Elk Rock Garden is a special place reserved for quiet contemplation and a leisurely stroll. There are some stunning vista points, allowing for sweeping views of the Willamette River. Visitors will find a variety of settings in this garden, where the landscape takes different forms. There are some trails through woodland settings, a large lawn, a beautiful wisteria arbor against a stone wall that creates a grotto-like moment, and small beds tucked behind trees, next to footbridges, and scattered throughout the property. This isn't a community park, it's a residential garden opened to the public for viewing. Don't expect to picnic or play fetch with your dogs, this is a special place that has been graciously shared to inspire and entertain the community. read more

This place is great! Lots of trails, open areas to relax and beautifully manicured space. This estate/property is in a residential neighborhood, which was a little surprising. The parking area is pretty small which I found to be tricky in a minivan, but doable. We will be returning here to enjoy the relaxing space that we can explore. read more

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Took me a solid sleuthing session on Google Maps to finally find the right road for this cool little manicured oasis perched on a bluff near the Willamette river. The entrance looks like the gates to somebody's house and it sorta is, but drive through and you'll come into a proper parking lot. Just past that are narrow paths of hand-laid stone winding through various greenery and plantings, zigzagging around, up and down and around the grounds. There's a big open meadow (actually two separate 'lawns') in the middle too if you want to catch some sun. It's all very cool to stroll around in, but watch your step -- the paths can be steep or even a bit akimbo. It's a private garden that's open to the public, so be nice and tread carefully --- no dogs, no picnicking and no running. Also, be sure to leave a donation for the volunteers. read more

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A gem within the city (outside of the city). I was really lucky to get to visit in fall while all the leaves were changing. Very few people were there which made for a nice meditative walk around the property. I loved having the opportunity to read about how the land became open to public. Check out this giant leaf!! read more

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Beautiful garden that is unfortunately only open hours that most people usually work.

Following the map here felt like we couldn't be right. You exit into a neighborhood on a short drive to a dead end. There was an open gate on which the only sign we noticed indicating a garden was barely visible. You enter the property on a single lane, as it's the driveway for the former residence turned public garden. You can learn about the history of the grounds at the sign-in area at the side of the home. Entry is free, but donations are accepted. There are paths at the top of the property that zigzag a bit. Those were a bit overgrown at the time but certainly usable. There are great views of the river below as well as of Hood. Lots of lovely large trees, flowers, and plants to roam around. We had the most fun and spent the most time watching all the salamanders in the pond. Pretty grounds & interesting history. I think we spent maybe about an hour total, and we took pretty much all the paths. It's not huge but definitely worth checking out! read more

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October 2023 Came to Elk Rock garden for a sunny autumn walk . It was 11a.m. and very peaceful. I like how close it is to town . It is off the beaten path and no signage for it on Hwy. 43. I think it is meant to be a hidden oasis. It is not a state or city park. It is a "private" garden. Don't be afraid to make a right turn into it's iron gates (off of Military Rd.) and follow through to the visitors parking. Enjoy your stroll through a hidden garden. I don't recommend wheel chairs or the walking impaired. I used a walking stick for steading my balance. Enjoy! read more

Elk Rock Garden - Old growth Cedar - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This is a beautiful place to take some outstanding photos! Fred and I loved taking our model here! Even in winter the plants were beautiful!! read more

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Since they are only open on weekdays, it took us a while to be able to visit this place. And honestly, the only thing holding me back from giving them 5 stars is the lack of a public restroom. It's not a large park, but they have several short "trails," a few tiny hedge mazes, quite a variety of trees & other flora, and a wonderful view of the river from atop their bluff-side location. It's a free garden, but they do have a donation box to help support the upkeep of this lovely place. The paths vary from very easy and flat, to some short small inclines and stairs, so you have plenty of options depending on your ability level. They also have a few benches throughout the park for you to sit, enjoy the view & quiet, and ponder whatever is rattling around your brain (or distract you from whatever is rattling around your brain). They do have a few rules such as no professional photography, no pets, no picnicking and no running. We visited in the middle of Autumn and it was quite lovely, and I think it would be a very nice place to visit in any season. read more

Sometimes when you go where you're not wanted, you feel a little naughty. Other times you just feel unwanted. I'll let you decide. I'd heard about this "secret" garden years ago, but hadn't visited until yesterday as part of my "free activities" day in Lake O. When I took the Willamette Shore Trolley, we passed through a long tunnel and one of the volunteers said we were passing under the Bishop's Close. This is a private garden and also home to the Episcopal Bishop of Oregon. As part of a bequest, the family gave the home to the church and left an endowment for the care and maintenance of the garden, which is required to be left open to the public. There is no signage on Highway 43 indicating the garden is there and I think they intentionally don't broadcast this little gem. Now I will be first to tell you this isn't a "fancy" garden with tons of blooming plants (go to Crystal Springs for that). This is a large garden with rare and interesting plants from around the world that is more natural and sprawling. You won't go ooh and aah, but I thought it was a lovely place with great views of Mt. Hood and the Willamette River. Now the rules: **Dogs on leash permitted - yeah! **No bathrooms - be forewarned **No picnicing **No sunbathing or frolicking - yes it says this "This is neither a picnic area nor a playground, but rather a place to walk and contemplate." To get here take Highway 43 and turn east towards the Willamette River at the signal for SW Military Road. Take an immediate right on SW Military Lane and it is at the end of the road past some of the most beautiful homes in the area. And don't take the rules personally. read more

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Elk Rock Garden nee Bishop's Close Sssh: Secret Whispering breezes off the Willamette Fresh cedar perfumed air Undulating trails of verdant fern and moss Soft mulch paths meandering aimlessly Renewal read more

