On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
Big thanks to the three people who sent pics in on Monday! Keep ’em coming.
frosty
We had a campsite just east of Portland in Troutdale, with our site backing up on the Sandy River. We went into Portland two days while we were there. On the first day we visited two sights in Washington Park. The first was the Japanese Garden, described as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.” Most of the pictures are from there – it was an amazing experience. The other was Hoyt Arboretum, a collection of more than 2,000 species of plants and trees from around the world.I don’t have pictures from there, though. The second day was a trip to Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. (I bet the Strand in New York would put up an argument though.)
Finally I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the cycling infrastructure, trails, and bike lanes all around the city. We were there for the Bike Summer Kickoff ride and we discovered it as a mile or so of cyclists pedaled past us on our way out of town.
Heavenly Falls
Strolling Pond Garden
Tea Garden
Koi in the Strolling Pond Garden
I think this was in the Natural Garden
Moss in the Natural Garden
Sand and Stone Garden
Flat Garden
Powell’s Books main entrance. The store takes up an entire city block.
Pedalpalooza!
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Ten Bears
LOL ~ I’ve been lost in Powell’s Books …
eclare
The Japanese Garden looks so peaceful and lush. Thanks!
Betty
Such an elegant garden.
Denali5
I love Japanese gardens and bookstores. Maybe I should take a trip to Portland instead of Japan.
tommyspoon
So glad you enjoyed Portland!
The Japanese Garden is one of my favorite places. I can visit any time of year, in any weather, and still enjoy its peaceful vibes.
And Powells has better coffee than Strand!
JustRuss
If you want an incredible Portland cycle experience come for Bridge Pedal in August. There’s nothing quite like flying down the middle of I-405 on the Fremont bridge on a bicycle just after sunrise.
Xavier
Old Highway US 30 through the Columbia Gorge is a fantastic bike route.
Mike Mundy
We thought that the Japanese garden was superior to some more famous gardens in Japan.
https://mikereport.blogspot.com/2019/04/japanese-garden-1.html
StringOnAStick
Portland’s Japanese Garden is so wonderful, anytime I visit Portland I go there and to Powell’s.
frosty
@StringOnAStick: I’m planning our summer trip to Banff and Washington and it turns out we’re going to be visiting Portland again. I’m sure we’ll visit the Japanese Garden once more. And our favorite cocktail bar too! (Teardrop Lounge)
Jill
Thank you for those photos and shout out for Portland, Oregon. Ive spent lots of time in the Japanese Gardens and much more in Powell’s Books. Covid was hard on Portland but its a great place to visit.
way2blue
I was working near Portland this past summer and would have carved out time to visit the Japanese Garden if I’d known… Now on my list. (Had to take out an aging, ailing Monterey Pine this year and just replaced it with a Japanese Black Pine. Gorgeous tree.)
Jill
Thank you for the lovely Portland photos. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Japanese garden and even more in Powell’s. The pandemic was hard on Portland, but it’s a great place to visit.
AlaskaReader
If you go to the garden, a couple of recommendations, make a reservation so you can partake of a guided tour, (so much to learn), and reserve a table in the Umami Cafe.
Dan B
I visited the garden the first time in winter. It was awesome. The trunks if the Maples were wrapped exquisitely in strips of burlap. The form of the gardens was very apparent. It seemed more enchanting than summer.
The Classical Chinese in the Pearl District just north of downtown is another must see. It’s a hidden refuge in a very urban location.