We don't get out to Laurelhurst as often as we should; it's one of the best inner city parks that…read morewe have, for myriad reasons: spacious, shaded, plenty of picnic space and open greenway, trails, special events all year round (our favorites being the Water Lantern Festival and Movies in the Park), an off-leash dog area, duck pond, sports courts and fields, and likely a lot more things of which I am aware. It's also seems, to me at least, to be one of only a handful of Portland's "living room" spaces: large enough, and conveniently central enough, to draw in folks from all over the metro area, for any of the reasons mentioned above. It's quite, serene, welcoming...nostalgic, even. A great place to commingle, or isolate, whatever your preference. Portland is blessed with a lot of urban green spaces, but few outside of Forest Park (the G.O.A.T.) can rival the majesty, modesty, and utility of Laurelhurst. It's the sort of place that can make you fall in love with your city all over again.

The Portland Water Lantern Festival was a great outing, especially for father's day! There were…read moregreat food vendors options and overall it was a peaceful, relaxing evening. Set intentions and let the lanterns go!

Oregon is awesome for skateboarding…read more Unlike the suckers in California, the parks here are free and unmonitored, meaning that you don't have some power-jock cop standing around issuing tickets to teenagers for not wearing helmets or pads. This alone is reason enough to move here and waste your life away on a skateboard. Sure, it rains 80% of the time and it gets a little chilly in the winter, but as far as I can tell, Oregon is far ahead of the curve in spoiling it's residents with free, fun, creatively-designed outdoor skateparks for (almost) every skill level. This is largely due to the efforts of 'Skaters for Portland Skateparks' (http://skateportland.org/) whose mission & vision is to 'create a comprehensive system of world-class public skateparks in Portland, Oregon' and 'to make skateboarding safe and freely accessible to every skateboarder, every day, for everybody's benefit.' If these guys had been around when I was thrashing in my basement at age 12, I'd probably have a much larger skill set to work with at these places. But that's okay. Glen Haven park is located directly next to Madison High School on NE 82nd (which means that it's literally crawling with children if you happen to be there after school hours or anytime during summer vacation). The park is very fun, but only when you are able to go during 'off' hours, when the child-collision factor is low. I recommend very early mornings or between 9am-2pm during school days. And for the record, it boasts the following: A 5,500-sq-ft street course and 5,500 sq ft of "tranny" (transition) area. The tranny area includes a 9'-deep "peanut bowl" with a 4'-deep shallow end with stairs and a separate rectangular bowl. The street area includes hubba ledges, stamped brick bank, banks, ledges and manual pads, handrails, stairs, two pyramid hips, and extremely steep quarter pipes. While it's wonderful that Portlanders are so supportive of skateboarding, there are a few things I'd like to get off my chest, which will hopefully make things a little easier for all of us: 1) Parents. Please use some goddamn common sense. It's a skatepark. For skateboarders. DO NOT let your 4 year old son or daughter ride their tricyle/razor scooter/rollerblades through the park while people are skating. EVER. There is nothing they are doing in the park that they can't do a thousand times more safely in your driveway or an empty parking lot. And if you don't agree with me now, you will when your kid inevitably gets plowed into by a huge burly dude covered in tattoos. 2) Mom & Dad. Before you decide to throw your kid into the shark tank, make sure he can at least tread water. Skateparks really AREN'T the place to learn basic things like pushing, turning, or general balance. There is absolutely NO POINT in dumping your kid into a bunch of huge obstacles (and in the way of older, impatient skaters) when he doesn't even feel comfortable rolling yet. Give them some time to develop basic skills in the driveway or empty parking lot, like the rest of us did. Or better yet, take them over to the tennis courts and have them bug those guys for a while. 3) Skate Coaches. Look, Dad, I know you are bummed that your kid has no interest in baseball and just wants to shred all day, and it's cool that you go with him to the park and support him while he skates. But DO NOT scream at your kid from the sidelines, demanding that he try a particular trick. This isn't a competition. Your kid isn't on a football field. And when you get all aggro about it, it isn't fun for your kid or anyone else that has to listen to you act like a dick in public. I hope this helps.

