Pier Park

Park Overview

Positioned in the St. Johns neighborhood of North Portland, Pier Park spreads across 85 acres of urban wilderness. Towering evergreens create a canopy overhead that makes you forget you're still in the city. The park sits right along North Columbia Boulevard, offering the neighborhood a much-needed green retreat from the urban hustle.

As you wander through, you'll notice how the majestic old-growth trees create an almost enchanted atmosphere - the kind of place that makes you naturally lower your voice and breathe a little deeper.

Historical Background

This peaceful oasis has roots going back to 1921, when Portland officially named it after Sylvester Charles Pier (1853-1935), a former City Commissioner who oversaw parks. Before becoming the green space we enjoy today, the land was part of James Loomis' donation claim.

Interestingly, what was once a wetland area was transformed into this park during challenging economic times. Over 100 men were hired from unemployment lists to clear and prepare the land for public use.

Recreational Attractions

The disc golf course is well-known among enthusiasts. Winding through the tall trees, it's regarded as a quality course in the Pacific Northwest. With 18 holes featuring elevation changes, well-maintained tee pads, and quality baskets, it offers a genuinely challenging experience. The course design cleverly integrates with the natural landscape, and there's an unexpected benefit too - the regular presence of disc golfers helps keep the park feeling safe and vibrant.

Even on scorching summer days, the course's shady setting keeps things comfortable, but you might find it busier on weekends.

Skateboarding enthusiasts flock to the concrete skatepark, an 11,070 square foot playground first built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2001 and later revamped by Dreamland Skateparks. What makes it special is the mix of street elements and transition features, including a rare full pipe that draws skaters from across the region.

Family-Friendly Features

If you're bringing little ones along, you'll come across playgrounds with multiple swings and various climbing structures to keep them entertained. On hot days, the splash pad offers a cooling reprieve, but it might be a bit intense for toddlers - consider yourself warned!

Nature lovers can explore the shaded trails that meander through the forest. The gently rolling terrain makes walks and jogs more interesting, and you might spot some wildlife if you're quiet enough.

Tree enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity here - look for Sequoia, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Pacific Madrona, Katsura, and Big Leaf Maple specimens around the park.

Sports Facilities

Beyond the popular disc golf course, Pier Park offers plenty of options for staying active. You'll come across baseball fields, a basketball court, tennis courts that double as pickleball courts, and soccer fields scattered across the grounds. The expansive grassy areas are ideal for impromptu games of frisbee or just spreading out a blanket for a picnic.

The covered picnic areas can handle larger gatherings - though a few more benches along the walking paths wouldn't hurt (just saying!). walking paths wouldn't hurt (just saying!).

Pier Pool

Tucked away in the southwest corner sits Pier Pool, a summer-season swimming spot that's been keeping Portlanders cool since its dedication in 1940. While it's not the largest public pool in Portland, it's a refreshing addition to the park's offerings when temperatures climb.

Dog-Friendly Features

Your four-legged friends are welcome across the park as long as they're leashed. If your pup needs to run free, head over to the adjacent Chimney Park, which has an off-leash area accessible via a bridge that crosses the railroad tracks.

Open daily from 5AM to midnight, Pier Park embodies Portland's commitment to preserving green spaces within the urban landscape. It's a place where forest meets playground, offering something for just about everyone who walks its paths.