Unwind in Washington Park after a Day of Shopping on NW 23rd

Featuring bustling boutiques, vintage vendors, and some incredible eateries, Portland’s NW 23rd shopping scene is a popular destination for shoppers. You can find everything from delicious Ramen and Mexican restaurants to uniquely Portland home goods and vintage clothing shops. NW 23rd Avenue is a wonderful place to shop, grab a meal, enjoy some coffee, and experience a vibrant slice of life in Portland, Oregon.

Despite the incredible energy of NW 23rd, shopping can be exhausting and leave most people in need of a break. Luckily, this area of Portland offers the perfect reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the NW shopping scene: Washington Park! A peaceful stroll and unmatched natural beauty is just a short walk away from this unique shopping experience.

Easily Access Washington Park on West Burnside Street

Washington Park’s Burnside entrance is just a few blocks from the southern end of NW 23rd Avenue. To get there, head south along NW 23rd Ave to W Burnside Street, then follow the marked pedestrian trails leading into the Park. Just before the entrance, you’ll see the Loyal B. Stearns Memorial Fountain—a large granite drinking fountain honoring the former Oregon judge. As you leave the lively city blocks behind, you’ll notice the street curving and climbing into the tree-lined area. Within minutes, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature and walking toward multiple fun trailheads!

Trip Tip: Be sure to download a map from our website so you can navigate Washington Park like a pro. Our map marks all major Park destinations, paths and trails, Free Shuttle Loop stops, and even where you can find public bathrooms and picnic areas.

Stearns Canyon Strolls

1 – Stearns Canyon Road

Once you’ve entered Washington Park, you’ll have a number of great paths to explore. The most straightforward path to take is Stearns Canyon Road. On this leisurely stroll, you’ll most likely see lots of bikers and runners taking advantage of the wider paved path. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always continue walking on another trail and keep exploring!

2 – Cloud Forest Walk

Looking to gain altitude and find some breathtaking views of Portland? Cloud Forest Walk is a great way to take your stroll to the next level. Follow the trail markers on Stearns Canyon Road and look for stairs leading up the hill. As you ascend into the clouds on this primarily paved path, take a moment to look back and enjoy a magical view of the city from new heights. Both Stearns Canyon Road and Cloud Forest Walk will lead you to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, where you can loop back to Washington Park’s Burnside entrance via Stearns Canyon Road or continue exploring more of the Park.

3 – MAC Trail

Connect the dreamy Cloud Forest Walk with Wildwood Trail and Hoyt Arboretum on the MAC Trail. This is a 1.6-mile out-and-back hike that takes about 42 minutes to complete on average. Get a great view of the Washington Park Reservoir project and Reflecting Pool, walk by the International Rose Test Garden, and much more. Keep your eyes peeled for some of Washington Park’s iconic statues and fountains along the way! If you’re exploring the Park with your kids, this trail is perfect because it leads you by the Rose Garden Children’s Play Area. Generally considered an easy route, the MAC Trail is a great way to spend your day after shopping on NW 23rd Ave.

Let TriMet Do the Driving

Avoid the stress of parking and take TriMet straight to the NW 23rd shopping area. Hop on TriMet bus line 20 and choose the W Burnside and NW 24th Place bus stop. If you look across the street, you’ll notice the Burnside entrance to Washington Park! Now you can start your day with an escape through Washington Park’s north entrance trails and finish by grabbing a meal and doing some shopping on NW 23rd. Compare fare options and find out how easy it is to plan your trip with TriMet.

Endless Excitement on NW 23rd Ave

Once you discover Washington Park’s Burnside entrance, the opportunities to spend time with your friends and family are endless. Family hikes, unforgettable dates, and solo sojourns are all possibilities on the north end of the Park.

Here are some popular local businesses around Portland’s NW 23rd shopping district:

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