Occupying an entire city block near Chinatown, this walled garden was designed by landscape architects from Suzhou, Portland's sister city. Conceived of as a microcosm of the natural world, the garden offers a series of composed vistas and symbolic positionings of rock, water and vegetation. Courtyards, pavilions, gateways, bridges and walkways add structure, while a two-story tea house contributes height and focus. Naturalistic plantings indicate how studied, yet beautiful the created environment can be. The garden's official name, Lan Su Yuan, means "Garden of Awakening Orchids."

Named for the belief that Native Americans once met here in council, the park was also the location of a now-defunct amusement park in the early part of the century. Although getting to the site can be something of a challenge (you may want to consult a good city map), the pay-off is well worth it. The spot provides incredible views of the area around Portland from the city's highest point. From it, you can see Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Bachelor and Mount Rainier. Good walking trails are an added plus, and watching the sun rise or set from here is a popular pastime.

Begun in 1950, this lovely garden is planted with hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas. The seven-acre haven is a beautiful spot throughout the year but truly comes into its own in April and May, when shrubs begin to flower and fill the landscape with incredible color and delicate blooms. Crystal Springs Lake adds the sound of water to the already-relaxing environment, and visitors often come to walk, lounge or partake of the beauty.

WEST HILLS. Huge Forest Park, the country's largest urban forest located within a city, encompasses more than 5000 acres. It's filled with 40 miles of hiking and equestrian trails; runners have routes to follow as well. The park can be found on the eastern portion of the Northwest Hills and is only 10 minutes from downtown. The abundance of local flora and fauna allows you to truly appreciate the region's beauty. Very popular on weekends.

Although Pioneer Courthouse Square and Powell's Books are often referred to as Portland's "living rooms," Tom McCall Park could also be named as such. Even in bad weather, a multitude of people congregate along the riverfront, and on nice days, families, bikers, bladers and joggers all find a way to coexist peacefully. The park is also the site of many of the city's big events, including the Blues Festival, the Oregon Brewers Festival and many events associated with the Rose Festival. It was under Governor McCall's leadership that Harbor Drive was demolished and replaced by this park in the mid-1970s.