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    Cathedral Park

    4.7 (150 reviews)
    Open 5:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    St. Johns Bridge views.
    Jaya P.

    I love visiting Cathedral Park anytime of the year. The views, especially of the St. Johns Bridge are incredible. Lots of places to go on a walk, picnic or simply enjoy the views. There is also plenty of parking and the park is spacious.

    Such a great view of St. John bridge
    Cynthia W.

    We really enjoyed this park. It was beautiful! Nice big trees and great pathways to walk. It was spacious too. The park is so clean. You can tell it is well taken care of. The views of St. John Bridge is wonderful too! Also, parking was so easy. They have a parking lot, but also lots of street parking on all parts of the park. We definitely enjoyed our little relaxation here. Great spot for a picnic or a walk.

    Marissa L.

    I like visiting Cathedral Park when we're in Portland. It's usually quiet, not too crowded, and I love the views of the St. Johns Bridge, Willamette River, and surrounding landscape. The park has a small parking lot and bathrooms, and plenty of space for walking. The swim dock is great for getting even closer to the bridge. Overall, just a nice place to spend some time with beautiful views.

    Alex K.

    They host the annual jazz fest here which is free but they ask for donations to keep things going. Fabulous event around one of my most favorite Portland bridges. They also just put in a new million dollar dock that you can get out into the river and ever go swimming in an area protected from the motorized boats. They have picnic tables and even a small beach. Great place to just hang out!

    Under the bridge
    Tiffany M.

    This is a very pretty area, and there's even parts of it where you can go near the water. I remember parking being easy to find too, but the also partially being a bit confused finding the area itself while driving in because the surrounding area felt a bit industrial. It was a bit windy the day I went, so it would not have been nice to stay their too long. But if you're looking for scenic areas to view, especially in the Portland area, because of the well-kept park area and also the bridge, I would recommend this place !

    Amanda M.

    This is a great spot for some walks, looking at St. John's bridge, or even having a picnic. Has a good amount of parking at the park, and some nice walking trails.

    Ana T.

    This is a great stop to check out the St. John's Bridge. It was early in the morning, so there was still parking available in the boat launch parking lot. It's a great place to take pictures. There were the occasionally dog walkers crossing our paths. The bridge is still undergoing construction at this time.

    Jason V.

    Cathedral Park is one of the most, if not *THE* most iconic, impressive and remarkable parks in Oregon, and the entire PNW. While just about all parks of repute have sprawling, manicured green space, picturesque trees, water features and the like, none share Cathedral Park's unique aesthetic, stretched out in the shadow of the titanic, somewhat Gothic St. John's Bridge, itself an architectural and artistic wonder! Dwarfed by the cyclopean structure overhead, a visitor to Cathedral Park may not immediately realize how far the grounds of the park actually stretch out. Like a multi-tiered cake, there are several levels of grassy meadows, tree-lined trails and pathways, and multiple river access points. The park can effectively be divided into upper and lower levels, with the former offering picturesque views of the bridge's namesake architecture, its support structure resembling that of the nave of a Cathedral and running parallel to it underneath, while the latter sprawls out along the river's edge, with grassy knolls galore, as well as the park's "official" (and free!) parking lot on the north side. Cathedral Park is home to myriad events throughout the year, most notably its famous (and free!) annual Jazz Festival. It is also constantly utilized by a swarm of photographers engaged in wedding, engagement, graduation and/or baby photos. Buskers, acrobats and performers of all types are frequently found loitering and performing throughout its acreage, regardless of weather or the time of year. Despite its popularity, it never seems crowded, leaving plenty of room for picnickers, field sports, joggers, yoga practitioners and every other flavor of hippie to congregate without stepping on each other's toes. Adding extra value to an already unparalleled park is its proximity to several shops, pubs, breweries and restaurants within walking distance. Need picnic supplies? There's a Safeway less than half a mile away. Craving some beer and brats? Try Occidental Brewing's beer garden and attached German Wursthaus! Need a quick chocolate fix? The legendary Moonstruck Chocolate Company has a shop just off the green! Few places anywhere offer the same level of panoramic perfection, spacious surroundings, and unequaled utility of this multi-purpose municipal meadow. Cathedral Park manages to somehow live up to the divine nature of its name, and is equally as impressive, if not more so, than any church or temple in Portland, and possibly even more sacred. I'm not much of a church-goer, but I confess, this is one Cathedral I would attend on a regular basis.

    Kim R.

    Cool park with a gorgeous setting below St. John's Bridge. The most obvious thing during our visit...the park is a very popular place amongst photographers. We encountered a large wedding party during a session, as well as 3 other couples having countless pics taken today. The bridge does indeed make for a special and unique backdrop for some cool pics. There are a few paths to the top parking lot down to the river, as well as a few picnic tables. Today there were quite a few families and folks with their pups out for a sunny stroll. Unfortunately there was also a not-so-appealing "deal" going down right off a path in a small lot. We made our way down to the waters edge. There's a dock walkway you can venture onto, it's not in the best shape...and is unfortunately surrounded on one side by a lot of trash and other debris that's washed up to the edge and gotten stuck. If you can ignore the trash, and don't encounter any shady parking lot deals as we did, the park itself is beautiful. A lovely backdrop for a brief stroll and/or your next photo session.

