Category Archives: Parks

Best summer activities in Portland, Oregon 2013

Well, we’ve made it to July 4th weekend, which means summer has officially begun in our fair city. Let’s make sure there is plenty of time for all our favorite Portland summer activities for 2013!

Key things to do this summer

  1. Hang out in a park: bring a snack, a book, and a blanket to lay on. Some of my favorites are Wallace Park, Oregon Park, or Laurelhurst park. Although, frankly, Portland is full of awesome parks. Find one close to you!
  2. Watch a movie outside: bring a comfy (but low) chair thing, a snack, and possibly a sweater. There are movies through Portland Parks & Rec (Movies in the Park), there are movies at Pioneer Courthouse Square (Flicks on the Bricks) on Friday nights in August, there are movies on the top of a parking garage (Top Down: Rooftop Cinema by the NW Film Center — you will need a pillow to sit on), and there is a drive in theater!
  3. Hang out on a floating dock: Eastbank Esplanade is the best place to seek an almost boating experience. Bring sunscreen, water, and a comfy chair. You might also want a book and a snack, as there is a surprising lack of refreshments along the Esplanade.
  4. Drink on a patio: I like Rose & Thistle, Holmans, or Moon & Sixpence.
  5. Grill some food: I like hamburgers (fresh ground from local butcher) or sausages (from a local place like Otto’s Sausage Kitchen)

Finally, sure to have it’s very own blog post, this is the last summer of Trek in the Park. Be there or be trapped on a planet with weird interdimensional beings who do not like you.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Did you know that we have a rhododendron garden right here in the city of Portland? I did not, although I was informed that I was hauled off to visit when I was a kid.

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is located in SE Portland across the street from Reed College and in the same “super duper” block as the Eastmoreland Golf Course. It’s a city park!

We went on a Sunday during peak blooming (April), and there were lots of people wandering around with kids. Duck and goose feeding was popular, and any shy birds were most definitely scared off.

But we still saw Wood Ducks, a furry mammal, some sort of dove, redwing Blackbirds, and lots and lots of gorgeous flowers.

Weekend parking fills up, but there was an overflow lot to the east of the Garden at Reed College. There is a $4 entrance fee on Thursday through Sunday.