Portland is nationally known for its green spaces and urban ecology, with large forested parks, volcanic landforms, wetlands, and well-used neighborhood parks.
## Major parks - **Forest Park** — one of the largest urban forests in the United States, with extensive trails and native habitat. - **Washington Park** — major destination park containing gardens, zoo facilities, memorials, and trail connections. - **Tom McCall Waterfront Park** — prominent downtown riverfront park. - **Mount Tabor Park** — an extinct volcanic cinder cone with reservoirs, trails, and views. - **Laurelhurst Park** — historic urban park with pond and walking paths. - **Sellwood Riverfront Park** — river access and open lawns. - **Peninsula Park** — historic rose garden and neighborhood green space. - **Cathedral Park** — beneath St. Johns Bridge, known for dramatic setting.
## Nature-focused areas - **Tryon Creek State Natural Area** — a protected forest and stream corridor partly within southwest Portland. - **Powell Butte Nature Park** — open meadows, forest, trails, and views. - **Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge** — important urban wetland on the Willamette. - **Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area** — one of the largest protected wetlands within a U.S. city, in North Portland.
## Wildlife and habitat - Portland’s parks support birds, salmon-bearing waterways in parts of the region, beavers, waterfowl, and urban forest species. - Restoration of streams, wetlands, and native habitat is an ongoing priority for local agencies and nonprofits.
## Park system - **Portland Parks & Recreation** manages a broad network of neighborhood parks, natural areas, trails, playgrounds, sports facilities, and community gardens.