On a sunny day this not so hidden gem is a refuge from the bustling city although it's in the…read moremiddle of an upscale neighborhood in west Linn you can't tell it's quiet secluded and a pleasant experience to indulge in nature or read a book. I've seen lots of wildlife here from eagles to deer and much more

'Tis the season to enjoy Maddax Woods Park…read more Like many parks in West Linn, a group of volunteers aid the city with seasonal displays and activities to make each public park a little unique. At Maddox Woods that means this is the 10th year of the Lighting of Maddax Woods, a seasonal light display and a wildlife scavenger hunt for the kids. There are 36 animals (woodcuts) throughout this 7 acre park along the Willamette River to try to find during your visit. This is a natural park and nature trail that is part of the Willamette Greenway Trail and when you head up the hill and cross the bridge that trail connects you to Burnside Park. Thanks to land donations to the city by early West Linn families there is a lot of open space along the river to enjoy with your human and canine companions. This location is also a prime spot for birders to view one of the largest heron rookeries in our area, that is across the river on Goat Island. This park is pretty hidden and I only discovered it a couple of years ago when you head downhill from the West Linn Public Library. It is more of a nature preserve and walking park without a playground or other amenities. There is a handicapped accessible porta-potty near the entrance. The volunteers sell Christmas trees for $20 to help fund their activities throughout the year. They also have a monthly work party to help maintain the space. You can contact the Friends of Maddax Woods here: http://westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/friends-maddax-woods. ---- The Lighting of Maddax Woods - 4-9 pm November 16 - December 31, 2013.

Really pretty and lots of parking, walking distance of the main street, but bring bug spray!!read more

When I went to Willamette Park for the first time two days ago, I was blown away (figuratively…read morespeaking). There were plants, trees and flowers as far as the eye could see. For one thing, the trees sure were beautiful to look at. Their leaves reminded me about the beauty of the color green and how it can be cool and friendly (and they still do, as a matter of fact). Also, whenever I looked at the flowers and plants, I smiled when I took notice of how awesome they looked (and still are). As I took pictures of the nature I saw, I was then reminded of Susie Salmon in the 2009 film "The Lovely Bones" and her saying that she liked how a photo could capture a moment before it was gone. Even now, I know what she meant. And when it came to the nature in the green of the plants, the beauty in the flowers and the wonder in the trees, there was something special they all had that nature photographers are able to find. Finally, I highly recommend Willamette Park for all the nature lovers and photographers out there, and I give it five stars as well (although ten stars would be even better).

A very small but beautiful city park of Lake Oswego, this is a great place to walk your dog or take…read morea brief stroll around the neighborhood. There's plenty of parking, a patio area with picnic tables, and a small pavilion to stand outside while staying out of the weather. The park consists of a small wooded hill the parking lot is on, and a wide open field that ranges from a fence bordering River Grove Elementary, and reaching south down towards the Tualatin River. It's a peaceful quiet spot to feel in touch with nature on a nice day. Why is it only rated three stars then? Honestly, there's not a lot here. Aside from the open field, a couple of benches, and a motivational peace pole, that's it. There's no local playground or many other features that make Pilkington Park stand out from its other competitors across the city. The park doesn't even have proper bathrooms, and it feels as though the city reserved the space and started building a park, only to give up halfway with a minimalist response. While not the greatest park, it certainly is a good park, and is well worth the time to visit.

I brought my almost one year old mini Aussie to this dog park two weeks ago it was an experience. I…read morethink it's a great place for bigger dogs who are okay with rougher playing, but in my experience, it's a no go for small dogs. The area is huge and fenced, so that's a plus! The grass was mowed and there isn't anything to hide your dog from sight, but the downside for us was that meant there wasn't anywhere for our pup to hide when she was ganged up on by bigger dogs. If your dog is comfortable with that, this is a great open area for them :)

Lake Oswego is a classy lady and this park is one of the jewels in her crown. A few years ago the…read moredowntown area went through a massive renovation which included improvements to this park along with the creation of the Lake View Village retail complex. My favorite time to visit is on a Saturday morning in the summer when the Farmer's Market is open, but it is a gorgeous spot year round. You can pick up a pastry from St. Honoré Boulangerie or a latte from Peet's and enjoy it on the park benches overlooking the lake. Bliss. There are two levels. An upper plaza, complete with a fire pit, grassy area and old growth trees, next to the shops and restaurants of the village. There is a pergola, with kitchen, you can rent for private parties. This area is also used for many festivals and outdoor concerts throughout the year. The lower plaza is at lake level and has a water feature for the kids in the summer months under the wings of Fortuna (see photo). In fact, there is wonderful public art throughout Lake Oswego, with at least ten pieces in this location. Pick up an art walk map from one of the shops and take a walking tour of the city's 'gallery without walls.' Pioneer Square is Portland's living room. Millennium Plaza is Lake Oswego's great room.

It's a park... made from concrete? Definitely more of a plaza than a park. I could make all sorts…read moreof judgmental commentary about the fact that a suburb has a concrete park, but that's really beside the point. As far as an open space that allows for public use (unlike the private lake right next door) Millennium Plaza Park probably serves some good purposes. It has bathrooms, and some covered areas, and a fountain. And a whole bunch of open space. Open concrete space. The photo on the website shows a bunch of people laying on blankets on the concrete - likely to watch a movie in the park or something. Not sure how comfortable that would be. I definitely wouldn't bring my crew here to post up on the grass and play Frisbee or have a picnic or anything. But I can't say I wouldn't take advantage of a park bench and maybe the longing view of the lake that you can't swim in without permission. _________________________ Update - After reading Jen K's review, it seems I only visited 1/2 of this park. There is a grassy area! I'll have to check it out next time I am in the area!

