9 Socially Distanced, Accessible Nature Spots near Portland, OR

Being with nature is an essential part of our wellbeing. We’ve collected a list of nature spots in the Portland, OR area that help you get outdoors while maintaining a safe physical distance during the COVID-19 pandemic. All locations are accessible, with paved paths unless otherwise noted. Please check each individual page’s website for more information as openings and protocols are subject to change.

1. Portland Memory Garden

The Portland Memory Garden is one of only eight memory gardens in the country! This special place is designed for nature lovers with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders and their caregivers, filled with plants chosen to help “stimulate senses and spark past memories.” A paved circular path and several benches for seating helps make this park accessible.

SE 104th Avenue and Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97266 -Website

2. Lan Su Chinese Garden

Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s most visited tourist sites, a space for calm and serenity in the midst of downtown. This authentic Chinese garden was created in collaboration with Chinese architects from Suzhou. There is a paved route making nearly all of the garden wheelchair accessible. During COVID-19, the garden has limited, ticketed entry so that your visit will be safe and socially distanced. Please note there is a $12.95 admission fee and any caregivers or aids are included without additional cost.

239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209 - Website

3. Mt. Tabor

This beloved Portland park is built on top of a (dormant) volcano with a rich forest and city views. While it is a popular spot, this 191-acre park has plenty of room to keep a distance from other hikers. Paved roads are accessible to cars and pedestrians and can take you throughout the park. At the time of this post, Mt. Tabor is closed to vehicles, but there is a short (but steep) entrance on SE Salmon & SE 60th.

6220 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215 - Website

4. The Grotto

“A place of peace, prayer, and natural beauty,” the Grotto is a Catholic shrine and garden. This place is sacred and beautiful no matter your faith, with a 110-ft cliff and carefully tended garden. The area has a .8 mile paved path around the Stations of the Cross and large walkways through the bottom. The top garden has ticketed, limited capacity entry.

8840 NE Skidmore St, Portland, OR 97220 - Website

5. Vista House

While Vista House is closed, the parking lot is open and welcoming visitors, at the time of this writing. Normally, a parking lot wouldn’t offer much access to nature, but this one is worth the trip. Sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge, plus the beautiful drive to get there, make this trip well worth it. Once the Vista House itself is open, it has recently been made fully accessible in accordance with ADA.

40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy Corbett, OR 97019 - Website

6. Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area

On your way back from Vista House, you can swing by Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area for some sun (weather permitting-this is Portland, afterall). The picnic benches are spaced far apart and are accessible by wheelchair, though the path is unpaved.

1 Jordan Rd, Troutdale, OR 97060 - Website

7. Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area

The interlakes trail is a wide, paved path taking you through one of the country’s “largest urban wetlands.” In this unique terrain, you may find beavers, otters, osprey, bald eagles, and more! Note: Park staff are limiting visitors during COVID-19 for safety and may close the parks once capacity is reached. 

5300 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97203 - Website

8. Powell Butte Nature Park

Easily accessible from the parking lot, the Mountain View trail (1.45 mi in and out) takes you to the top on a 165-ft ascent hike to a Mountain Finder that points out several Cascade mountains and buttes. Note: Powell Butte can be crowded on a summer weekend day, so plan accordingly. There is limited tree cover so go early to beat the summer heat!

16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236 - Website

9. Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial

Inspired by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., this memorial honors Oregon veterans with a curved black granite wall listing those who died in Vietnam or are missing in action. This meditative space is not as distanced once you get up close to the memorial. It is notable that next to it is the entrance to Overlook Trail (.5 mi), a paved trail that gives views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier on a clear day.

4000 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon, 97221 - Website