Took my 11 year old son who likes to ride his scooter and is interested in learning to skateboard…read morealong with my daughter and her boyfriend who does skate and what a great experience! Everyone was nice, polite, friendly, and kick ass skaters and a few girls who were really good too!! ! We had a great time and there was also a dog that I fell in love with Devo ! We had to leave but came back the same night and the next day ! I would recommend this place for anyone!!

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!

Mount Tabor Park Nature's Own Little Showstopper…read more Mount Tabor Park stands proudly in the heart of Portland, yet somehow feels like a secret escape tucked right under the city's nose. The moment you step onto the trails, you forget you're in a metropolis at all trees tower overhead like gentle giants, wind whispers through the branches, and everything smells like fresh air and freedom. On a busy day, this place absolutely fills up walkers, joggers, bikers, curious wanderers, and people who just came for the view but pretend they're "out exercising." The crowd doesn't ruin the vibe, though; it actually brings the park to life. Nature does the singing, and visitors add the harmony. The water reservoirs sit calmly along the hillside, shining like mirrors laid out to reflect the sky. They give the park this serene, cool presence as if the earth itself stopped to take a drink. And those little trails? They may not stretch for miles and miles, but they're perfect for exploring, stretching your legs, and clearing your head. Just enough adventure, just enough workout, and plenty of places to pause and think, "Dang, this is nice." And then you reach the top. The view of Portland is nothing short of jaw-dropping. A full, wide panorama of the city laid out beneath you. It's the kind of view that hits your brain like a reward like nature saying, "Congratulations, you made it. Enjoy the show." You're on a mountain smack in the middle of the city, yet you feel miles above it all. Million-dollar views in every direction, guaranteed. Riddle time: What mountain lets you see the whole city while barely breaking a sweat? Answer: Mount Tabor Park, of course. Whether you drive up, walk up, or roll up with your snacks ready, this place never disappoints. It's one of my all-time favorites a little oasis with a big personality, a peaceful escape with killer views, and an easy adventure anyone can enjoy. Mount Tabor Park is a must. Step in, look out, breathe deep, and let nature do its magic.

My friends and I stopped here to kill some time this afternoon. We mainly wanted to see dogs at the…read moreoff-leash dog area and we saw many dogs. There is a nice walking path around the park as well as a playground. The parking lot is pretty big. The bathrooms were closed for repairs but looked like they had been like that for a while, so don't count on them being accessible when you visit.

I used to live literally across the street from Creston Park. I loved it. I miss it. It's boasts a…read morefabulous green space, plenty of tree cover, walking paths, picnic tables, play structures, skate park, tennis court (in need of some TLC), and a community pool. My step-kids used to walk through the park to their elementary school, every day. There are a plethora of events that happen here every year, particularly in the warmer, sunnier months, including free lunches for under-privileged kids, festivals, games and more, and there's *always* a family or two barbecuing, picnicking, and playing music here, when the sun is out. Of course, with any open space like this in Portland, it inevitably attracts a few unsavory types. I'm not insensitive to the plight of the homeless, but it's one thing to seek shelter, and another to shoot up in public, or shout, stalk and harass kids, joggers and dog-walkers, simply for existing. Those types should be (and were, at least when I was there), forcefully ejected from the park, using whatever means necessary. The pool can be a bit tricky to get into, as it has (in the wake of COVID) staffing issue with lifeguards, and irregular, unpredictable hours. I'm hoping this will smooth out and return to normal again, over time. That said, it's one of my favorite parks in Portland, if not *the* favorite, and I always enjoy returning here. I still have a scurry of squirrels and a murder of crows that swoop and swarm around me when I stop by, with a bag of treats in hand. Watching the other park patrons freak out when a squawking cloud of black wings and feathers descends from the trees around me like a cloak is always worth the price of admission (which is free)!

