Washington Park Celebration & Sneak Peek
June 14, 2025
Portlanders are welcomed for a one-day first look at the newly restored Washington Park Reservoir from 10am to 4pm on Saturday. The new space includes two reflecting pools, a wildlife habitat area, public walking paths, and restored historic features. This “sneak peek” event will feature activities for families, festivities, tours, and a community outreach fair.
Fewer cars means more room to celebrate—thanks for considering a car-free trip. Follow our tips below for a smooth arrival experience.
TRIP TIP #1
Parking Will Fill by 10 AM—So Take TriMet!
For the best experience, we highly recommend arriving car-free. Taking TriMet will be the easiest, quickest way to get to the celebration.
👉 TriMet Trip Option #1: MAX + Free Shuttle Loop. Hop on the MAX Red or Blue Line and ride to Washington Park Station. From there, the Washington Park Free Shuttle takes you right to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial stop, just steps from the celebration at the Reservoir. Pro tip: Park for free at a TriMet Park & Ride like Sunset Transit Center (600+ free parking spots), then ride one stop on MAX to Washington Park Station.
👉 TriMet Trip Option #2: MAX + Trail Walk. Take the MAX to Goose Hollow and walk the Madison Street Trail into Washington Park. It’s a peaceful, 20-minute uphill walk that leads straight to the Reservoir site.
👉 TriMet Trip Option #3: Direct Bus from Downtown. Ride TriMet Line 63 from Pioneer Courthouse Square for a direct trip to the Park. Buses drop off at the Park Place Entrance and the International Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden, and they depart hourly from 10am to 6pm.
👉 TriMet Trip Option #4: Bus + Trail Walk. Catch Lines 15 or 20 to NW 23rd & Burnside, then enjoy a one-mile walk through the Park’s winding paths to the Reservoir. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
TRIP TIP #2
Catch a Ride with Uber or Lyft
Prefer a door-to-door option? Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get to the celebration without the parking hassle.
👉 Use the Primary Drop-off Zone. The main Washington Park Reservoir drop-off area will be located near the Park Place entrance, just off SW Sacajawea Blvd. It’s your closest drop-off point to the festivities and a quick stroll to the main event site.
👉 A Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle Drop-off Is Available. For guests with accessibility needs, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) drop-off zone is located along SW Sherwood Blvd., directly at the Reservoir’s accessible entrance. Just let your driver know you need the accessible entrance.
👉 Getting Home is Just as Easy. When you’re ready to head out, simply return to either drop-off location and request your ride there. Both spots will be clearly marked for pick-up after the event.
TRIP TIP #3
Take the Scenic Route—Walk In!
There’s no better way to arrive at the Reservoir celebration than on foot. Washington Park is crisscrossed with beautiful trails that lead you right into the heart of the festivities. Skip the parking crunch and enjoy a peaceful, nature-filled approach.
👉 Stearns Canyon Trail from Burnside. If you’re coming from the north, enter the Park via Stearns Canyon, just off W Burnside, near the TriMet stops for Lines 15 and 20. This shady, forested trail winds uphill past native plants, rock formations, and birdsong—leading you right to the Reservoir in about a mile.
👉 Madison Street Trail from Goose Hollow. Starting near downtown or taking the MAX to Goose Hollow? Follow SW Madison Street west until it turns into a trail entrance at the edge of the Park. The Madison Street Trail offers a gentle, green-lined climb straight to the Reservoir site. It’s a local favorite for good reason—beautiful, quiet, and direct.
Whether you’re up for a brisk urban hike or a quiet stroll through the trees, walking into Washington Park is a refreshing, low-stress way to join the celebration. Just bring comfy shoes—and maybe a friend or two!—to make the journey part of the experience.
TRIP TIP #4
Parking Is Super Limited. Drive Only If You Must.
We get it—sometimes you need to drive. Just know that on-site parking spots are few and fill fast. Whenever possible, please opt for TriMet, rideshare, or walking instead.
👉 On-Site Parking (Very Limited)
- SW Sherwood Blvd street parking (~180 spaces)
- Rose Garden lot (~25 spaces) & Tennis Courts lot (~60 spaces)
- Lewis & Clark Circle (~20 spaces)
- Washington Way (fewer than 20 spaces)
Please don’t block nearby neighborhood streets.
👉 Off-Site Overflow Lot Near the Zoo. If you do drive, consider the free offsite lot at 5319 SW Westgate Dr., served by a complimentary bus. Allow extra time for the bus ride to the Park.
👉 Park & Ride. If the offsite lot is full, the TriMet Sunset Transit Center has 600+ free spaces—just park there and hop on the MAX Red or Blue Line to Washington Park Station.