The bright autumn colors are giving us one last show before the rainy season sets in. While there are amazing places to experience fall in Oregon like Klamath basin and the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, these places require a road trip, and time off is sparse. Thankfully some of the best places are right here at home.
Park Blocks
Towering Elm and Ginko trees line the Park Blocks near City hall in downtown Portland. Originally acquired in 1860, these parks have long been places of free and public speech, a tradition that continues today. Through October, these trees turn golden and begin raining their leaves down on the statues that dot these parks.
Where: SW 4th Ave & Main St, Portland, OR
Hoyt Arboretum
Free and open to the public, this 90-year-old park contains 12 miles of trails and over 2,000 different species of tress, many of which are turning their leaves right now. It’s easy to find beauty and quiet, right on the red and blue MAX lines.
Where: 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, OR
Cathedral Park
In the shadow of the gothic steeples of St. John’s Bridge, this has long been a favorite of local photographers, especially when the bright orange trees of fall frame the green bridge. It also happens to be on a the 16 bus line, which goes right by Forest Park. That’s too convenient to pass up.
Where: N Edison St & Pittsburg Ave, Portland, OR
Forest Park
Forest Park is a resource that we are lucky to have. Over 80 miles of trails right in Portland allowing us to escape the city and wander through the trees. Probably best to avoid the witch house until after Halloween if you don’t want to be turned into a frog.
Where: There are trailheads everywhere!
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
The waterfront is a great to go for a walk any time of year. It’s dotted with fountains and memorials, the bridges and river are beautiful and on a good day you can see Mt. Hood calling you out beyond the city limits. Take a break from work and go for a walk.
Where: Naito Parkway between SW Harrison St & NW Glisan St
Portland Japanese Garden
While the garden costs money and is a little more tricky to access by public transit, it is well worth the small cost and effort. In addition to the fiery trees and tranquil streams, it is home to a Japanese tea house, art exhibitions and more. Make a day of it and visit the nearby rose garden and Hoyt Arboretum.
Where: 611 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, Or
Everywhere!
Portland is one of the top cities in the US for tree cover, coming in at about 30 per cent. Everywhere you go in October it’s easy to get distracted by the bright displays of color in neighborhood parks, and down random side streets. Just go for a walk and you can’t help find vivid yellows and oranges. Let’s get out there and explore our city, Portland!
