This is all that is left of Portland's once-grand trolley system. It still runs smoothly, and views from the open glass-free windows are great. You almost slip back to a time when the rails were the only way to get around. It is a nice break from traffic and the best way to get intimate with the Willamette River without jumping in. The round trip cost a little bit, however the prices for adults, senior citizens and children are different. You can ride the rails Saturdays and Sundays from April through May.
Just outside the city, this 12,000-acre (4856 hectares) sanctuary offers an example of the diversity of the Pacific Northwest. Operated by the Fish and Wildlife Department, the island has pathways that are ideal for bicycling. There are more than 250 species of birds in the wetland area. If you are here in the spring, you can even pick your own berries. Do not be afraid to eat a few, there are plenty for you and the birds, too. In addition to birds, the wilderness is home to several species of mammals and reptiles.
This park, located in the middle of a North Portland neighborhood, is a great place to have your cookout, picnic or nap. Some weekends, it tends to fill up with families and large gatherings, but most days, it is rather sleepy. Not a lot of people know about it. Nevertheless, the old-growth trees, green grass and quiet location make it another great Rose City park. You will find baseball and football fields, tennis courts and cookout facilities.
If you're walking through historic Irvington, looking at the magnificent old homes, you might easily stumble onto this park. Tucked back along an old hedge and sidewalk off Northeast Eighth Avenue, the park is a giant, open space with rolling, grassy hills. In the middle of a nostalgic part of town, the park is perfect for pitching a blanket or watching a ballgame. It has fields, basketball and tennis courts, and winding paths throughout. It's usually a very peaceful place.
This park is not only home to Bull Run, the city's 50-million-gallon underground reservoir. Powell Butte Nature Park is also one of Portland's best nature reserves. A nine-mile trail for hikers, bikers and horses meanders through the park. A half-mile paved path is excellent for shorter nature walks. The Springwater Corridor, where you will find birds of prey, coyotes, raccoons, deer and grey foxes, borders the southern edge of this nature area.
Located near Oaks Park, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and downtown Sellwood, Sellwood Park was built on the old City View Race Track and acquired by the city in 1909. History looms here along the misty river bank, but this family park also has all the facilities of the modern age: nine picnic areas, a kitchen, basketball and tennis courts, football and baseball fields, a playground, horseshoe pit, pool and clean restrooms. This is a memorable way to spend the day. No fees to use the park.