I've been trying to get back to my routine blogging, but what can I say? I guess I have more free time when we are working than when we are both off. It looks like it might take me a while to blog about everything I've been meaning to write about, or read so many of my favorite blogs, or catch up with Sunday Small Bites, I will get to it though, I promise.
Anyway, back to the attractive city of Portland, Oregon. Our friend S invited us to join him on one of his favorite walks in the city, we ended up in what he referred to as the "backyard" of Portland: Washington Park. I am always amazed at the peace and the tranquility that can exist right in the heart of a big city. The further we went inside the park, the easier it was to forget that we were inside a city, not that Portland was a bad place to be, but it is comforting to think that a short drive and a walk, and one is transferred from buzzing crowds and traffic jams, to a green and peaceful forest.
In addition to the hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails that Washington Park has to offer its visitors, a wide array of attractions make Washington Park an ideal place to spend the day.
We mainly just hiked through the park, admiring monkey puzzles, trying to learn about some of the other trees that grow in the park,listening to birds chirping, talking stories with S, watching squirrels go about their business(mainly trying to avoid us), and just enjoying the forest settings. But we did stop at the International Rose Test Garden and gazed upon the many roses, of all colors and scents, that were still blooming(to my surprise) in September. Admission to the garden is free, but donations are welcome.
I am not quite sure which trail we were on, I know we started and ended at the Hoyt Arboretum. It was nice to have S as our navigator, I didn't even get a map, I just surrendered to the beauty of the park.
As part of our walk, we visited the Pittock Mansion, which I don't believe is an official part of the park, but we were still able to walk right to the entrance, purchase tickets($7 a person), and tour the elegant mansion. The mansion soars about 1000 feet above the city, and the views are breathtaking.
The mansion is magnificent, both on the inside and outside, from elegant decor, to historical items,it offers a beautiful glimpse to life in Portland as it was a century ago.
I highly recommend putting Washington Park, with all its amenities, on your list of things to do when you visit Portland.
Comments (7)
What a fantastic park! The flowers are really lovely. (And the exposed roots on that tree are very cool!)
Posted by sandrac | October 8, 2009 12:02 PM
Posted on October 8, 2009 12:02
Beautiful park! It is so huge!! Love the photos. Cool tree roots.
Posted by girasoli | October 8, 2009 5:21 PM
Posted on October 8, 2009 17:21
Hi Candi, that's a really beautiful park and the views are fantastic. It is really nice and convenient to have such a great park in the middle of the city. And the mansion looks pretty cool too.
Thanks so much for sharing more on Portland with us. Have a great weekend!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | October 9, 2009 7:30 AM
Posted on October 9, 2009 07:30
Love these pic, Candi. There is something about a forest floor with lots of fern. It makes you feel like you're swimming in nature.
Posted by Deborah | October 10, 2009 8:13 AM
Posted on October 10, 2009 08:13
Lovely photos of a beautiful oasis in the city.
I've never been to Portland but hope one day to get there.
Posted by Maria I. | October 10, 2009 5:03 PM
Posted on October 10, 2009 17:03
Great hike and photos! Love the tree roots.
Posted by amy | October 11, 2009 10:43 AM
Posted on October 11, 2009 10:43
Hi Candi, Have very often wondered how you are doing. I just googled Portland on slowtrav and your post came up. I forgot you lived there. I'm planning a first time visit and am making notes from your post for things to do and see. I hope all is great. Miss seeing you on the boards.
Posted by Barb Cabot | October 30, 2010 11:49 AM
Posted on October 30, 2010 11:49