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This is a beautiful place. I really enjoyed visiting here, however, as the other reviewers indicated there are quite a few rules here. We walked down to the end of the path and took some pics. There are some spectacular views of the Willamette River here so be sure and check that out when you go in. I thought it would be a beautiful place for a wedding but there is a sign that says none of that either. :) A good place to reflect, but don't try and do anything else because it's prohibited. It's worth the trip, however, a little off the beaten path but nice scenery. read more

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Beautiful and quiet place to walk during the week (they are closed to the public Saturday and Sunday). Lovely views of the river and Hood when the skies are clear. They've done a nice job landscaping and keeping up the grounds. There's a bridge and small stream and a few benches to enjoy. read more

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It's a gem! The trees and shrubs here are showing their spring beauty. I liked how the garden is perched above the river on a higher hill. On our visit we saw a rainbow over the Willamette. read more

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Free park with astounding views over the river and some large homes. Clean, quiet, well kept, leashed pet and kid friendly. Parking available too. Very nice space. We saw a bald eagle fly over us while spending time in the garden. Something to see during all seasons. Few great photo spots especially for family photos. Happy to have visited. read more

Elk Rock Garden - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Found this garden while searching what's "nearby" on another travel app while at a local Starbucks. On a sunny day I try to stay outside as much as possible so this free hidden garden fit the bill perfectly. I recommend this to anyone looking to stretch their legs and smell the roses, or in today's case the lilacs. The trails are well maintained and the wisteria is in full bloom. There is a donation box which we didn't know would be there so next time we will be sure to donate. The neighborhood the garden resides in is so nice and the houses are more like estates not houses. The house on site was designed to resemble a Scots manor. It isn't very clear what the building is now used for. Even though this garden isn't spectacular it makes up for that with its charm and FREE price tag. We made it through in about 45 minutes but if your really into gardens and flowers you could spend plenty more time there. Stay away from the hype of the Saturday market and give this a try the next time you are in PDX. read more

Small private garden that's open to public. Donations are suggested, to help maintain the garden. There's trail to follow to go around the whole garden, nice view to the Willamette river as you reach the the south lawn. There's a big sequoia tree, and Japanese arbor vitae tree. There's benches where you can sit and just appreciate the beauty of nature or just to meditate or even read a book. Parking is small but I don't think it's a problem. No public restroom. read more

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This is a lovely garden with very mature trees and plants. It must have been created with great care and forethought. It is a great for a shady stroll. Giant old rhododendrons and beautiful trees. It is not really set up for the public and there are no maps or brochures. It would help if there was at least a good map posted or online of paths. We heard about it from a friend on the east coast. If you are a gardener you should visit. read more

One of Portland's "secret" gardens known to landscapers for its long established plantings. Usually known as the "Bishops Close". Not as tended as most. But worth a visit, it's deserted most times. But who would have known that Episcopalians would have so many rules? read more

Free!!!! Pretty gardens, pond, river views, blooming wisteria, rolling lawns, giant estate. Lots of rules. This probably isn't suited for children. No booze. Enjoy! read more

It's beautiful and peaceful, and feels like a secret garden. I went in the early afternoon of a rainy weekday, and there wasn't a soul in sight. It was just when the maple trees' leaves were falling and I got some gorgeous shots. You can't picnic there or do much else besides appreciate the beauty and meditate, which is fine by me. I mean, it's free! A true hidden gem. Can't wait to visit again in the spring when the wisteria is blooming. read more

Elk Rock Garden - Steps near entrance of Elk Rock Garden in autumn. - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Awesome hidden gem in SW Portland. Came here with our two dogs in May and really enjoyed walking around the beautiful grounds. Stone paths with manicured boxwoods, vibrant flowers, and lush plants everywhere. We liked how many of the plants are labeled so you know what they are. Also such a cool site to overlook the Willamette and Mt. Hood - we will definitely be back here in the future! read more

Really pretty, have been taking my dogs on walks here for years, but they recently banned dogs. I'm sure the garden is still beautiful, but just keep this in mind before you go. read more

Beautiful, peaceful garden. No kids running about yelling and screaming, no dogs running about barking all the time. Just quiet and peace. Dogs are allowed, just on leash. Kids are allowed as well, but on a leash. :p (just joking, they won't like it much though since you have to stay on the trails) If you have to use the toilet, well you will find it located somewhere else because they don't have one that you can use. Nice place to go and just sit on a bench and ponder. read more

As a resident of Portland I for one am so thankful it is not a "park", play field or one of those gardens packed with annual flowers. It is such a wonderful place of quiet beauty and contemplation, something we don't have much of in a busy city like Portland. The many times I have visited I have found the volunteers to be helpful and welcoming. For those who think they have a lot of rules all I can say is the garden would not be what it is if they did not have them. They have tried in the past to be more lax and people to take advantage of the garden (leaving trash etc). More than any other garden in the Portland Metro area I recommend this one. read more

We started with a nice little drive up. We started walking when it seemed to go on forever. We made it to a nice spot with salamanders swimming in a pool. At the end the visitor center had a book of all the plants!!! read more

Wow there are a lot of rules! But this is still a pretty neat place. The path winds through the woods with some peakaboo views of Mt. Hood. I like the gardens that are tiered and a little wild, and this one is precisely that. Otherwise Jen K. pretty much said it all! read more

This place is an undiscovered gem. One of the entire purposes of going to a garden is to be able to walk around and appreciate its beauty. I spent around 2 hours walking around and unlike the Rose Garden or the Japanese Garden where there were so many people, I only saw 2 other visitors and two staff members. Many other reviewers have mentioned that there are so many rules-that was not an issue at all for me. At the entrance way, they do provide maps but when I was there, only one was left. I went last June and the weather was nice but a little cool. read more