FAQs
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Attractions & Amenities
Getting Here
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TriMet’s MAX Blue and Red Lines stop at the Washington Park MAX Station, just steps from the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center entrances. Trains arrive every 8-9 minutes. TriMet bus Line 63 runs from Pioneer Courthouse Square directly to the International Rose Test Garden and Portland Japanese Garden, on the hour, daily. TriMet bus Lines 20 and 15 also stop at the north end of the Park.
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About 10 minutes from downtown Portland. From Beaverton, it's roughly 15 minutes from the Beaverton Transit Center. From the east side, about 20-25 minutes from the Hollywood Transit Center.
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At 260 feet below ground, it's the deepest transit station in North America—and the only underground station in the entire MAX system. Kids love the elevator ride up; many consider it part of the zoo experience.
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If you'd like to drive part of the way to Washington Park, the Sunset Transit Center has 630 free parking spaces and is just one MAX stop from Washington Park Station. It's a great option on busy days when Park parking fills up.
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TriMet Line 63 runs hourly from Pioneer Courthouse Square directly to the International Rose Test Garden and Portland Japanese Garden. You can also take the MAX to Washington Park Station and hop on the Washington Park Free Shuttle to the gardens. If you don't mind a short walk, Lines 15 and 20 stop at NW 23rd & Burnside, about a mile from the gardens.
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Take TriMet's MAX Red or Blue Line to Washington Park Station, then hop on the Washington Park Free Shuttle to Hoyt Arboretum's Visitor Center. Or, walk from the MAX station: it's a half-mile along the Overlook Trail. You can also walk from Portland Japanese Garden or the International Rose Test Garden via the Garden Connector Trail and Wildwood Trail.
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Yes, though the terrain in the Park can be steep in places, especially along SW Kingston Dr. and SW Fairview Blvd. Expect to share the road with vehicles. Bike parking is available at all major attractions. There are two BIKETOWN bikeshare stations in the Park near the Oregon Holocaust Memorial and the International Rose Test Garden.
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Yes. There are six designated drop-off and pick-up locations throughout the Park: Oregon Zoo, Archery Range, World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum, Rose Garden/Japanese Garden, and Vietnam Memorial. You'll be prompted to select your destination when requesting your Uber or Lyft.
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Take exit 72 from Hwy. 26 to Zoo/Forestry Center and follow the Park signs. Keep in mind that parking is limited, especially on busy days. Leave your valuables at home—car prowls can occur. Lock up and take your bags, electronics, and keys with you.
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Please don't. Temperatures rise fast, even with windows down, and it can be dangerous or deadly for your pet. If Park staff notice dogs alone in vehicles, Park rangers and Multnomah County Animal Services are notified, which can result in citations for pet owners. Dogs are welcome on leash on all Washington Park trails, but are not permitted at the Oregon Zoo, Discovery Museum, Portland Japanese Garden.
Parking
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Parking is pay-by-plate and rates may vary during special events. See current parking rates at /hours-fees.
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Washington Park uses a pay-by-plate system. Note your license plate number, then pay at a nearby pay station using coins, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. You can also pay using the ParkingKitty app, the mobile website, or by calling (503) 278-5748.
Questions? Call the Parking Meter Help Desk at (503) 823-2538.
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Yes, as long as you park in the same zone. If you move to a different parking zone, you'll need to pay again.
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Parking Enforcement Officers use license plate info to verify payment, so if it doesn’t match, you could get a citation. Double-check your plate before starting your session—once it's started, it can't be changed. If you entered the wrong plate, start a new session with the correct plate right away. Call the Parking Meter Help Desk at (503) 823-2538 if you need help.
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You can appeal by following the instructions on the back of the ticket (option 2 or 3). Include a copy of your receipt as proof of payment and explain what happened.
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Have your credit card and receipt ready, then call (503) 823-2538 or email parks-parking@portlandoregon.gov.
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Reserved parking is not available in Washington Park. Visitors can purchase one-day parking permits online, but these don't reserve specific spaces. Permits don't expire until used and are non-refundable. Order permits online.
