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 100 years. 

Best of all, each one is free to visit. These Portland rose gardens are typically in bloom from late April through September. The best time to see the rose blooms is early to mid-June.

Portland Rose Gardens

Photo by InSapphoWeTrust, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Portland International Rose Test Garden

This rose garden is truly breathtaking. Sitting atop the city at Washington Park, you’ll find this immaculately maintained garden complete with an amphitheater, fountain, picnic tables and thousands of rose blooms. The test garden opened in 1917 and has drawn worldwide attention for its gorgeous roses.

While you’re there, use the free Washington Park shuttle to get around to other attractions throughout the 410-acre park.

Free public tours are offered daily at 1 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. 

The Portland International Rose Test Garden is located at 400 SW Kingston Ave.

Photo by Jmchuff, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Peninsula Park Rose Garden

This floral gem growing in North Portland incorporates so much beauty into a small space. You’ll immediately be drawn to the intricate layout of the garden, which is a traditional French design with a fountain in the center lined with strolling roses and hedges. It is truly a sight to see.

This garden is Portland’s oldest public rose garden, opening in 1913. 

Peninsula Park is one of my favorite Portland urban parks with 16 acres of multi-use fun. Make a whole afternoon or your visit by packing a lunch, playing in the splash pad and relaxing in the shade. The park is also hosting Opera in the Park Portland this summer.

The Peninsula Park Rose Garden is at N Albina St. and Ainsworth St.

Photo by Nelson Minar, CC BY-SA 2.0, Flickr

Ladd’s Addition Rose Gardens

Once a 126-acre farm on the east side of Portland, Ladd’s Addition is now one of Portland’s premier neighborhoods. It was designed as a diagonal street system surrounding a central park, known as Ladd Circle Park, and also features four diamond-shaped rose gardens located on the points of a compass. Sound weird? Do a quick Google search of Ladd’s Addition and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

The gardens feature more than 3,000 roses of sixty varieties that were popular in the early 20th century. It is a fun walk to go from one garden to the next surrounded by century-old homes. 

Ladd Circle Park is located at SE 16th Ave. and Harrison St.

Pittock Mansion Gardens

Georgiana Burton Pittock was instrumental in the development of Portland rose gardens and I would be remise not to mention the incredible grounds at the Pittock Mansion. 

The roses that are tended in this garden have one of the most incredible back drops in the whole city—the Pittock Mansion. You’ll also get to take in one of the best views in town overlooking the city.

The grounds are free to visit and can be reached by parking in the visitor parking lot or as an incredible destination at the end of the Lower Macleay Park trail.

The Pittock Mansion is located at 3229 NW Pittock Dr.

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