Reservoir
Know Before You Go
- 240 SW Wright Ave, Portland, OR 97205
- Hours vary by season.
Current hours: [[reservoir_hours]] - Cost: Always free
- portland.gov/water
Visit the Construction & Closures Page for updates or closures related to events or maintenance.
The newly restored Washington Park Reservoir is a calm, open space featuring two reflecting pools, a wildlife habitat area, and public walking paths. Historic structures from the original 1894 reservoirs have been carefully preserved and integrated into the design, creating a blend of heritage and nature. This area is free to visit and offers a peaceful break between nearby gardens and trails.
The Washington Park Free Shuttle runs on a continuous hop-on, hop-off loop, providing convenient access to many key destinations in the Park, including the historic Reservoir.
Plan Your Visit
Located just east of the International Rose Test Garden, the Washington Park Reservoir is one of Portland’s most significant infrastructure and historic preservation projects. Originally built in the 1890s, the site now features a modern underground reservoir beneath new reflecting pools and public gathering spaces designed to preserve the area’s historic character while improving seismic resilience.
Here’s what to see when you visit:
Reflecting pools & cascading water feature: Start at the upper reflecting pool, where the water and surrounding landscape create a peaceful place to pause. Look for the cascading water feature and the promenades around the pool. The water you see here is recycled water; Portland’s drinking water is stored in the underground reservoir beneath the reflecting pool.
1890s history: The modern Reservoir replaced two open drinking-water reservoirs built here in 1893–94. Historic gatehouses, stonework, fencing, and other features remain throughout the site, offering glimpses into the infrastructure that served Portland for more than 100 years.
Learn how Portland gets its water: Interpretive displays explain how water travels from the Bull Run watershed to Portland and how gravity has long played a role in moving water through the city. You’ll also learn about the innovative “Thumpers”—historic hydraulic pumps that once used the force of falling water to pump water up Portland’s West Hills.
Engineering built for the future: Beneath the reflecting pool is a 12.4-million-gallon underground reservoir designed to withstand earthquakes and movement from an ancient landslide. Look for the amber markers along the hillside that show the footprint of one of the original reservoirs and learn how modern engineering was used to preserve the character of the historic site.
Olmsted View: Save time for the eastern edge of the site, where a historic view toward downtown Portland and Mount Hood has been intentionally preserved. Landscape architect John C. Olmsted identified this as a view worth protecting more than a century ago.
Fun Fact
More than 7 million pounds of rebar and 176 deep foundation pilings help support the new underground reservoir beneath the reflecting pools—all designed to withstand earthquakes and landslides while preserving the historic look of the original site.
Getting Here
Skip the parking stress and take transit. Parking fills fast on busy days and during events, and payment is required at all lots. The Washington Park Free Shuttle Loop stops at all major attractions throughout the Park, making it easy to get around without a car.
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Take the Red Line or Blue Line to Washington Park Station. Take the elevator to the station plaza on the street level. From here, board the Washington Park Free Shuttle and ride 5 stops to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial stop. The historic Reservoir is approximately 0.2 miles south of the memorial, just across SW Sacajawea Blvd.
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Take TriMet Bus 63 from downtown to the SW Rose Garden Way & Sherwood stop near the Int’l Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden. From here, walk approximately 0.4 miles to the Reservoir via the MAC Trail and SW Sherwood Blvd.
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Take TriMet Bus 20 to the W Burnside & NW 24th Pl stop. From here, use the Stearns Canyon Trail to enter the Park. This paved, car-free trail gradually climbs approximately 0.3 miles through a shady canyon toward the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. The historic Reservoir is approximately 0.2 miles south of the memorial, just across SW Sacajawea Blvd.
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Take TriMet Bus 15 to the W Burnside & NW 23rd stop. From here, cross Burnside and walk approximately 0.2 miles, where you can use the Stearns Canyon Trail to enter the Park. This paved, car-free trail gradually climbs approximately 0.3 miles through a shady canyon toward the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. The historic Reservoir is approximately 0.2 miles south of the memorial, just across SW Sacajawea Blvd.
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From the Park Place entrance, it’s a flat 0.2-mile walk to the Reservoir.
From W Burnside St, the Stearns Canyon Trail offers a shaded, forested approach that gradually climbs approximately 0.3 miles through a shady canyon toward the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. The historic Reservoir is approximately 0.2 miles south of the memorial, just across SW Sacajawea Blvd.
From within the Park, paved paths and the MAC Trail connect nearby attractions to the memorial. Follow Park wayfinding signs.
Learn more about getting here on foot or see a digital map of the park.
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From downtown or Goose Hollow: Pedal up SW Park Pl into the Park’s internal road network. From here, follow S Lewis and Clark Cir and SW Sherwood Blvd to reach the Reservoir.
From Northwest Portland: Enter at W Burnside & NW 24th Pl and follow the car-free Stearns Rd uphill for 0.3 miles to reach the Park’s internal road network. Follow SW Stearns Dr and SW Sherwood Blvd to reach the Reservoir. TBD
Learn more about getting here by bike or see a digital map of the park.
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Paid street parking is available along SW Sherwood Blvd. Note your license plate when paying, and lock your car before exploring.
Transit Tip
The Reservoir is one of the easiest places in Washington Park to combine transit and walking. It’s just a 0.4-mile walk from the TriMet Bus Line 20 stop on W Burnside & 24th Pl.
Getting Around
Pair your visit with another nearby attraction using the Washington Park Free Shuttle for a car-free day in the Park.
The Free Shuttle Loop connects every major attraction on a continuous free loop. Hop on and hop off using this free service to explore multiple destinations, including the Reservoir, in one visit—without the hassle of parking or navigation.
Accessibility
The Washington Park Reservoir site includes paved walking paths around the upper reflecting pool that are designed to be flat and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with entry via an ADA-accessible route off SW Sherwood Boulevard where accessible parking is located.
Although the overall reservoir site is still under construction and not yet open for full public access, the accessible entrance, gently graded promenade, seating features, drinking fountains, and nearby accessible transit and shuttle connections support improved access once open. The Washington Park Free Shuttle stops nearby, and the ADA-accessible paths connect to shuttle stops on Park roads.
Trip Tips