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RV parking is available in Lot A or in gravel pullouts along SW Kingston when space is available. Maximum vehicle length in Lot A is 26 feet. No RVs are allowed in Lots B or C. You can download a printable park map here.
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Government vehicles are not required to pay to park. Persons displaying a disabled placard must pay to park.
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When the main parking lots (A, B, and C) are nearly full, an Offsite Parking lot opens one exit west of the Park (at Hwy. 26 Exit 71B). Look for signage when you enter the Park. On the busiest days, Offsite Parking may open at the first ticket time for the Oregon Zoo.
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Yellow school buses shuttle guests between Offsite Parking and the Park as frequently as needed. They'll keep cycling as long as guests are ready to board. Buses drop off at the loading zone at the Washington Park MAX Station (TriMet Plaza) near the World Forestry Center. At least one bus on every run is wheelchair accessible.
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The last bus departs a half-hour after the Oregon Zoo closes. The last departure time is posted at the loading zone daily.
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Service animals only (no pets)
Stops at designated loading zones only
No smoking or alcohol on the bus
Strollers and wagons must be folded and stored in the front rows
Please dispose of trash in receptacles; don't leave it in the parking lots
Don't park in areas marked "tenants only" or "no offsite parking";vehicles may be towed
Getting Around
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Yes! The Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop runs daily and stops at every major attraction in the Park. It's free, open to everyone, and all shuttles are wheelchair accessible. No ticket or pass needed—just look for a blue shuttle sign and hop on.
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The Free Shuttle runs daily, with seasonal hours. The shuttle typically arrives every 15-30 minutes. See the current shuttle schedule and track it in real time here.
The Free Shuttle does not run on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. During inclement weather, shuttle service may be canceled. If Park construction causes road closures, the route may temporarily change. check the Construction & Closures page for updates.
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The Free Shuttle stops at:
Washington Park MAX Light Rail Station (also serves Oregon Zoo & World Forestry Center)
Kingston/Tichner
If you're arriving by TriMet MAX, catch the Free Shuttle on the plaza level of the Washington Park MAX Station. If you're taking TriMet Line 63, you can board at the International Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden stop.
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Only service animals are allowed on the Washington Park Free Shuttle.
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Yes. All Washington Park Free Shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
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Phone: (503) 319-0999
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Yes, Washington Park has over 15 miles of trails. A few popular entry routes on foot: the Stearns Canyon Trail enters from W Burnside (near TriMet Lines 15 and 20) and is closed to cars, so it's a peaceful walk or bike through the trees. The Madison Street Trail from Goose Hollow (or from the MAX stop there) offers a gentle, tree-lined climb to the Reservoir, where you can continue toward the Rose Garden.
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Not anymore. The Oregon Zoo & Washington Park railroad stations and rail line closed in 2013. Today, there is a half-mile train route that stays on zoo grounds.
Park Rules & Conduct
For the continued enjoyment of all visitors, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked Washington Park rules. City Code Title 20 prohibits the following conduct in Washington Park. Please note the most up-to-date and comprehensive rule list is available from the City’s website here. Persons violating park rules or any rule in City Code Title 20 may be warned, cited, or excluded by Portland Police or Park Rangers.
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Yes. Dogs are welcome throughout the Park, but they must be on leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Note that pets are not permitted at the Oregon Zoo, Discovery Museum, or Portland Japanese Garden.
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No. Drone use is not allowed.
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No. All Portland parks are smoke, vape, and tobacco-free.
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Alcohol is not permitted in the Park unless it's part of a permitted event.
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No. Camping is not permitted at any time, including placing structures like tents. Please don't attach items to trees, including signs and hammocks.
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No. Picking roses, flowers, or any other plants is prohibited. Portland Parks & Recreation may issue permits for certain types of foraging.
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Gas or coal-fired grills require a permit from Portland Parks & Recreation. Call (503) 823-7529.
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The Park-wide speed limit is 20 mph, except where posted otherwise. Traffic laws are enforced by Portland Police.
