10 Parks Inside The City Limits of Portland, Oregon - PDX

Portland, Oregon is a great city for enjoying outdoors regardless of the time of the year even during the winter there is breaks in the weather and things to enjoy at the wonderful parks inside of the city limits of Portland. Portland also one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the country results in an environment and community that enjoys spending time at the various neighborhood parks from downtown to South Portland to North East Portland, each area has easy access to massive parks with trails, ponds, fields, and much more to enjoy as well as secluded places to get away from the hustle of the city. There is more great places then just these, but these are a few of my favorites from around PDX. The Portland Parks and Recreation takes good care of the local parks and make them an enjoyable place to visit with children. Check out Portland Online for information on each park as well as access to park specific maps and additional details about the amenities and rules for each of the Portland Parks and Recreation operated parks.

Laurelhurst Park is a very large park nestled right in the middle of a neighborhood in Southeast Portland. It is a little over 31 acres in size and has many different amenities including a pond with wildlife, basketball courts, many great picnic areas, a large trail system through the park, playground, soccer field, tennis and volleyball court. This is an awesome place to come and enjoy the outdoors.

Columbia Park is located along North Lombard Street and Woolsey Avenue and comprises approximetly 35 acres. The park was acquired by the city in 1891 and includes a baseball field several picnic areas and facilities, playground, several other fields and tennis courts. The grassy areas under the huge trees are a nice place to escape the sun and enjoy a picnic in the shade.

Westmoreland City Park is an unusual park because it grew out of an area that was former wetlands. This park has a casting pond and what was intended to be a model yacht pond now referred to as the duck pond, which is full of geese as well, so watch your foot steps. There is a baseball field next to the ponds and several other amenities at this park. For additional history regarding the plans for Westmoreland City Park when it was initially discussed click on the link below.

Wallace Park and Dog Park is a perfect destination if live in the Northwest area and are lookig for a place to go take your dog for some exercise. For the size of the park being in the middle of downtown the leash off area is still good enough to allow your dog some freedom and companionship with others in the park. Located on NW 25th Ave and Raleigh St.

Forest Park is a huge place to go hiking at over 5,000 acres Forest Park is the place to go when you have several hours to go and enjoy the outdoors. There are countless trails for biking, horseback riding, and just hiking to vista points with incredible views. Before going for a big hike check out this parks and recreation website with additional information and park maps. http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=127&action=ViewPark

Mt. Tabor is the perfect bicycle destination in Portland Oregon. The park has large paved paths and lots of viewpoints to enjoy as you ride around. This park has some elevation to it and would not be the best choice for young kids on bikes however there is lots to do at Mt. Tabor for the whole family. Located at SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street Mt Tabor is 190 acres in size and does include an off leash area for dogs.

Alberta Park located NE. 22nd and Killingsworth Street is comprised of 16 and a half acres with paths through grassy areas with large standing trees. There is a field area which is home to kids football during the season. The park has tennis courts, but they will more than likely be being used for roller hockey or bicycle polo. Alberta street home to fun activities for those that enjoy local food and art. http://www.portlandneighborhood.com/alberta-street.html

Grant Park is located next to the Grant high school campus on NE 33rd Avenue and US Grant Place. The park is almost 20 acres and has several special characteristics making it a favorite destination for local residents. There is a large track in the bowl which is great for walking and running and a swimming pool that is open from the late spring to the early fall. The park has lots of playground facilities tennis courts and trees and grassy areas to enjoy.

Kelley Point Park along North Marine Drive and Lomabard Street provides residents a canoe launch ramp. The park totals 104 acres and is a historical portland site that includes hiking on paved and unpaved paths. The park is at the confluence of the Willamette River and the Columbia River which is the border with the state of Washington.

Sellwood Riverfront Park this park is just under 8 acres and located right along the Willamette river in South East Portland. Access can be found on Oaks Parkway just off Spokane Street. This park does include a boat dock and a canoe launch area to enjoy the waterfront from the water.

Additional information about these parks including maps and special events going on at these Portland parks and others throughout the city can be found here at Portland Online Parks Finder
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm