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Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
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Portland’s International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park holds more than 7,000 rose plants covering approximately 550 varieties. This immense garden covers 4.5 acres over several tiers that provide views over downtown Portland.  The garden also includes an amphitheater, public restrooms, a small gift shop, and a number of other amenities. This picturesque location is a great stop along one of the many trails running through the area or in combination with the Japanese Gardens, the Portland Zoo, and/or Hoyt Arboretum.

The garden’s roses bloom from April through October with the peak coming in June. Hours run from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on-site information is provided for self-guided tours. The history behind the garden begins in the 1800s, and the grounds provide an excellent summary of the life of this area. Founded in 1917, Portland's garden is the oldest rose testing program of its kind in the United States. The primary purpose of this garden is to serve as a testing ground for new rose varieties, and “Gold Medal Awards” are issued each year to the best roses. With the first Gold Medal awarded in 1919,  Portland is still the only North American city to issue such an award.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Easily accessible. Along Forest Park trails. Near additional attractions.

Cons

Can be crowded. Limited blooming season. Limited parking.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Wildflowers
Big vistas
ADA accessible

Location

Comments

06/04/2016
The garden is in full bloom right now - very impressive. Makes for a great afternoon with the family.
11/02/2014
The colors are vibrant in early November, but it looks like all the roses will be gone in the next few weeks.
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Oregon Field Guide is OPB's long-running local weekly TV series. The program covers natural resources, ecological issues, outdoor recreation and travel destinations across the Northwest region. This award-winning show is one of the most-watched local productions in the public broadcasting system.

Oregon Field Guide also extends the work it does in the field for the television series across radio and the Web, providing a greater degree of coverage.

Oregon Field Guide airs Thursday evenings at 8:30 p.m. and repeats Sundays at 1:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. In the Mountain Time zone of Eastern Oregon, the program airs at 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, and at 7:30 p.m. Sundays.

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