Burnside Skatepark Solid, Clean, Still Iconic…read more Man, Burnside is looking sharp these days. They really cleaned it up, and it shows. The lights hanging overhead give the whole place this steady glow, like the park finally stepped up without losing any of its grit. You roll in and think, "Alright bro... this is still the real deal." Out on the concrete, everything rides smooth. I tried to surf a line across the bowl thought I was looking slick but the park reminded me real quick who's boss. Still, that's Burnside. It keeps you honest, man. You push, you carve, you fall, you laugh, and you get right back into it. This spot remains an iconic staple for a reason. It's cleaner, safer, and easier to skate at night, but the soul hasn't changed. If you're a skater in Portland, you already know. If you're not, bro, you're missing out. Five stars, easy.

dude burnside is fr one of the best parks ever. i'm a local of williamson skatepark in texas but…read morethe locals are pretty dope here. but you better be prepared to throw down bc they don't play with beginners around here. also please stop bringing little kids here, no one likes an unaware little brat with a bike helmet snaking around on a scooter.

Fun times downtown for the holidays. This is an ice rink just for the season, and will end early…read moreJanuary. Tix are $22 for adults and $12 for kids. Tuesdays are $12 for everyone. Must sign waiver too. The rink is probably about the size of a basketball court. It can fill up fast and can be crowded. Skates are provided with the tix purchase. They also have some 'seal pushers' to help with beginners. A couple of food trucks on site, and some corn hole and connect 4 games. Super fun time. Special events like comedy night on Tuesday. The rink is located right under the Morrison Bridge off of Naito Pkwy. There is a parking lot nearby too.

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!

Great park that used to be a freeway! It contains a bunch of points of interest: the Battleship…read moreOregon Memorial, Salmon Street Springs, the Japanese American Historical Plaza, etc. It definitely makes the park more interesting, since otherwise it's flat and grassy with not a lot of other features. Amazing for cyclists and joggers though. The views of the river are pretty, and you can spend your lunch break walking around and getting fresh air. Portland's Saturday Market is hosted on the weekends (March until December) on the northern end of the park, right next to the Bill Naito Legacy Fountain. There's also other festivals that use the park as the grounds. I've heard that the cherry blossoms in the spring are very pretty, so I'll have to return for those!

Beautiful and quiet neighborhood park with huge pine trees giving plenty of shade. Several picnic…read moretables, bathrooms and a sports field. Very pleasant.

Clean, lush park with lots of green grass for picnics and gatherings with friends, especially…read moreduring COVID-19. Also a great place to run your dog as there is so much uninterrupted grass. I happened by in a sunny Saturday in early fall and it made for a lovely walk in between running errands. Very clean, quiet and peaceful.

Board is excellent quality. Robin is kind and helped me make the right choice as a beginner. I got…read morea DK dropkick a few years ago and it's still a smooth ride, even after riding through rain and snow. Riding other people's longboards they made from skateboards or from big chains made me realize and appreciate the high quality a board from Eastside longboards sells.

About a year and a half ago I stumbled across a video online about downhill long boarding and I…read moreknew I had to try it! Well, I soon realized that for me to truly enjoy my new adventure safely I would need some professional guidance. After a quick web search I found that Eastside Longboards offered exactly what I needed. Long boarding lessons taught in a permitted, group setting. I was a little nervous not having any experience but Robin made the entire class feel welcomed right from the beginning. He allows you to go at your own pace, answering all questions and demonstrating his techniques until you are comfortable enough to do it yourself. I have now taken Robins class numerous times and I learn something new every single week! As for the Eastside Longboards brand of equipment.. I now own 2 different styles of Eastside Longboards and I am eyeballing a third. Great quality, and designed for everyone from the novice to expert rider. Great local company with an owner who genuinely cares about his sport and the community!

This is a legit skate shop!!! They know their craft but are…read moresuper down to earth, not snobby or dickish. They also have a big selection of Burnside Tee's. Highly recommend.

Seriously the best place in Portland to get setup with your new board! The selection of decks is…read morecrazy, there are so many options. I am very picky and they helped me find the perfect board to suit my personality, and then built the board for me for free. Getting a whole board setup isnt cheap, but for the level of knowledge, customer service, and the quality of the board, it was so worth it. I'll be back for sure! Also, here's a pic of my bunny taking his first ride on my new board :)