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International Rose Test Garden

Portland, Oregon

4.6/5
based on 8 reviews

Description

Added by Alex E

Photograph and explore the International Rose Test Garden, a historic rose garden, which was started during World War I to preserve the world's roses.

The International Rose Garden located in Washington Park near downtown Portland is a must stop on your visit to the Rose City. The City of Roses, as Portland is known, won't let you down. Portland is host to the largest Rose Test Garden in the U.S. The 5 acre park, with over 7,000 rose bushes, and 500 different varieties has been impressing visitors since 1917. In the middle of the first world war, Portland's Rose Society decided to start growing European Roses that may be lost in the destruction of the war. Over the years the amazing garden continued to grow into what it is today. This beautiful garden is open sunup to sundown daily. The roses bloom from April til October and the best time of year is June. This place is also famous for popping the big question, so if you are looking for that perfect spot to ask someone to marry you, then The International Rose Test Garden might be that memorable place you are looking for!

The garden is just 1.5 miles west of downtown Portland. It is just a 15 minute walk or a 5 minute cab ride. Portland is also home to a ton of breweries, which are just a short walk from the park. While in Portland, grab a jalapeno beer at Rogue Brewery, enjoy the city skyline by eating at City Grill, and watch The Portland Timbers (2015 MLS Champs) play! All of this is within walking distance of the Rose Garden.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Picnic Area
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
ADA Accessible

International Rose Test Garden Reviews

Friends were worried about bees, but its acutally not bad. Very beautiful garden, especially if you are into roses.

This is one of the nicest gardens in the US in my opinion. The best time to visit is summer!

It’s romantic and wonderful and perfect for a Valentine’s Day date! My gf and I went and had a great evening

Please do yourself the favor of visiting during June when the roses are in full bloom! Plan to use public transit or leave your car in one of the lots around Washington Park (like the zoo, Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, Pittock Mansion) use the shuttle. Use the bathroom before heading down into the garden, especially if you have young kids with you. We love to bring a picnic lunch to eat in the Shakespeare Garden (it's one of the few shady spots so don't forget your hats and sunscreen!).

I can't say much more than what you probably already expect from this place...it's a huge, stunning garden of roses. Enough said, right?

I loved the rose gardens! Not only was the view amazing but the scent of all the roses was spectacular as well. Great spot for picnics!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Portland Japanese Garden

Hoyt Arboretum

Wildwood Trail in Washington Park

Photograph Downtown Portland From Pittock Mansion

Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion

Waterfront Park