Research > Guides > Branches & Byways > Ramble

Ramble

Salish Ponds Wetlands Park: N.E. Glisan St. & N.E. 207th Ave. [Fairview]

An oasis in the middle of the city! Here you will find two small ponds with trails leading through wetlands and forest. Also, the West Salish Pond is stocked with fish, so bring your poles (and your license). A note on getting there, turn into the Lodges at Lake Salish appartment complex from N.E. Glisan, and follow the public parking signs.

Gabriel Park: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=136

S.W. 45th Ave. & Vermont St. [Hillsdale]

This good sized park seems to have it all – a playground, a fountain, picnic tables, a natural area, sports fields, an off-leash area for dogs, a community garden & orchard – and the city is about to build a skatepark here too!
Lovejoy Columns: http://www.jamesmharrison.com/lovejoycolumns

N.W. 10th Ave. between Everett & Flanders Streets [Central]

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway crossing watchman Tom Stefopoulos created about a dozen paintings on the columns under the old Lovejoy ramp in Northwest Portland. Folks knew about Stefopoulos's paintings (several articles about them appeared in local newspapers over the years), but for the most part they haven't been much visited or commented upon. When the Lovejoy ramp was demolished, a group of our fellow citizens convinced the city to save the ten surviving columns, and two are now restored and installed in Northwest Portland for all to enjoy.
Main City Park: http://www.ci.gresham.or.us/departments/des/parksandrec/parkfinder2/maincitypark/

219 S. Main Ave., Gresham [Gresham]

This park's numerous trails, some along Johnson Creek, make it an all-weather favorite. For the more adventurous, approach this park from its connection to the Springwater Trail Corridor.
The Oregon Garden: http://www.oregongarden.org/

879 W. Main St., Silverton [day trips]

503.874.8100 | info@oregongarden.org

This 80-acre garden includes more than 20 specialty gardens, the 400-year-old Signature Oak and the Gordon House, the only house in Oregon designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Pier Park: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=513

N. Lombard St. & N. Bruce [St. Johns]

503.823.7529

Not as well known as other parks – though that will change with the new 11,000 sq. ft. skatepark – Pier Park has a lot to offer in a small space that feels like a vast forest. With tennis courts, frisbee golf, picnic areas, playgrounds, etc, this park was modelled on Laurelhurst Park.
Tanner Springs Park: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=1273

N.W. 10th Ave. & Marshall St. [Central]

An oasis in the Pearl! This former wetlands area, turned industrial railyard, turned condo neighborhood hearkens back to its most former self with tall grasses, a man-made spring and lots of natural beauty.
Vance Park: http://www.ci.gresham.or.us/departments/des/parksandrec/parkfinder2/davispark/

1400 SE 182nd Ave., Gresham [Rockwood]

The outdoor roller hockey rink is the perfect place to live your derby fantasy life and burn off any unwanted calories. Or, if you want a slower pace, meander through the community garden and forested area.
Woods Memorial Natural Area: http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=866&subareas=5

S.W. 45th Ave. & Woods St. [Capitol Hill]

This beautiful wooded park boasts a landscape that is 98% native, with a creek and lots of wildlife. Some folks have even spotted elk! This is definitely a good place to get away from city life.