Portland State University Visitors Guide - Flipbook - Page 4
THINGS TO DO IN PORTLAND
Parks & Gardens
We’re called Portland,
but we could really be
named Parkland for all the
gorgeous parks we have in
our area. Here’s our take
on some of the best parks
around here. See if you can
visit them all!
CATHEDRAL PARK
North Portland, St. Johns neighborhood
Located under the east end of the St. Johns Bridge and
named for the intricate arches on the bridge, this park is one
of the most photogenic backdrops in the city. You can spend
hours wandering through this park. It is especially beautiful
in the summer and hosts a free jazz festival in the month
of July. With epic views of Forest Park and the Willamette
River, this is a great park to spend an afternoon or a whole
day. Fun fact: There is a time capsule from 1980 sealed in the
park’s Memorial Garden, and will be opened in 2030. Mark
your calendars!
To get here from PSU: This park is a little further out of the city so it’s
easier to get here by car. But you can still use public transit: hop on Bus
Route 8 at SW 6th and Mill, then transfer to line 16 toward Sauvie Island at
NW Everett & 5th. Get off at N Ivanhoe and Baltimore, then head SW on
Baltimore Ave until you see the massive bridge.
CRYSTAL SPRINGS
RHODODENDRON GARDEN
Southeast Portland
This garden features over 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas and
other plants, all of which were either donated by volunteers
or purchased with donated funds. Admission is free between
the months of October and February and just $5 any other
time of year. This peaceful park is most spectacular during
the spring months when the rhododendrons are in full
bloom; Mother’s Day weekend is the best! The various
waterfall structures are built out of rocks from Mt. Hood
and Mt. Adams and the Crystal Springs Lake attracts a
variety of native Oregon birds. If you’re looking for a quiet
escape from the city, this is the place for you.
To get here from PSU: Catch the Max Orange Line from PSU Urban
Center/SW 5th and Harrison on campus. Get off at the SE Bybee Blvd
MAX Station, turn left and head toward the park.
WASHINGTON PARK
Two miles west of Downtown Portland
Probably our most well-known and popular park,
Washington Park contains a zoo, gardens, memorials,
museums, wilderness and more. A vast 410 acres, you could
easily spend a whole day exploring all this park has to offer.
The Oregon Zoo, located towards the southern end of the
park, is known for their state-of-the-art interactive elephant
exhibit. The Portland Japanese Garden has been reclaimed as
one of the most authentic examples of Japanese landscaping
outside of Japan. Their collection of bonsai trees is truly a
marvel. Free to enter, the Hoyt Arboretum is Portland’s
living museum! Explore 12 miles of beautiful hiking trails
while gazing at thousands of different tree species from
all over the world. The International Rose Test Garden is
the oldest maintained rose garden in the nation, and is in
peak bloom from May to September. Washington Park has
something for everyone and is a great spot any time of year.
To get here from PSU: Take the MAX Green Line from the PSU Urban
Center stop to Pioneer Courthouse. From Pioneer Square North, take
the MAX Red Line to the Washington Park MAX Station. Once you are
in the park, take the Washington Park FREE Shuttle on the weekends
November-April and daily May-October to get to the
various destinations.
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