Portland Garden trail is a great urban hike that will let you experience three iconic gardens in one short and peaceful walk in the beautiful Washington Park.

I discovered this Garden Trail in Portland by taking a wrong path (not so unusual during my hikes) in one of my morning walks at Washington Park.

Whenever I need some nature hike close to my home, one of the first options that come to my mind is the gorgeous Hoyt Arboretum.

However, that particular day, I was delighted to include the Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden on the same morning stroll. Magnificent trees, fragrant roses, and polished gardens, not bad at all!

What to see and do

Washington Park is a 410-acre park home of Forests, Museums, Gardens, Memorials, and more, bringing about 3.5 million visitors annually.

Given all those options, it’s a must-see Portland attraction, and there are so many ways to explore it and enjoy all the features. One of them is this hike.

Garden trail hike

First of all, this out and back hike is family-friendly, mostly flat but with stairs in some sections, and it’s also part of the Washington Park loop.

You can start your trip from Hoyt Arboretum (as I did) as well as from the International Rose Test Garden.

If you are driving a car, I particularly think the best option is from Hoyt Arboretum since there are more parking options and spaces, but it will also depend on where are you travel from and your plans after the walk.

First Garden: Portland Hoyt Arboretum

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, Hoyt Arboretum features 12 miles of hiking trails and it’s also the home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents. Moreover, it’s gorgeous in any season!

If you are beginning your walk from here, the hike starts at the Visitor Center, and of course, you can explore other trails in this beautiful arboretum before taking the Garden trail.

From the Visitor Center, you have to walk downhill to take the Beech trail, cross the Upper Cascade Drive and then follow this path until you reach the Winter Garden.

If you are doing this walk in Spring (April to May), I would suggest taking the connector trail from the Beech to the Magnolia trail and enjoy that beautiful setting.

From any of these trails, you can reach the Winter Garden, and then at the end of that area, at the trail junction, you will find the sign telling you to take the wildwood trail to the Garden Link Trail.

Undoubtedly that section of the hike is pretty in any season; however, my favorite time is Fall.

After following the signs to Japanese Garden and taking the Garden Link trail, next, you’ll discover beautiful views of Portland Japanese Garden.

Continue in that trail following the gravel path along the fence line next to the Japanese Garden’s driveway.

At the end of that section, you’ll see stairs and later the parking area next to the Japanese Garden entrance booth.

Second Garden: Portland Japanese Garden

Located just some minutes away from downtown, the Portland Japanese Garden is a must-see destination in our city, especially if you are looking for a serene place to slow down, take a break and appreciate its tranquil beauty.

It’s also known as one of the most beautiful and authentic Japanese gardens in the world outside of Japan.

Apart from being the only one of the three Gardens on this hike that has a fee for visiting it, without a doubt, it’s well worth a stop; however, if you decide to continue for the next Garden, you’ll have to cross Kingston Avenue.

After walking between the tennis courts and crossing the Rose Garden Way you will end at the International Rose Test Garden.

Third Garden: International Rose Test Garden

Portland is known as the “city of roses” or “the rose city.” Our city offers the right conditions for growing roses outdoors due to its location and weather.

There are many spots in the city for appreciating these flowers, but the most iconic one is the International Rose Test Garden.

This garden was opened to the public in 1917, and it features over 10,000 rose bushes. The roses bloom from April through October, and the peak is usually in June, depending on the weather.

And, after exploring this heavenly garden, you can come back to Hoyt Arboretum using the same Portland Garden Trail.

Additionally, you can continue exploring the area for hours, since there is a lot to see and enjoy in Washington Park.

Finally, if you are planning to take this hike, I hope you have a wonderful experience. It’s indeed a great way to experience our city.

And for even more hiking ideas check here.

Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• You will enjoy three iconic gardens on this hike: Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Garden, and International Rose Test Garden.
• Beautiful trails surrounded by forest and flowers.
• Picnic area and Restrooms at Hoyt Arboretum and Rose Garden.
• Parking areas in the three Gardens (Pay to Park). There are a few parking spots with no fee along SW Fairview Blvd.

Important information and tips

Map with the three gardens

• Location of Hoyt Arboretum: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221.
• Japanese Garden: 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205.
• International Rose Test Garden: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205.
• Washington Park website and map.
• Hoyt Arboretum map. This one shows better the trails.
• Dogs on a leash (No pets are allowed inside Japanese Garden, only ADA or trained Service Animals.)
• You can do this hike in any season; however, if you want to see the roses, plan the walk between April and October.
• Plan 2 to 4 hours to enjoy the three Gardens.
• This hike is not all-access, and it’s not stroller friendly.
• Bicycles are not allowed in the mentioned trails.