Resembling a community garden you would find in Suzhou, Portland's sister city, Lan Su Chinese Garden is a beautiful green space near the bank of the Willamette River. The garden is complete with winding pathways, gorgeous plants, a lovely tea-house and a gift store. You can take a tour to get insider knowledge of the garden and try to come during one of their many interesting events, including exhibitions and lectures. This place is a must-visit for its unique beauty. You can even hire this garden for private events such as weddings and receptions.
A little more than 71 acres, this park is nearly always empty, and provides a peaceful environment. The area is undeveloped and protected for preservation. Close to Interstate 5, the park is also central to the city. The nature park is named for Phillip A. Marquam, and it was the last link to be added to the Westside's 40-mile Loop. The trail system runs from Sellwood to St. Johns and provides hikers with a wonderful tour of Portland's natural sights.
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1965 to primarily provide a vital habitat for wintering waterfowl and is now a sanctuary of sorts. A visit to the refuge can be both, on foot and by a vehicle. The 'Drive the Auto Tour Route' is a 4.2 mile loop through parts of the refuge, while the 'Kiwa Trail' is a 1.2 mile foot trail that's also wheelchair accessible; the CAR unit is open year round. There's also an 'observation blind'(a camouflaged lookout) to view wildlife and bird life, and cameras and binoculars are allowed. In specific seasons waterfowl hunting and fishing is also permitted.
Spanning across 79 acres (31.97 hectares), Cook Park is the largest of its kind in Tigard. This community park is nestled along the banks of the winding Tualatin River. It features waterways, wooded zones, wetlands, picnic spots, athletic fields, basketball and volleyball courts, restrooms, BBQ grills, trails, a butterfly garden, playground and a natural area. While boating or fishing, get a glimpse of aquatic animals and birds. Explore this riverfront parkland through its trails or enjoy your favorite game. Have fun picnicking with friends and family in the shelters. No matter what the reason be, you can be sure of a lovely time at this scenic park.
Nestled in the heart of Stafford, this ancient island boasts a striking interplay of history and nature. An erstwhile quarry site, the island is now an expansive wooded territory cradling a melange of natural marvels in its depths. Situated in the Colombian River, Government Island was first discovered by British explorers in 1792 and later, during the famed Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. The island was acquired by the United States in order to grow hay in 1850. Most notably, the island features the Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge with Interstate 205 passing over the land mass. At Government Island, trails weave through dense forests, whereas its sandy recesses are an idyllic camping site. The island harbors a menagerie of birds, mammals and vegetation, and is a site shrouded in equal parts natural heritage and history.
Head up to Cooper Mountain to experience tranquil hospitality in an early 20th century country estate. This 68 acre property is the perfect venue for corporate meetings or other social events. You don’t have to be a nature lover to enjoy the self-guided walking tours within the estate grounds that offer spectacular views of the Garden, the valley and the surrounding mountainside. You can literally stop and smell the roses at acres of garden surrounding the estate. The gates to both the flower and herb garden are open Monday-Friday 6a to 4p. Admission is free. To rent the property, schedule an appointment for facility tours.