Stunning colors, fragrance and tranquility come together with the blossoming of lush gardens every spring and summer. Being outside in nature for these magical moments is one of the top reasons we love living here. So, we decided to create a list of some of the most stunning public gardens that are just a quick ride away on TriMet. We assembled this list to showcase places that you may not have heard of, but which are definitely worth visiting. Below is your guide to getting to some of the most beautiful outdoor gardens in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, all reachable by bus or MAX.
Clackamas County
End of the Oregon Trail Pioneer Garden
If you still need a reason to visit Oregon City (Editor’s note: We officially have a crush on you, OC), look no further than the End of the Trail Pioneer Garden located at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. You’ll discover a rose garden with 19 varieties of heirloom roses, apple trees and grapes, plus other flower gardens. There’s a volunteer program, too, so if you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves and helping out, you can learn more on their website. Getting there by bus is easy, with two lines just a short distance from the site.
📍 1726 Washington St., Oregon City
🚌 34-Linwood/River Rd
🚌 79-Clackamas/Oregon City
The Historic Rose Garden at Lake Oswego Heritage House
Yes, there’s more than one rose garden in Portland. This one’s just steps from two bus lines, making for an easy walk or roll to a very cute garden in Lake Oswego. When you’re done smelling the roses, you can check out the Lake Oswego Heritage House and Museum, also on site, which features events, exhibits and historical information about Lake Oswego.
📍 398 10th St., Lake Oswego
🚌 37-Lake Grove
🚌 78-Denney/Kerr Pkwy
Multnomah County
Leach Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a place to escape the grind, unwind and relax without having to actually leave the city, Leach Botanical Garden is a must-visit. Get immersed with nature in the 16+ acre site, which features native plant collections, walking paths and garden spaces. There’s even an aerial tree-walk that’s built around trees for a unique perspective. This amazing spot is easily accessible by nearby bus lines. Check out their website for a list of events and classes.
📍 6704 SE 122nd Ave., Portland
🚌 10-Harold St
🚌 73-122nd Ave
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
There’s a refuge of peace and tranquility in SE Portland’s Eastmoreland neighborhood, and it’s called Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Don’t be fooled by the name–there’s more than just “rhodies” at this nearly 10 acre site. You’ll also find azaleas, peaceful ponds, walking paths and lots of wildlife, including herons and eagles. It’s a stunning masterpiece of nature, right in our backyard. What are you waiting for? Take the bus or MAX to get there, because parking can be a challenge.
📍 5801 SE 28th Ave., Portland
🚌 19-Woodstock/Glisan
🚈 MAX Orange Line
Washington County
Hillsboro Community Gardens (various locations)
We also wanted to include a special kind of garden in this roundup: Community gardens! The City of Hillsboro has a partnership with Hillsboro School District and local churches to manage over 200 garden plots at various sites. These shared community plots come in various sizes, so they’re perfect for a range of expertise, from beginning gardeners to experienced green thumbs. We love the concept of community gardens because it creates spaces for people who may not have their own garden and builds community, all while growing food and flowers! See the locations and learn more online.
📍 Hillsboro
🚌 Various locations.
Plan your trip at trimet.org
Rock Creek Learning Garden at Portland Community College (Rock Creek campus)
You don’t have to be a student to visit the Rock Creek Learning Garden at PCC’s Rock Creek campus, though we can’t think of a more calming space to visit before a math final. The garden space is open to the public and is spread over 3+ acres, complete with fruit trees, vegetables and an observational beehive. Students have an active role in maintaining the garden, and we can totally get behind the program’s mission of “Sowing seeds, growing minds, cultivating community.” Hop on the bus, we’ll get you there and back.
📍 17705 NW Springville Rd., Portland
🚌 52-Farmington/185th
🚌 67-Bethany/158th
Remember:
💳 Tap your phone or contactless payment card on the Hop reader as you board to instantly pay the $2.80 Adult fare.
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Explore more, stress less.
It’s easy to use TriMet to plan your next visit to our area’s record stores. Skip the stress of parking and spend your time enjoying the ride.