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The parkwide speed limit is 20 mph, except when posted otherwise. Traffic laws are enforced by Portland Police.
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Bikes are allowed on roadways only—biking on soft-surface trails is not allowed. When biking, follow all traffic laws, ride in the same direction as cars, stay as far right as safely possible, and use hand signals when turning. Expect to share the road with vehicles in many areas. See bike routes and tips for a smooth ride here.
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Persons violating Park rules or any rule in City Code Title 20 may be warned, cited, or removed from the Park by Portland Police or Park Rangers. See the full Park Rules.
Permits & Events
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Yes. Permits are required for events like weddings, commercial photography or filming, and commercial activities like private classes or tours. Permits are issued by Portland Parks & Recreation at (503) 823-7529.
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Yes. Permits are required for vending of any kind in Washington Park. Contact Portland Parks & Recreation at (503) 823-7529.
Park Rangers
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Park Rangers work daily in Washington Park, with extended hours during peak season.
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No. Park Rangers are Portland Parks & Recreation employees who serve as goodwill ambassadors. They enforce Park rules, help protect natural and cultural resources, and work with the Portland Police Bureau on issues beyond their authority, but they are not law enforcement.
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Phone: (503) 823-1637
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Call 911. For any urgent situation—crime in progress, medical emergency, fire, or immediate danger—call 911 directly. Park Rangers can also call first responders if needed, but don't wait for a Ranger in a true emergency.
Visitor Services
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Phone: (503) 319-0999
Email: info@explorewashingtonpark.org
Address: 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221
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Booths are staffed seasonally. See Visitor Services hours here.
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Check the Construction & Closures page for updates that may affect your visit or the Free Shuttle route.
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Browse the Events Calendar or visit our blog for event highlights, itinerary ideas, trail tips, and more.
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There are plenty of free things to do: trails, Hoyt Arboretum, the Rose Garden, the Archery Range, Children’s Park, Picnic Tables, Holocaust Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Tennis Courts are all free.
Several income-based discount programs are also available for the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and World Forestry Center.
See budget-friendly options and check if you qualify for discounted admission here.
Archery Range
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Yes. The Archery Range is free and open for drop-in use. Bring your own equipment; no rentals are available on site. Crossbows are not permitted. The range is managed by Portland Parks & Recreation.
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Yes. You can pay to park in the gravel lot at the entrance to the range.
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No. The Archery Range is first come, first served.
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Archers Afield rents equipment near the Park.
11945 SW Pacific Hwy #121, Tigard, OR 97223
Hoyt Arboretum
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The Arboretum is part of Portland Parks & Recreation. Most Portland parks, including Hoyt Arboretum, are open daily from 5am to 10pm. Find the current Visitor Center hours at hoytarboretum.org.
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Trail access is completely free. Some events on the Hoyt Arboretum calendar are free, and others have a fee.
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Yes. Free public tours run regularly from spring through fall. See the Hoyt Arboretum events calendar.
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Yes. Four outdoor spaces and one indoor meeting room are available for groups up to 100 people—great for weddings, picnics, retreats, and more. Contact Portland Parks & Recreation: CSCPermits@portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-2525.
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Membership includes perks like member-only tours with the Curator, a quarterly print newsletter, gift shop discounts, and reciprocal benefits at 320+ gardens and arboreta across North America. See membership levels and pricing at hoytarboretum.org.
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International Rose Test Garden
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Yes. The International Rose Test Garden is free and open to the public.
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Roses typically begin blooming around mid-May and reach peak bloom in late May through early June. Camellias and rhododendrons are also in bloom during this time. Roses are usually pruned in October.
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Visit the Friends of the International Rose Test Garden website, send them a message, and fill out the required forms.
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Email: waparkroses@gmail.com
Website: waparkrosefriends.org
Oregon Zoo
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See Oregon Zoo hours here. You can also check today's hours at oregonzoo.org.
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See current Oregon Zoo admission prices here. The Zoo also offers discounted admission for Oregon and Washington residents who qualify for certain income assistance programs.
