a historic Portland cemetery. Participants will help clean headstones while learning about grave markers and the people they commemorate.

This free activity is open to all ages.

Learn more about cemetery tending.

Stewardship Day at Glendoveer

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: Glendoveer Nature Trail, Portland
Ages: All ages

Help care for Glendoveer’s natural spaces by planting native plants and tending the nature patch near the parking lot at NE 148th Avenue and Halsey Street.

All tools and supplies are provided, and no experience is necessary.

Registration is not required. Just show up ready to lend a hand.

Learn more about Stewardship Day at Glendoveer.

Natural Pigments: Corn and Mexican Marigold

Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 10 a.m.–noon
Location: Chehalem Ridge Nature Park, Washington County
Ages: 7 and older

Discover how corn and Mexican marigolds can be used to create natural pigments and artwork in this bilingual workshop.

Participants will explore the cultural significance of these plants in ancient Mexican traditions surrounding death, ancestors and the natural world, then learn to make environmentally friendly art using natural colors.

Learn more about the natural pigments workshop.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all four events. Check the event pages for registration requirements and availability before attending.

Where to See Fall Colors at Metro Nature Parks

You don’t need to attend a class to enjoy Metro’s parks this fall.

The region’s big-leaf and vine maples turn shades of yellow, orange and red as temperatures cool, making autumn a great time for a walk through the woods.

For especially beautiful fall foliage, consider visiting:

• Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park: Forested trails and colorful native maples.
• Chehalem Ridge Nature Park: Woodland scenery and opportunities to enjoy changing leaves.
• Cooper Mountain Nature Park: Trails through native plant communities with seasonal fall color.

Find additional free outdoor activities on Metro’s events calendar.

More Free and Cheap Things to Do in Portland

Want more Portland freebies, events and deals? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Free and cheap things to do this week