    Walk to the edge of the park and you will find folks fishing and dogs playing.
    Elizabeth L.

    Such a great park. If you have a dog they will love to put their paws in the water. My daughter loved it too

    Cascade Photo for the win on this
    Martina C.

    WOW. We did our family photos here after waiting nearly 4 years to see this gorgeous spot. For photos, there were LOADS of families out doing them that day! Everyone was super conscious of each other, polite, socially distanced AND made sure that they moved out of a particular space when they saw another group approaching to use that same space. For our first trip I could not have been happier. It was easy to park, and every single view was stunning. JUST stunning. The graffiti under the bridge is to be expected, but unfortunate as this has some of the prettiest views in the city in my opinion.

    St John's bridge
    Isaac S.

    A lovely park in nice outdoor nature and close to hiking spots in hills , close to grocery store safe way, fast food, other restaurants. Definitely worth it solo and a group

    Lots of shady areas & picnic tables
    Kim G.

    With the stunning Gothic arches of the St. John's Bridge as the magnificent backdrop, Cathedral Park is the prettiest park in Portland! Whether you are directly underneath the spectacular metalwork or anywhere in the park, the view is breathtaking from each and every angle. It's a photographers paradise! At one point, I had to put my camera away so I could stay in the moment and just soak all the images into my memory. The park itself isn't huge, but there is plenty of space to picnic in privacy. Lush green lawns with a paved walking path takes you from the boat launching area on the north, under the bridge, and to the shoreline of the river and the Water Pollution Control Laboratory to the south. Walk the entirety, including the paths by the Water Pollution Lab, to fully enjoy the views from multiple vantage points and vistas. On a sunny day, there are children and dogs playing in the river, people floating on whimsical rafts, and lots of people picnicking, playing frisbee or just sunbathing. So Americana! Along the path on the north end are a dozen or more picnic tables under the trees. After walking across the St John's Bridge, I enjoyed a handmade picnic lunch on one of the tables, the perfect resting spot. Make sure to walk under the bridge and up the stairs to Circle Point for amazing photos of the stacks of arches that support the bridge underneath, mirroring the same arches on the top of the bridge. To walk the actual bridge, I first parked my car on a side street on the St. John's side and walked West then back East, picked up my car then drove to the parking area under the bridge. There is also a parking lot on the north side by the boat launch and street parking on the south side. In the summers, when there isn't a global Pandemic, the city of Portland hosts movies and concerts in the park. The 3 day Jazz Festival is one of the City's best and should not be missed! Musicians play day and night, there are lots of food vendors, and the park is filled with families and friends of all ages and races enjoying the music in this magical space.

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    Plenty of parking - and views! Stop by for an incredible bridge view while you walk along the trail towards the water.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Cathedral Park

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes

    Can i have a barbecue in this park on saturday and bring a couple of grills to cook with.?

    Yes, Welcome to another park that we can cook and easy at

    Is there BBQ grills located here?

    No

    Can I set up a volleyball net here?

    I would think so since its a public park

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Cathedral Park

    Off leash dog park, beautiful views, ducks and geese, ships and boats on the Willamette, a little beach area.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Mount Tabor Park - Right path behind visitor center

    Mount Tabor Park

    4.6(284 reviews)
    9.4 miMt. Tabor, Southeast Portland

    Mount Tabor Park was long, long , long on my list for places to visit in Portland. After a recent…read moretrip to Portland we timed it where we could go here one morning and enjoy the scenery. We were not disappointed in the slightest! Most of the park is up on a hill which if I recall correctly is an extinct volcano. The reservoirs are very cool to look at and walk around at. We went to three of them and I believe that is the total number that aren't decommissioned but there once was five reservoirs here but two are decommissioned. The reservoirs were once used for drinking water but now serve primarily as a scenic and historic feature which it most certainly is! There is all kinds of paths you can walk around in and even minor hikes of a urban sort if you want to look at it that way as if you want you can walk uphill for quite a while. If you roam around the park you can see beautiful views of downtown Portland which is very enjoyable to see. I definitely recommend visiting this park and it has the appeal where it will attract tourists and locals alike as it is just that kind of a special place!

    I went here for a short hike after my last day of work in Portland, and found it delightful. It is…read morea park nestled on the ancient, extinct cinder cone, in a well-to-do neighborhood. It is nicely kept up, and features trails, abundant plant-life and some of Portland's historic reservoirs. The skyline of downtown is visible.

    Photos
    Mount Tabor Park - 8/26/2023 - Original Practice Shakespeare presents Antonie & Cleopatra

    8/26/2023 - Original Practice Shakespeare presents Antonie & Cleopatra

    Mount Tabor Park - At one of the reservoirs and enjoying the historic buildings with them!

    At one of the reservoirs and enjoying the historic buildings with them!