When people think of West Linn, I suspect they imagine it is all McMansions and strip malls. But my…read morecity is actually a diverse set of neighborhoods with distinct personalities filled with parks and crisscrossed by rivers. Some sections are historic, others examples of modern luxury (gated communities and all), but there are many neighborhoods filled with modest homes. Sunset Park is nestled in that part of town. And while newer parks like Tanner Creek have installed the latest equipment and amenities and have manicured lawns, Sunset Park is just your average community park in a natural setting. This 5-acre park is filled with old growth trees so there is plenty of shade and grassy areas to bring your dog for a game of catch. The play structure is small, partially shaded, and geared toward children six and under. They've also kept some of the old fashioned slides and swings which for some reason always make me a little nervous. There is a small water feature with jets that spray water up in an arch, but isn't terribly exciting for children. There is one tennis court, but it is alongside two basketball hoops, so I'm sure there is plenty of "oops, sorry" when both are in use. All the basics are covered, but no bells or whistles.

Sunset Park is right near my home, so I'm there quite a bit walking the dog or passing through…read moretaking the kids to/from school (Sunset Primary is right next door to the park). Pros: Sunset Park is not the most beautiful park, but it's actually pretty nice with large mature trees, a medium sized play area for kids (with slides, swings, play structure, etc.) and a picnic shelter. Cons: a lot of owners will bring their dogs there (including me), but some will not pick up their dog droppings. Ew. That's just wrong, people! Clean up after your dogs!

Thank goodness for this green space! Otherwise the South Waterfront would be nothing but…read moreskyscrapers and traffic. While small, it absolutely provides some calm, a place to rest, picnic, walk your dogs, let your children play or just take in fresh air, sunshine and admire the various bushes and plants. There are plenty of benches and seating areas, a few winding paths, lots of sun and some shade. On Thursday afternoons, from Spring through Fall, the Farmer's Market sets up here with various vendors selling fruit, veggies, bread and bakery treats, beautiful flowers, crafts and hot food. Definitely a weekly stop for me! Pre-Covid times there were movies and concerts in the park, always a fabulous way to spend a summer evening. This little garden is essential for those that live and work in this area. Nature is the answer to so many things! for those with dogs, they must be kept on leash and do clean up after your pet. Bags are provided at stations and their are trash contains so absolutely no excuse! This park is for everyone to enjoy so please be responsible.

Such a neat park and so needed for this developing part of the city. Big open grassy field in the…read morecenter, surrounded by (my favorite) wooden boardwalks and tons of native plants! I admit I was just passing through and did smell urine - maybe the park could do with a public restroom and "doggie area." Nevertheless I really appreciate whoever designed this park for including so many native plants, it was a joy to walk through and identify what I could and I bet the benefit to wildlife is just immense, especially in this busy city area.

The McGloughlin Promenade is one of my favorite spots in the Portland metro area. The promenade…read moreoffers gorgeous views of Oregon City that change seasonally, and allows visitors an opportunity to learn about the city's history through signage and information kiosks. The stretch overlooking Willamette Falls near the VFW parking lot is my favorite, boasting stunning views of Willamette Falls. In addition, the pollinator garden with lavender, poppies and other colorful flowers makes my heart skip a beat in the spring and early summer months. There's no better site in town for an impromptu picnic or an afternoon stroll.

An unexpectedly cool, somewhat shady walkway along the top of the ridge overlooking the Willamette…read moreRiver and Willamette Falls. I parked on High St, and accessed the Prom from the backside (via an alley), or take the Municipal Elevator to the top and hang a right to get onto the Promenade. Walking south/west toward the Falls, you'll pass a couple of benches, little pocket parks and several overlooks, all great spots to stop and take it all in. All in all, a short but pretty enjoyable stroll with nice views.

Free state park with free parking, picnic areas, extra large unfenced dog exercise yards, and a…read morenice walking/cycling trail. Theoretically, there is also a free boat dock, but at the time of writing, a very large tree is fallen across it. Restrooms and garbage are maintained by Oregon State Parks. When I visited, it was pretty clean. The trail along the river is very pretty, although I was only able to access about a mile of it before it got too flooded to hike through. I noticed lots of poisonous plants including poison oak, snowberries, and hemlock. But also tons of moss, lichens, and ferns. In addition to the picnic tables in the picnic areas, there were also several solitary tables set out along the river. This is great for a more solitary picnic, taking a break during a long bike ride, or getting some privacy for drawing or Journaling. Overall just about as good as it gets for free.

Nice park with plenty of river access. And there isn't an entrance or day-use fee at the time of…read morethis writing, so that's a plus. They don't have any trail maps posted, however, so we weren't sure of the distance of the trails or where they went. One trail follows close to the river, and that was nice, with a mix of open sun and shaded forest. The trails were mostly flat dirt or gravel, no strenuous inclines. There's a large off-leash dog exercise area. Dogs are supposed to be on a leash in the rest of the park, but sadly most owners were just letting their dogs run the trails off-leash. They have picnic tables & a good, clean restroom facility as well.