International rose test garden located in Washington Park.
The International Rose Test Garden is the oldest rose test garden in the United States, established in 1917. The 5.12-acre site features 9,000 rose plantings, representing 590 varieties. This terraced garden also offers spectacular views of downtown Portland, Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens and free public summer concerts.
Michael Smith is the vice president of convention sales for Travel Portland, the convention and visitors bureau of Portland. For more information on planning a sustainable meeting, visit the Green Meetings Toolkit.
Keywords: Scenic, Free, Interesting, Park (Local / State / National), In the city, City or part of the city, Public transit, Everyone, Summer (June - August), Easy to reach, Fall (September - November), Spring (March - May)
The International Rose Test Garden at the base of Washington Park is an outstanding gem in Portland. It's close to downtown, yet feels so removed and allows the visitor to float above the city, with Mt. Hood looming in the distance through the towering fir trees. It's free, too.
Very late May/early June is the prime time to visit to catch the first major blooms of all the roses laid out neatly in their beds. It's a magnificent park in a beautiful and natural setting. Portland is blessed to have Washington Park, with the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Zoo, the Forestry Center, miles of hiking paths, etc. And free tennis courts. In the summer, there are free outdoor concerts and drama in the grassy amphitheatre.
Go. See. Enjoy. Anytime of the year.
Keywords: Scenic, Any time of the day, Free, Just you alone / As a single, With teens, All year, Park (Local / State / National), In the city, With pets, In the evening, Public transit, Everyone, With a group, With kids, As a senior citizen, As a couple, Easy to reach, Other things to see
When in Portland be sure to visit the International Rose Garden. It is truly spectular and easy to reach by Max train and shuttle bus. Besides the beautiful roses, you have wonderful views of the city. Cost is free!!
Keywords: Scenic, Free, Midday, Park (Local / State / National), Everyone, In the afternoon, Summer (June - August), On weekends, During the week, In the morning, Easy to reach, Spring (March - May)