    Mount Tabor Park - Soapbox Derby Let's go #TeamMonkey

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    Soapbox Derby Let's go #TeamMonkey

    Spring Garden Park - Cool play structures. Very unique

    Spring Garden Park

    4.9(20 reviews)
    8.9 miMultnomah Village, Southwest Portland

    This is such a sweet little park! The unique pieces of art all around the property are pretty neat…read more Lots of cute paths to walk on that lead to pretty views of Portland. We went on a sunny day and it wasn't over crowded. -1 star for personal reasons: my daughter is young (19 mo) and was able to swing on the baby seat swing, however, she was not confident to try the older play structure. The structure seems more appropriate for 2.5 and older. It has a pretty cool rock climber for older kids. My experience makes me wonder if there are parks in Portland that are more inclusive for all children and their abilities? I hope that Portland Parks and Recreation would be willing to rethink how they can be more inclusive when designing a park. I will be the first to admit I know nothing about building a park, but If I did I would want everyone to feel included.

    Beautiful neighborhood park! Wow! This is not a park or playground from yesteryear, it's completely…read moremodern with very unique play structures and art. Plus walking paths through several acres of rolling hills with wonderful views immersed in nature. The splash pads are open again (until 7pm) and the kids were certainly joying them. The play structures are both stunning and interactive, even a look-out tower with a telescope that views a constellation ceiling. Very cool. Slides, step rocks, climbing structures, picnic tables in the open and shade, lots of benches, even water bowls for dogs - clearly a lot of thought went into the design and build of Spring Garden Park. It's close to Multnomah Village which is how I discovered it after visiting the food truck area and wanting someplace serene to enjoy my meal. Park right on SW Spring, just be mindful of not blocking the neighbors driveways as it's in a residential area. Close to SW Barbur.

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    Spring Garden Park - Leo loved it here!

    Leo loved it here!

    Spring Garden Park - Best park!

    Best park!

    Spring Garden Park - Gorgeous park!

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    Gorgeous park!

    Tom McCall Waterfront Park - Cherry blossoms

    Tom McCall Waterfront Park

    4.3(180 reviews)
    6.2 miSouthwest Portland

    I'm rating Tom McCall Waterfront Park 5 stars due to the happy, grateful moments, every time I am…read more here, especially during this March 2026 visit, My chasing cherry blossom dreams came true. I tried coming every year to catch the blooms for past 5 years ( I was either too early or too late) but Wow, this year I finally caught the blooms. My heart is filled with Joy! I have a LOVE for Sakura/Cherry Blossoms. Tom McCall Waterfront Park sure brings back wonderful memories when I visited Portland for the first time during my daughter's college day, very beautiful park! Tom McCall Waterfront Park if for Governor Tom McCall is about 36. acres with a view of Williamette River in downtown Portland, bordered by RiverPlace to the south, Steel Bridge to the north. Did you know this park used to be 6-lane highway, activists held picnics on the tiny riverfront walkway in 1969 to protest the lack of public space. Gov. Tom McCall formed a task force, Harbor drive closed in 1974 and the park opened in 1978. Besides annual cherry blossoms this park has trails, salmon street springs, monuments, various festivals, protest, events, are held here. Near by to Portland Saturday market. Parking is very limited, either street parking or private lot. I can't wait to visit Tom McCall Waterfront Park again, with or without cherry blossoms or for Fall, foliage- I hope to catch the blooms again next year! same time, same place, I loved to be back!

    Cinco de mayo festival and Rose city fair, absolutely a blast. The waterfront is great for events!…read moreWe had so much fun, there's lots of room, brings out so much people, many food vendors and all around good time

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    Tom McCall Waterfront Park
    Tom McCall Waterfront Park - Japanese American Historical Plaza

    Japanese American Historical Plaza

    Tom McCall Waterfront Park

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    Washington Park - 4.4.2019

    Washington Park

    4.7(198 reviews)
    5.9 miSouthwest Portland

    Washington Park (in Oregon) is way more than a park -- it's mini attractions with the park -…read moreresidential area. So, within the "park", there's Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, International Rose Test Garden, and Children's Museum -- all require admission feee. The park and trails are free. Washington Park is hands-down one of the most incredible urban parks but I only had time to check out Portland Japanese Garden (separate review). I did walk the perimeter of the Hoyt ArboretumFor hikers and nature lovers, this is a gem.Washington Park has a free shuttle that loops around all the major attractions (seasonal). Parking can be a little tricky during peak times, so plan ahead or take public transit. The cool thing is getting around Washington Park -- there's free shuttle that's takes you to all these places within the park so you don't have to stress about limiting parking spots. Yelp Tip:There are plenty of quiet spots with tables and open lawns to relax between visits -- so do a picnic. Highly recommend carving out time in your Portland trip to explore it properly.

    Huge forested park on the west side of the city. It's near our hotel and always beautiful…read more Trails and rose garden make this special. Places for kids to Play and families to picnic. Also, the new water retention pond is nearly finished and will provide a unique place for people enjoy the sounds of water and all for practical purposes while being aesthetically pleasing. Rose garden was in full bloom and had to Take some pics as usual. Definitely a great place to visit regardless of time of year.

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    Washington Park
    Washington Park
    Washington Park

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    Cathedral Park - parks - Updated August 2026

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