Visiting Portland’s International Rose Test Garden
One of my favorite things about having out-of-town visitors is that it helps me rediscover the magical places where I live that I’ve started to take for granted. Portland’s International Test Rose Garden may be the best example of that complaisance. It is specular, free, and right in the heart of the city. If you’re visiting Portland, the Rose Garden is a must-see, especially if you are lucky enough to come when the roses are blooming. A recent visit reminded me how much beauty there is in this unique urban garden. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Portland’s Rose Garden.
About the Rose Garden
Portland’s International Rose Test Garden is the oldest continuously-running public garden in the United States. It was founded in 1917 to preserve and test rose species considered to be in danger by the bombings happening in Europe during WWI. Situated at an impressive vantage point on the hilly west side of Portland in Washington Park, the garden offers views of both the Portland skyline and Mount Hood on a clear day.
The garden itself is a sumptuous marvel for the eye. There are over 10,000 rose bushes representing hundreds of species in every color imaginable. Besides the neat rows of dense rose blooms, roses cling to trellises and snake up light posts to create a sense of elegance and romance. Signage is kept at a minimum, although we recommend taking a minute to appreciate the whimsical names of rose species like Savoy Hotel, Sunset Celebration, and Pink Enchantment.
Today one of the garden’s main purposes is to test out new types of roses, so expect to see new and interesting flowers. It is maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Getting there
The Rose Garden is located in Portland’s Washington Park on the west side of the city. By car, take Highway 26 west until Exit 72. Then, follow the signs for Washington Park.
There are also options to reach it by transit. Since parking is limited, we recommend using these options if you can:
Take the 63 bus, which stops right at the garden.
Take the MAX light rail red or blue line to the Oregon Zoo stop and then take the free Washington Park shuttle to the garden. The shuttle operates year-round, although the schedule varies seasonally. Stops are most frequent during summer.
It is also possible to walk to the Rose Garden from downtown. It would be about a 2-mile walk.
Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Parking and cost
Admission to the Rose Garden is free!
There are parking lots and streets next to the garden with metered parking. It is $2/hour or $8/day. Parking is limited and fills up quickly during popular times, so consider the transit options above if possible. Most of the streets outside of the garden are for residential parking only and require a permit, so will not be good parking options.
When to visit
The garden is lovely year-round, but it is definitely at its best when the roses are blooming. Generally, the roses will bloom from May-October with peak bloom around late June. The weather is usually quite good in Portland around this time of year, with lots of warm, long, and sunny days.
It won’t be surprising then that this season is also the most popular and draws the biggest crowds. Weekends will be busier, although weekdays during peak season are still quite well attended. The best time to visit to have the garden (mostly) to yourself is early morning. Taking pictures will also be easiest at this time to avoid cropping out other visitors.
The Rose Garden is open from 5 AM - 10 PM every day.
What to expect when visiting
The Portland Rose Garden is a good visit for anyone who likes flowers. The main promenade is wheelchair accessible by means a sidewalk with a gentle slope.
It is family-friendly and fun with kids. Make sure to check out the playground down the street from the garden while you’re there.
Dogs are allowed, but be aware that a lot of care and attention goes into maintaining the roses, so it’s best to stick to the sidewalks and walking paths with them.
There are public restrooms available.
A snack cart is open seasonally for light fare. It’s a good place to pick up a treat but go elsewhere for lunch. They don’t have full meals.
There are picnic tables close to the garden. Alternatively, on the north side of the garden, a terraced grassy outdoor amphitheater also makes for a good picnic spot.
The gift shop is worth a visit. You’ll smell rose petals as soon as you walk in the door. Look for rose-related items like rose tea, rose lemonade, and rose candles. If something can be made pink and rose-themed, you can probably find it at the shop.
Where to see the roses
There are a few different areas within the garden we recommend checking out during your visit. They are all pretty close together and it’s easy to pass between them without realizing it. If you make a full tour of the garden, you will hit them all. There is a detailed map of the garden in the main pavilion to help orient you.
Royal Rosarian Garden - The roses here are the namesake roses of past prime ministers of the Portland Rosarians, a civic group founded in 1912 whose members serve as goodwill ambassadors for the city of Portland.
Shakespeare Garden - Originally, this garden contained only plants mentioned in the plays of William Shakespeare. Today things are not quite as strict and its plantings have expanded to include roses with Shakespearean names. Tucked away in a secluded corner of the Rose Garden, it is easy to imagine someone reciting a sonnet or two here.
Gold Medal Garden - Past winners of the best new rose variety award are planted here.
Miniature Rose Garden - This garden serves as a testing ground for new varieties of miniature roses and contains past prize winners as well.
Other things to do in Washington Park
The Portland Rose Garden is part of Washington Park, which is full of things to see nearby. The Washington Park shuttle stops at its attractions.
Check out these other free things to do:
Large playground just down the street from the Rose Garden.
Hoyt Arboretum - a museum of living trees with miles of picturesque walking paths.
Memorials, statues, and public art, including the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and Oregon Holocaust Memorial.
There are also activities in the park that have paid admission:
Portland Japanese Garden - a large garden that displays eight styles of Japanese gardens as well as containing exhibits on culture and art. The Japanese Garden shares a parking area with the Rose Garden and makes for an easy visit while you’re there.
Oregon Zoo
World Forestry Center
Where else in Portland to see roses
All the blooms in the City of Roses cannot be contained by a single garden, no matter how impressive. You can also find good displays at Peninsular Park and Ladd’s Addition. Both of these gardens are free to visit.
Enjoy the roses!
With love,
Emma
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