George Himes Park
Rate this placeNearby: Dewitt Park Burlingame Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
George Himes Park is a stunning enclave in southwest Portland, Oregon, that provides visitors with a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
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Summary
The park is located near the Willamette River and is renowned for its scenic beauty and lush greenery. The park is a popular spot for families, picnickers, hikers, and nature lovers.
One of the main reasons to visit George Himes Park is to experience its beautiful natural scenery. The park boasts a range of hiking trails, winding paths, and picnic areas, with plenty of room for visitors to spread out and take in the views. Visitors can also explore the nearby Willamette River, which offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
The park is home to a number of notable points of interest, including the George Himes Memorial and the stunning Rhododendron Garden. The George Himes Memorial is a tribute to the park's namesake, who was a prominent Oregon historian and advocate for the state's natural environment. The Rhododendron Garden, on the other hand, is a lovely spot to stroll and take in the beauty of the stunning flowers.
There are a few interesting facts about George Himes Park that visitors might not know. For example, the park was once a private estate owned by a wealthy Portland businessman. The estate was later donated to the city of Portland and transformed into the park that exists today. Additionally, the park is known for its unique microclimate, which causes the vegetation to thrive.
The best time of year to visit George Himes Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy the park's many trails and gardens, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. However, the park is open year-round and offers a serene and quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at any time of year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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