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Sunny weekends, school holidays, and big seasonal events like ZooLights and BrewLights. Buying tickets in advance is strongly recommended.
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Take TriMet. The MAX Blue and Red Lines stop right at the Washington Park MAX Station, just steps from the Zoo entrance. If you're coming from the west side, the Sunset Transit Center Park & Ride has 630 free parking spaces and is just one MAX stop away.
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Yes. Parking is pay-by-plate. See current parking rates here. On busy days, you may be directed to Offsite Parking, where a free bus takes you to the Zoo.
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Usually yes, but both may close seasonally. Call the Zoo at (503) 226-1561 to confirm if these are priorities for your visit.
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Yes. Rentals are first come, first served. See current rental prices here. Call (503) 525-4220 for rental questions.
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Keeper Talks happen daily during normal Zoo hours. Check the Zoo's Keeper Talks and Animal Activities page for the current schedule, including animal feedings and encounters.
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Yes. The Zoo has event spaces and a catering staff for meetings, fundraisers, picnics, and parties. Visit the Oregon Zoo's Private Events page for details.
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Portland Japanese Garden
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See Portland Japanese Garden hours here. You can also find the latest hours on japanesegarden.org.
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See current Portland Japanese Garden admission prices here. The Garden participates in the Arts for All program, offering discounted admission for visitors with an Oregon Trail (EBT) card. Learn more at japanesegarden.org.
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Take public transit. Ride the MAX Blue or Red Line to Washington Park Station, then hop on the Washington Park Free Shuttle to the Garden. You can also take TriMet Line 63 directly to Portland Japanese Garden from downtown. If you prefer to walk, you can hike up from the MAX station or from NW 23rd & Burnside, where TriMet bus Line 20 stops—just be ready for a bit of a climb.
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Sunny days in the summer and spring are often the busiest, especially when cherry blossoms are in peak bloom. Fall is also a popular time to visit the Garden, when fall colors are at their finest. Purchase tickets up to 10 days in advance online.
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Reservations aren't required but are highly recommended on busy days. Garden admission is required to visit the Umami Cafe. No reservation? Hot tea to-go is available so you can stroll through the Garden with something warm in hand.
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Yes. Memberships last 12 months and are tax deductible. Several levels are available, including the Moon Bridge Membership for Oregon and southwest Washington families receiving qualifying public assistance (WIC, SNAP, TANF, housing assistance, or CHIP/Medicaid). See membership options and pricing at japanesegarden.org.
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Phone: (503) 223-1321
Rose Garden Children’s Park
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Yes, the playground itself is free. Parking is pay-by-plate. See current parking rates here.
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The Children’s Park includes a playground with accessible slides, swings, a climbing area, and a sandbox. A covered picnic shelter and public restrooms are nearby.
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South of Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden, off SW Sherwood Blvd. See and download a digital map here.
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Yes. The adjacent Elephant House shelter is available for picnic and event reservations through Portland Parks & Recreation. Call (503) 823-2525.
Tennis Courts
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Yes. The courts are free and open to the public. See Tennis Court hours here.
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Generally yes. Courts are occasionally reserved in spring and early summer for youth programs. To inquire about reserving a court, visit Portland Parks and Recreation's Athletic Field Permitting page or call (503) 823-2525.
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No, tennis is the only activity permitted on Washington Park courts.
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Email: PKTennis@PortlandOregon.gov
Phone: (503) 823-3190
World Forestry Center
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See World Forestry Center hours here. You can also find the latest hours on worldforestry.org.
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See current World Forestry Center admission prices here. Veterans and active duty military receive free admission.
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Yes. Multiple banquet and conference rooms are available.
Phone: (503) 488-2101
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Memberships cover up to two adults and four kids and include museum admission, a Forest Store discount, early registration for programming, a newsletter, and monthly reciprocal access to select attractions. See membership pricing and sign up at worldforestry.org.
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Year-round events include Art Exhibits, Forest Pub, Forest Storytime, Free Days, and Forest Crafts. Check their event calendar.
