Ride the Free Shuttle at Washington Park

Photo by TravelingOtter from Flickr.

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 free shuttle is in service year round and is now available daily. From April through September, the shuttle operates daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. From October through March, it runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The shuttle runs on a continuous loop throughout the park, arriving at designated stops every 15 to 30 minutes.

Masks are encouraged but not required to ride. All shuttles are wheelchair accessible.

The free shuttle gets you within walking distance of all major attractions in the park. Here’s where you can hop on and off.

Washington Park Free Shuttle Stops

TriMet Washington Park MAX Station

This is a great place to start your Washington Park journey. If you’re taking public transit to Washington Park, you’ll be able to catch the free shuttle at the plaza level of the Washington Park MAX station. Restrooms are available here.

The Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center are a short walk from this shuttle stop. Both of these attractions require paid admission. 

Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial

This is one of several free memorials you can visit in the park. The Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a peaceful place for reflection with many symbolic features, including pear trees at the entrance representing life and sacredness, and water elements signifying life, purity, and hope.

From this stop you can also access some of the walking trails in the park. 

Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center

Welcome to Portland’s museum of trees! This beautiful naturescape features 2,300 species of trees from around the world along 12 miles of trails. This is also one of the best places to see cherry blossom trees in Portland during the springtime. Hoyt Arboretum is free to visit with lots of great cheap events available each week, including preschool walks and tai chi. Restrooms are available here.

Oregon Holocaust Museum

This free memorial takes you back to an unforgettable time in our history. A cobblestone circle simulates a town square scattered with bronzes of shoes, glasses, a suitcase, and other items symbolizing what Jewish families were forced to leave behind. A cobblestone walkway with inlaid granite bars, simulating railroad tracks, leads to a wall panels displaying a brief history of the Holocaust and quotes from Holocaust survivors.

A short walk from this memorial is the Coming of the White Man bronze statue depicting two Native Americans facing east along the Oregon Trail.

Lewis and Clark Memorial

Fun fact: President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the Lewis and Clark Memorial Column in May 1903.

Next to this monument is the Sacajawea and Jean-Baptiste statue celebrating the Shoshone Native American woman who guided the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

International Rose Test Garden

And now for the pinnacle of the whole park. As one of Portland’s best free rose gardens, you cannot miss this stop. From May through October, take in the 10,000 roses that fill this garden with immense beauty. The garden overlooks Portland’s skyline, and on clear days you can see Mt. Hood. Pack a lunch and take in the sights during your visit to Washington Park. Restrooms are available here. 

Also at this stop is the Portland Japanese Garden. This attraction does require paid admission. Tennis courts are located near the rose garden and are available on a first come, first served basis.

A short walk from here is the children’s playground, Elephant House picnic area and soccer field. The accessible playground includes slides, swings, a sand pit and restrooms.

Archery Range

Get ready to hone your skills at this free archery range. Bring your own equipment.

Ready to explore? Plan your trip to Washington Park. See all the attractions, events and hours.

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