Portland is exploding with color and warm spot to hang with the kids outside as spring sets in. Now is the perfect time to dust off your picnic supplies, pack breakfast, lunch or dinner and head out for a family picnic. Not sure where to go? No problem. We’ve rounded up our favorite outdoor, grassy dining locations for you. Read on to find out where you should have your next family picnic.
Forest Park
One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., Forest Park has over 5,200 acres for you picnic in. Maybe you and the little ones want to stretch your legs? Head up the hill on Firelane #13. It’s a bit of a trek (~2 miles), but worth it to enjoy a beautiful vista of the Willamette River from your own private, hilltop picnic table. If you have older kids who think they are over "the picnic thing", challenge them to eat their lunch among the ghosts in the spooky Witch’s Castle. Or, take your wicker basket up to the Pittock Mansion and go on a trek back in time. Built in 1914, it sits on a rise with an incredible view of the city. You can spread your blanket on their broad lawn anytime. Free admission, and kid friendly!
Where: NW 29th Ave. & Upshur St. to Newberry Rd.
Pricing: Park – Free
Hours: 5 a.m.-10 p.m
Online: forestparkconservancy.org, pittockmansion.org
Washington Park
Portland is a wealthy city when it comes to parks, so there are plenty to choose from for your al fresco dining pleasure. Parks and Rec even has a handy park finder tool on their website. But, no matter how many little boxes you check, you won’t find a park with more options than Washington Park; even when it comes to picnic spots! Tucked between Hwy 26 and West Burnside, Washington Park offers enough interesting picnic spots to keep you “eating out” all summer. If your kids want to get close to wild animals, check out the Oregon Zoo. Settle down in the shade at Hoyt Arboretum for a peaceful meal, while your kids frolic amongst the Dawn Redwoods. Or, go ahead and smell the roses at the International Rose Test Garden.
Where: 4001 Southwest Canyon Rd..
Online: explorewashingtonpark.org.
Rocky Butte Park
This local treasure is considered a bit of a hidden gem and offers beautiful views of the city. Located along Interstate 205, Rocky butte can be scaled by car on a road winds its way about a mile uphill. Joseph Wood Hill Park is located at the very top. This park, is a perfect place to perch and enjoy bites while taking in the sites but getting to it is half the fun as the ride offers beautiful views and a trip through a historic tunnel that will thrill the younger set.
Once you arrive at the top, the park is made up of 2.38 acres of flat park area that is home to rock walls and beautiful historic lamp posts. The western side of the park provides views to downtown Portland, and on a clear day you can see St. Johns Bridge and the West Hills. On the Northwest side, you and your little picnickers can see Portland International Airport and enjoy the air show as the planes take off and land right in front of you. And to the East, you can see the stunning Cascade Mountain Range.
This sweet spot gives you the option of a different dining experience every time you visit. Try to visit on a clear day for best views, because there is plenty to view as far as the eye can see, while you eat.
Where: NE Rocky Butte Rd
Pricing: Park – Free.
Hours: Park – 5 a.m.-midnight Zoo
Online: portlandoregon.gov.
Council Crest Park
Have dinner with a view at Council Crest Park. Perched on one of the highest points in the Tualatin Mountains, you can look out over the city at the real mountains beyond. From the observation platform, on a clear day, you can see Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Jefferson. There’s public art on display, and you can even bring your furry kids and let them run free in the off-leash dog park.
Where: SW Council Crest Dr.
Pricing: Park – Free
Hours: 5 a.m.-Midnight
Online: portlandoregon.gov
Mocks Crest Park
If your are considering a late evening picnic, this park is the place to be. Located on the Skidmore Bluffs in North Portland's Overlook neighborhood, stunning sunset views can be had by all here. Situated on the lookout, this park also offers views the Willamette River, the West Hills, and the rail yard.
After you munch on some evening snacks let your littles get out their extra energy on the 5.86 acres of park area. While this park doesn't offer a traditional play area with swings and slides, there is more then enough open grassy space for roaming, running and relaxing. Just make sure your crew has their wiggles out by the time the sun starts to drop so they can join you on the blanket as you enjoy the sunset show and then eventually curl up under the starry night sky.
Where: 2206 N Skidmore St.
Pricing: Park – Free
Hours: 5 a.m.-Midnight
Online: portlandoregon.gov
Cathedral Park
For a different view, try laying out your picnic spread under the arches of the bridge in Cathedral Park. Want to know how it got its name? Just look up. The engineers of St. Johns Bridge must have been fans of Gothic architecture. Stand in just the right spot, and you’ll feel like you’re back in France during the Middle Ages, looking up into a ribbed vault or across a flying buttress. And, if your kiddos aren’t impressed with architectural grandeur, they can build a sand castle on the beach or splash around in the Willamette. Rover can come splash around, too!
Where: N. Edison St. and Pittsburg Ave.
Pricing: Park – Free
Hours: 5 a.m.-Midnight
Online: portlandoregon.gov
Mt. Tabor
The Eastside’s favorite dormant volcano, Mt Tabor offers plenty of hillside space for picnics, fun, and exploration. Explore the trails, play in the playground, or hike to the top, then settle in to watch the view of the city skyline and the west hills. Tip: the top’s views can be somewhat limited, so spread a blanket out on the west slope over the reservoir. You’ll get to sit and relax and still enjoy the view.
Where: SE 60th St and SE Salmon St.
Pricing: Free
Hours: open until midnight
Online: portlandoregon.gov/
Powell Butte
Hike around a giant extinct volcano at this park in the city limits! Powell Butte is a beautiful place for a hike and a family picnic, with wooded paths and vast stretches of meadows, not to mention jaw-dropping views of surrounding peaks on clear days, this spot makes a perfect place to drop a blanket and have a meal. Don't forget to wander over to the viewing platform pointing out the nine different mountains encircling you, including Mount Jefferson, Adams, St. Helens, and even Rainier. Why do we love this spot this time of year? Spring sees wildflowers galore on the hills, and with them comes the buzz of bees and flutter of butterflies.
Where: 16160 Powell Blvd.
Pricing: Free
Online: portlandoregon.gov
—Annette Benedetti
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