Redwood Creek: Top 25 Picnic Destinations

		WASHINGTON PARK: Romance in Bloom
		THE SETTING Washington Park is an exquisitely landscaped haven in the West Hills of well-mannered Portland, Oregon. Many special sites are located within the 130-acre park, including a zoo, hiking trails, an arboretum and several beautiful public gardens. Picnickers can spread their blankets under a tree or on a grassy patch almost anywhere in the park. Virtually every spot here affords a breathtaking view of rose bushes, lush green gardens, jade-blue waters or majestic mountains. Families and large groups might opt for one of the park's officially designated picnic areas, while courting couples can enjoy a romantic lunch for two on the grounds of Pittick Mansion, which sits 1,000 feet above sea level and commands a view of five mountains in the Cascade Range.
		WHAT TO SEE AND DO Many visitors come to Washington Park for the rows of meticulously manicured blooms grown at the International Rose Test Gardens, the oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. Situated high above the rose bushes is the not to-to-be-missed Japanese Gardens, a 5.5-acre haven that includes traditional Eastern gardens and an authentic Japanese teahouse. Another favorite in the park is the Hoyt Arboretum, home to 800 species of trees gathered from around the world. For children, the Oregon Zoo and the Children's Museum are must-sees. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the park's softball and soccer fields, basketball courts, lighted tennis courts, a playground and several hiking trails.
		HOT TIPS Before heading to the park, stop at the Portland Farmers market for fresh, locally grown produce and other goodies. Later, after a leisurely stroll around the gardens, and perhaps a visit to the arboretum, find your favorite picnic spot and settle in for a while. Oregonians are never in a hurry, so be sure to linger. If you have a large group and the tables on the main grounds are already taken, check out the picnic shelter at Hoyt Arboretum, which is 200 feet from the Visitors Center and surrounded by towering Douglas fir trees.
		PHOTO OPS The Rose Test Garden is the most photographed view of Portland. Its four acres of hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras and miniatures is, in fact, the reason why Portland was dubbed the City of Roses. Pittock Mansion, which is listed on the National Historic Register, boasts a spectacular view of the city and the mountains and rivers that surround it. Another crowd pleaser is the view to the east, which frames Mount Hood perfectly between forest, hills and river. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, near the World Forestry Center, has a photogenic curved pathway that spirals upward past the black granite alcoves that honor those who died for our country.
		LOCAL SPECIALTIES Portland chefs compare the city's micro-climate to that of France, which may explain why the markets here supply some of the freshest produce around. Fill your picnic basket with fresh-picked fresee, arugula and chervil, alder-smoked salmon and morel mushrooms, hazelnuts. Throw in some fresh berries and pears for good measure.