Open Field
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Open [[park_hours]]
- Cost: Free, on a first come, first served basis. Reservations available for a fee.
- portland.gov/parks
Permits: portland.gov/parks/athletic-field-rental - Digital Maps Page
- 503-823-7529 (503-823-PLAY)
Visit the Construction & Closures Page for updates or closures related to events or maintenance.
The Open Field is a large, flexible green space in Washington Park, located off SW Sherwood Blvd near the Rose Garden Children’s Park. It’s free to use and generally available on a first come, first served basis. The field is maintained by Portland Parks & Recreation and may occasionally be reserved for organized activities or permitted athletics.
The Open Field is accessible via the MAC Trail from the Int’l Rose Test Garden and Portland Japanese Garden stop.
Plan Your Visit
Most visitors can simply show up and enjoy the space—no reservation needed. For organized practice, games, or structured group use, a permit is required for a fee through Portland Parks & Recreation. Current permit information is available through the City’s Athletic Field Rental ↗ process.
Fun Fact
This is one of the Park’s best and most underutilized picnic and play spaces, with room for frisbee, soccer, reading in the sun, or simply stretching out under the trees.
Getting Here
Skip the parking stress and take transit. Parking fills fast on busy days and during events, and payment is required at all lots. The Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop stops at all major attractions throughout the Park, making it easy to get around without a car.
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Take the Red Line or Blue Line to Washington Park Station. Take the elevator to the station plaza on the street level. From here, board the Washington Park Free Shuttle and ride 6 stops to the Int’l Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden stop. From here, it’s a short 0.3 mile walk to the field, located just below the Rose Garden Children's Park across SW Sherwood Blvd.
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Take TriMet Bus 63 from downtown to the SW Rose Garden Way & Sherwood stop near the International Rose Test Garden. From here, it’s a short 0.3 mile walk to the field, located just below the Rose Garden Children's Park across SW Sherwood Blvd.
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Take TriMet Bus 20 to the W Burnside & NW 24th Pl stop. From here, use the Stearns Canyon Trail to enter the park. This paved, car-free trail gradually climbs approximately 0.3 miles through a shady canyon towards the Oregon Holocaust Memorial where you can board the Washington Park Free Shuttle and ride 1 stop to the Rose Garden stop. It’s another short 0.3 mile walk to the field, located just below the Rose Garden Children's Park across SW Sherwood Blvd.
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Take TriMet Bus 15 to the W Burnside & NW 23rd stop. From here, cross Burnside and walk approximately 0.2 miles, where you can use the Stearns Canyon Trail to enter the Park. This paved, car-free trail gradually climbs approximately 0.3 miles through a shady canyon towards the Oregon Holocaust Memorial where you can board the Washington Park Free Shuttle and ride 1 stop to the Rose Garden stop. It’s another short 0.3 mile walk to the field, located just below the Rose Garden Children's Park across SW Sherwood Blvd.
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From the Free Shuttle or Bus 63 stop in the Gardens area, follow SW Rose Garden Way approximately 0.3 miles downhill to reach the Open Field.
From Hoyt Arboretum, you can reach the Open Field via the Wildwood Trail and MAC Trail.
Learn more about getting here on foot or see a digital map of the park.
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From downtown or Goose Hollow: Pedal up SW Park Pl into the Park’s internal road network. From here, ride approximately 0.8 miles along SW Sacajawea Blvd and SW Sherwood Blvd until you reach the field.
From Northwest Portland: Enter at W Burnside & NW 24th Pl and follow the car-free Stearns Canyon Trail uphill until it meets the main Park roads. Once inside the Park, follow Stearns Rd and Stearns Dr to SW Sherwood Blvd. The Open Field is located off SW Sherwood Blvd, near the Rose Garden Children’s Park.
From Sylvan-Highlands: Enter the Park on SW Fairview Blvd. From here, ride approximately 2 miles along SW Fairview Blvd and SW Kingston Ave. Kingston turns into SW Sherwood Blvd as you approach the Rose Garden Children’s Park and Open Field.
Learn more about getting here by bike or see a digital map of the park.
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Paid street parking is available along SW Sherwood Blvd. Note your license plate when paying, and lock your car before exploring. The closest designated rideshare zone is located approximately 0.3 miles uphill in the same location as the Int’l Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden Washington Park Free Shuttle stop and TriMet Bus 63 stop.
Transit Tip
Traveling with soccer gear, bikes, or picnic supplies? The front and rear MAX cars usually have the easiest access to bike and open storage areas.
Getting Around
Pair your visit with another nearby attraction using the Washington Park Free Shuttle for a car-free day in the Park.
The Free Shuttle Loop connects every major attraction on a continuous free loop. Hop on and hop off using this free service to explore multiple destinations, including the Open Field, in one visit—without the hassle of parking or navigation.
Accessibility
The field is open and flat, with multiple nearby paths maintained by Portland Parks & Recreation. Some surfaces leading into the area may vary due to natural conditions. Visitors using mobility devices may prefer paved routes when approaching the space.
Trip Tip
Bring what you need for shade or seating, especially on warm days. If you’re planning organized play, check ahead for permit requirements to ensure the space is available when you arrive.
