Okay so I woke up thinking, man, summer’s here but my wallet feels kinda thin. Gotta get outside without spending a fortune, right? Specifically Portland stuff, close by – like within 5 miles. No way I’m driving forever just to walk in some grass.
First thing, I grabbed my phone. Scoured the usual city park websites – took forever ’cause, you know, those sites are usually a pain. Found a list of parks that looked half-decent and supposedly free. Figured I’d make it a mission: visit as many as possible in one day, see if any were actually worthwhile. Aimed for seven. Seven seemed ambitious but doable.
Threw some essentials in my backpack: a couple bottles of water (tap stuff, Portland water’s fine), a cheap sandwich I slapped together, a rain shell ’cause, well, Portland, and a power bank for my dying phone. Packed a ratty old picnic blanket too. Grabbed my keys and walked out.
First stop, just a couple miles from my place: Peninsula Park. Heard they have this big rose garden. Thought it sounded fancy and expensive, but nope, totally free. Parked my junker car easily on a side street. Walked in. Yeah, the roses were pretty impressive. Lots of color, smells kinda nice too. Whole thing felt… classy? But quiet that morning. Wandered through, took some pics with my cheap phone. Not bad for free. A solid warm-up park.
Hopped back in the car, navigating was kinda annoying. Traffic lights felt endless. Ended up at Kelley Point Park next. Way different vibe. Out where the Columbia meets the Willamette. Felt wilder. Hiked down a muddy trail (glad I wore old sneakers) and found this little beach area. Saw a massive cargo ship chugging by – weirdly cool. Just sat on a big log for a bit, watched the water swirl. Felt properly disconnected, in a good way. No fancy gardens, just water and trees. Liked it.
After that, needed something closer in the city. Headed to Forest Park. Sounds huge, and it is, but I hit the Lower Macleay trailhead right near civilization. Just wanted a taste without hiking miles. Walked that path along Balch Creek, under all those big trees. Felt damp and mossy and ancient. Heard woodpeckers banging away. Saw some stone ruins – old pumphouse or something? Weird. Short walk, easy access, felt like deep woods. Magic.
By then my stomach was grumbling. Found a spot in Waterfront Park along the river. Pulled out my sad little sandwich right there on a bench. View wasn’t bad – bridges, water, people cycling or jogging past. Typical Portland backdrop. Ate slowly, people-watched. Not exactly wilderness, but hey, it’s free and the river was looking good that day.
Feeling kinda tired already, pushed on to Mt. Tabor Park. Gotta drive up that hill. Parked near the reservoir. Then walked up the steps to the top viewpoint. Windy up there! But the view? Wow. Sweeping look over the whole city on one side, Hood sitting pretty in the distance on the other. Pretty impressive payoff for just some walking. Saw a bunch of folks just hanging out, chatting, flying kites. Good energy.
Next up was Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Seriously doubted this one was actually free. Website said free in certain hours, so I aimed for those. Got there just in time. Walked in – instantly felt more landscaped, almost botanical-garden-y. Paths winding around ponds with lilies. Bridges. And rhododendrons everywhere, though some past peak bloom. Saw swans? Geese? Something big and white swimming around. Felt almost too fancy to be free, but it was! Bonus points.
Last gasp energy. Drove over to Laurelhurst Park. Heard it was historic. Found parking after circling the block once or twice. It felt… comfy? Like the neighborhood park everyone loves. Big trees shading the paths, ducks in the pond, lots of grassy spots where folks were having picnics or playing frisbee. Walked the path around the lake, felt relaxed. Nothing super flashy, just a really nice, solid park vibe. Perfect chill end to the park marathon.
Got back to my car feeling properly knackered. Legs aching. Had that fuzzy nature-y feeling in my head after being outside all day. What did I learn?
- Forest Park: Woods fix, no charge. Just show up.
- Peninsula Park: Fancy roses, for free? Believe it.
- Kelley Point Park: Serious water views, zero dollars.
- Waterfront Park: Perfect city river scene, costs nothing.
- Mt. Tabor: City vistas from a volcano? Still free.
- Crystal Springs: Felt expensive, actually wasn’t. Score!
- Laurelhurst Park: Classic neighborhood hangout. Free hangout.
Honestly? Blew my mind a bit. Seven parks. Within 5 miles. All completely free. Spent money on gas driving between them – that’s it. Not bad for a day out when cash is tight. Portland delivers sometimes.
