WASHINGTON PARK ATTRACTIONS

Washington Park, one of the oldest, best-loved and well-used parks in Portland was originally named City Park.  When purchased in 1871 from Amos N. King, the original 40 acre parcel cost over $32,000 - a great deal of money at that time. Many people questioned the purchase given the population of Portland was only 8,000 and the site was thick with brush and timber, and cougar roamed the hills.

The site was inaccessible until years later, when logging nad the installation of a cable car made the park accessible. Early in the 1900's the sentiment began to change and Portland's forefathers were heralded for their long range vision. A name change was urged to give this park its own identity. Today, Washington Park covers nearly 130 acres. Many special sites are located within, or adjacent to, the Park:

Hoyt Arboretum 

Hoyt Arboretum is a much beloved Portland open space, covering 185 ridge top acres about two miles west of downtown. It is home to a collection of trees representing more than 1,100 species gathered from around the world. Twelve miles of trails wind through this living exhibit. The Visitor Center, at the heart of the Arboretum, offers maps, trail guides, and information. No admission charge.

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The Forest Discovery Center

Artfully crafted of native woods, the museum was opened in 1971 to offer educational exhibits on forests and forest related subjects. The Forest Discovery Center now features world-class permanent exhibits, educational programs, traveling exhibits and gallery shows, and special community events. It is conveniently located next to the Washington Park MAX light rail station and across from the Oregon Zoo. Admission charge.

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Japanese Garden

Located just above the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, the Japanese Garden includes five traditional gardens. Proclaimed the most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan, it encompasses 5.5 acres and has a magnificent view of Portland and the surrounding mountains. Admission charge.

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Oregon Zoo

Since 1887 the zoo has found its home in Washington Park, first near today’s reservoirs, then in 1925 it was moved to higher ground – where the Japanese Garden is now located. In 1959 the zoo opened at its present location in Washington Park.

Today the Oregon Zoo is one of the top zoos in North America. Its state-of-the-art, naturalistic exhibits have won many national awards. Be sure to visit the world’s most prolific herd of Asian elephants in any zoo – 27 babies have been born here!

During the summer, board the zoo train for a ride through the wooded hills of Washington Park to the International Rose Test Garden. Admission charge.

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The Oregon Holocaust Memorial

The Oregon Holocaust Memorial, dedicated in 2004, serves as a permanent reminder of the Holocaust, where millions of Jews were systematically murdered by the Nazi government of Germany from 1933 to 1945.

By teaching the Holocaust and visiting the Memorial, there is hope that a bright light can come out of the darkness of history.

With generous support from local individuals, families, businesses and organizations, the Memorial stands as a living testament to courage.

CM2 Children’s Museum

Take the kids to visit CM2 and let their creativity run wild with hands-on exhibits for children from birth to 10 years old. They can take a splash in Waterworks, shop for dinner in Kid City Market, explore a magical forest designed for babies and toddlers, and spend some time in the drop-in art studios. Story times, puppet shows, music . . . there’s tons for kids to do, and always a few surprises too! Admission charge

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International Rose Test Garden

The most photographed view of Portland and Mount Hood is located here amongst the rows of hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and climbers that cover more than four acres.

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Statues and Fountains

The Coming of the White Man. Bronze, 1904 - One of the two Indians in the statue is Chief Multnomah of the Multnomah Indian tribe, for which this county and the waterfall along the Colubmia River Gorge take their name.

Sacajawea. Bronze, 1905 - President Roosevelt laid the first stone for the base of the shaft of this 34-foot effigy of Sacajawea, the Shoshone Indian woman who helped lead the Lewis and Clark explorers. In 1905, this was the first statue of a woman unveiled in America, and Susan B. Anthony was in attendance.

The Chiming Fountain - Water drips chime-like from one bronze pan to another in this cast-iron renaissance fountain. It was a 'sound' investment when purchased in 1891 for $450.


Pittock Mansion

Located just outside of Washington Park, Pittock Mansion is one of our regions great mansions. Admire remarkable antique furnishing and fine art set in a 1914 National Register property. Learn about the extraordinary lives of Henry and Georgiana Pittock and the estate that symbolizes their contributions to the grown of Portland. Enjoy a sweeping view of mountains, rivers and the city below. Admission charge for the mansions, the grounds are free.

Other Ammentities

Other ammenities within the park include a fully integrated children's playground, tennis courts, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, and sports fields.