Transit Pass Program: Take TriMet to Washington Park for Free
One Park for All
With 1,800 zoo animals, 15 miles of trails, thousands of tree and rose species, and over 410 acres to explore, Washington Park is an essential place to visit for local Portlanders. It’s home to some of Portland’s most iconic destinations—the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, World Forestry Center, Hoyt Arboretum, and the International Rose Test Garden—and it can take quite a few visits to fully explore the entire Park. Spending time in Washington Park can add up – parking costs $8 for the day and transit for a family of four costs up to $16 round trip on top of buying tickets to venues. Dedicated to our mission of connecting people to the wonders of nature and all that Washington Park offers, Explore Washington Park in partnership with Oregon Metro offers free transit passes to help qualifying visitors reach Washington Park, and it’s really easy to participate! Once in the park, visitors can enjoy free amenities and take advantage of discount programs at park institutions.
”This is such an incredible opportunity for us to get out of the house and explore Washington Park!
Transit Pass Program participant
Transit Pass Program
If you live on a low income, are dependent on public transportation due to lack of access to private cars, or identify as a member of another historically underserved group, you’re eligible to receive free TriMet passes through our Transit Pass Program. If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, you can always contact us to get more information!
Getting your free transit passes couldn’t be easier:
- Visit our Program Website to submit a quick application form.
- Once reviewed, you’ll receive an email notification that passes have shipped. It takes about 10 days from filling out the form for your passes to reach your mailbox.
- Hooray! Your free Transit Passes have arrived. Now you can plan your trip to Washington Park with TriMet!
”I'm a single parent and grateful that this is available for my family, thank you!
Transit Pass Program participant
Taking TriMet to Washington Park
Visiting Washington Park couldn’t be easier thanks to TriMet public transit. TriMet’s Red and Blue MAX lines take passengers straight to Washington Park’s MAX station by the Oregon Zoo and World Forestry Center. Running daily, TriMet line 63 will take you to the International Rose Test Garden and Portland Japanese Garden. Once you’re in Washington Park, you can hop on and off the Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop to visit any Park destination you like at absolutely no cost. Plan your trip using TriMet’s trip planner and minimize your travel time. Your next big adventure is closer than you think!
Adventure Awaits
The journey truly starts when you arrive. Washington Park’s MAX station is itself a destination as the deepest transit station in North America at 260 feet below ground! Take advantage of Hoyt Arboretum’s free self-guided tours and explore thousands of species of plants. Visit the World Forestry Center’s low-cost Discovery Museum and enjoy a multitude of forest themed exhibits. Plan a picnic next to the International Rose Test Garden. Check out the Oregon Zoo and Portland Japanese Garden’s discount admission options and find out if you’re eligible. If you’re looking to make a day of it, everything in Washington Park is made completely accessible by the Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop. (The Free Shuttle has a wheelchair lift.) Submit your request for free transit passes and prepare for unlimited fun in Washington Park!
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