20 Things To Do OUTDOORS In and Around Portland This Spring

The Family Friendly Version

Although it may not feel like it, it’s finally spring in Portland. Despite the unseasonably cold temperatures that continue to drag on and the weather that can’t seem to make up it’s mind (hail/rain/sun/repeat), the promise of warmer days ahead and flowers galore has myself and many fellow Portlanders itching to get outside. If you’re searching for ideas to keep the family busy this spring, I have you covered for a few weekends. Check out the list below of 20 things to do in the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington.

The Portland Troll Bridge–Located at 16498 NW McNamee Rd., this old railroad trestle is home to an ever-changing display of troll dolls. Consider paying the troll toll by adding one of your own trolls to this public art display.
Cost: Free, but consider donating a troll
Visit the Belmont Goats, Portland’s nonprofit herd of 14 goats that recently moved to a new location in the University Park neighborhood (North Portland).
Cost: Free, but you can donate to support care of the goats
Hike the Lower Macleay Trail (NW Portland)–Start this hike in the parking lot on Northwest Upshur Street and 29th Avenue. The trail takes hikers up along Balch Creek into the southeastern corner of Forest Park. Little ones may want to turn around at the Stone House, or you can loop back on the Wildwood Trail.
Cost: Free
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (SE Portland)–This internationally recognized garden hosts 9.5 acres of wooded landscapes and a stunning collection of rhododendrons and companion plants. April through June has the best display of colors.
Cost: Adults & Youth $5, free for children 10 and under. Garden admission is waived on Mondays.
Leach Botanical Garden (SE Portland)–A 16-acre botanical garden with over 2,000 species of plants, the Leach Botanical Garden features a collection of northwest native plants, unique ferns and spring ephemerals. Meander through wooded hiking trails or on the aerial tree walk, and check out their website for events and walking tours.
Cost: Adults and youth $5, children under 6 are free.
Hoyt Arboretum (SW Portland)–“A museum of living tress.” Located in Washington Park, the arboretum is home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents along with 12 miles of hiking trails. Spring wildflowers include magnolias, followed by the white, pink, and red blossoms of cherry, dogwood and maple trees.
Cost: No admission fee.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area (SW Portland)–The park has eight miles of hiking trails, a paved 3-mile bicycle trail, and 3.5 miles of equestrian trails amongst the lush forest. The .3 mile barrier-free Trillium Trail is designed for people of all abilities and has paved pathways, benches and viewing decks. Tryon Creek, Oregon’s only state park within a major metro area, also hosts guided hikes and educational programs.
Cost: Free
Hike the 4T Trail (SW Portland)–“Trail, tram, trolley, train.” The 4T Trail is a great way to spend three to four hours of an afternoon exploring Portland. Start your trek with a hike from the zoo to Council Crest, stroll to the OHSU Aerial Tram to ride down to the riverfront where you’ll jump on the trolley (Portland streetcar) to take into the heart of downtown Portland, and finish by riding the MAX back to where you started. Read about our own 4T experience (we added the bus to include all modes of public transit in Portland.) NOTE: the tram does not operate Sundays and holidays.
Cost: Price of streetcar, MAX tickets and tram fare.
Camassia Natural Area (West Linn, OR)–Named for the camas flower, the Camassia Nature Preserve is a 22.5-acre natural area with over 300 plant species, five hiking trails and wildlife viewing. In the spring, volunteer naturalists are present during the weekends to assist visitors at the preserve. Wildflower viewing is best here during April & May. Hiking trails are narrow and range in length from 330 to 3,000 feet in length; ALL are rated difficult for individuals using mobility devices.
Cost: Free
Cooper Mountain Nature Park (Beaverton, OR) – Enjoy over 3 miles of family-friendly walking trails, a nature themed playground, nature classes and a demonstration garden.
Cost: Free
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve (Hillsboro, OR)–Jackson Bottom features year-round wildlife viewing from 4.5 miles of trails, wildlife viewing blinds and the deck of the 12,000-square-foot Wetlands Education Center. The Center also offers unique hands-on exhibits and tours for visitors. The trails are usually open by the end of March.
Cost: Suggested donation of $2 per person over age 10+
Tree to Tree Aerial Adventure Park (Hagg Lake, Gaston OR)–Tree to Tree, open March through November, is a playground in the trees featuring aerial ropes courses, zip lines and tree top obstacles for the whole family!
Cost: Varies, check out their website for details
Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest (Woodburn, OR)–40 acres of colorful tulip varieties brighten the fields of Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm each spring from March to May. The 2023 tulip festival, which features onsite food, children’s activities, tours, market, wine tasting and more, runs from March 24 to April 30 this year. Tulips are opening slowly in 2023; according to their website it’s the slowest season they’ve ever experienced in 40 years!
Cost: Individual tickets are $20 each and all children under 12 are free accompanied by a ticketed adult. All tickets must be purchased online in 2023 and will not be available at the gate.
Schreiner’s Iris Gardens (Salem, OR) – Explore ten acres of colorful and unique irises blooming in the display gardens here during the month of May. Due to the cold Oregon weather the irises are also delayed opening in 2023, but the Iris Display Gardens and Gift Shop are now scheduled to be open daily May 12th to May 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Don’t forget to grab some potted or fresh cut irises to take home with you.
Cost: $5 per person, children under age 12 are free. Tickets will be available online in April.
Spring is the BEST time to chase waterfalls, as the rain and melting snow causes many of them to rage at full force! If you’re looking for easy and short family friendly hikes in the Columbia River Gorge without the Multnomah Falls sized crowds, consider visiting Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and Horsetail Falls.
Cost: Free
Stroll along the Waterfront Renaissance Trail (Vancouver, WA)–This five-mile paved trail is perfect for walking, jogging, biking or rollerblading. It connects two of Vancouver’s major parks, Wintler Park and Esther Short, the oldest public square in the state of Washington). The trail passes by shops, restaurants, and plenty of spots to stop and picnic. With awesome views of Mt. Hood and the two major bridges spanning the Columbia River, the Renaissance Trail is labeled a “stunner.”
Cost: Free
Burnt Bridge Creek Trail (Vancouver, WA)–A scenic multi-use and paved trail extending more than eight miles, following the creek through meadows, wetlands, forests, neighborhoods and two parks. The mostly flat trail starts (or ends) at Stewart’s Glen in the Fruit Valley neighborhood and ends (or begins) at NE 97^th Ave. Another trailhead is available near the route’s midpoint at Leverich Park’s northern parking lot. Sections of this greenway trail can be completed separately or as one long hike.
Cost: Free
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Ridgefield, WA)– Explore over 5,000 acres of marshes, grasslands and woodlands that’s home to over 100 species of birds, waterfowl and fish. Two trails and a loop road provide public access to the refuge. Spring is one of the best times to view migrating birds.
Cost: $3 entrance fee
Whipple Creek Regional Park (Ridgefield, WA)–Described as “a deep forest experience without the drive,” Whipple Creek Park is a 300-acre oasis just north of Vancouver. Walk amongst the firs and the ferns on over four miles of mixed-use short trails.
Cost: Free
Cedar Creek Grist Mill (Woodland, WA)–The historic water-powered, grain grinding grist mill was built in 1876, and registered as a national historical place in 1961. Today the mill is a working museum that produces cider, flour and cornmeal for visitors to sample. There’s also a covered bridge that spans the creek below the mill. Be sure to check out their website for museum hours and tour information.
Cost: Free but donations are always appreciated!