Washington Park

Planning an Evening Around Washington Park

Washington Park covers a large stretch of forested hillside in the West Hills, and its attractions are spread out rather than clustered in one spot. The International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden sit near the park's upper reaches, while the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Children's Museum area lie closer to the MAX light rail station at the zoo. Knowing which part you are heading for makes a big difference, especially as daylight fades.

Getting there and getting home

The Washington Park MAX station is one of the deepest underground transit stations in North America, and it is often the simplest way in and out without dealing with hillside parking. Parking is paid in most lots, and spaces near the rose garden fill quickly on warm summer evenings. Roads through the park wind and are not brightly lit, so allow extra time after dark and check current transit schedules before you set out.

After-dark considerations

Many of the park's gardens and attractions keep set daytime hours, while some trails and viewpoints are reachable later. The rose garden terraces are a popular spot for sunset views towards downtown and, on clear days, Mount Hood. Trails in Hoyt Arboretum and the connecting Wildwood Trail can get dark early under the tree canopy, so bring a torch or headlamp, stick to marked paths and let someone know your route.

• Check the official sites for the zoo, gardens and arboretum for current hours and any events.
• Dress in layers; the West Hills tend to feel cooler than the city below once the sun goes down.
• Pack out everything you bring, including food packaging.

Food after your visit

Picnicking is easiest earlier in the evening, but a late walk often leaves you hungry once you are back home or at your hotel. Rather than trying to arrange a handover in a dark car park, it usually works best to have a late order sent to a fixed address in a nearby neighbourhood. Take a look at our delivery zones to see which areas around the West Hills we cover, and check our hours to time your order with the end of your outing.