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International Rose Test Garden Tours and Activities
510 Reviews

Free, outdoors, and centrally located, the International Rose Test Garden is an easy addition to your Portland vacation. Take time to smell some of the 10,000 roses representing 650 species when you stroll through the active test garden, located in Portland’s popular Washington Park.
The Basics
Originally built to make a good impression on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1905, the International Rose Test Garden has since played an important role in rose conservation, botanical science, and Portland culture—it’s the reason Portland is nicknamed the City of Roses. Stroll through the impressive 4.5-acres to see beautiful blooms, plus special exhibits such as a miniature rose test garden and a Shakespeare Garden, where the rose varieties are named for characters from the Bard’s plays. Plus, the garden has great views of Downtown Portland, East Portland, and the Willamette River.
Master Gardeners offer a free guided tour of the rose garden daily at 1pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when roses are in bloom. You can also check out the gardens on your own or as part of a Portland sightseeing tour. Be sure to check out Washington Park’s other enclaves, too, like the Japanese Garden, Portland Children’s Museum, and Oregon Zoo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is an outdoor attraction, so dress for the weather.
- This kid-friendly attraction is a hit among families.
- Dogs and other pets are welcome.
- Be sure to bring your camera to capture the blooms and the views.
- As the oldest official rose test garden in the United States, it’s a must for history-buffs, too.
How to Get There
Though you can drive to the International Rose Test Garden, parking can be tricky. Avoid the hassle by taking TriMet public transit, which connects with a free shuttle that takes you around the park upon arrival during peak season (May through September). The park also connects to a number of Portland walking trails and is bike- and skateboard-friendly.
When to Get There
Free and open to the public, the International Rose Test Garden is an easy addition to your Portland vacation. You’ll see the most blooms between April and October, with peak blooms in June.
Portland Area Sightseeing
As a popular Portland landmark, the International Rose Test Garden is included on most Portland sightseeing tours. Visit as part of a city tour that takes you to other city attractions like the Pearl District, or a tour that travels outside city limits to attractions like the Willamette Valley or Mount Hood.
Address: 850 Southwest Rose Garden Way, Portland, Oregon 97205, USA
16 Tours and Activities to Experience International Rose Test Garden
Did you know?You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.
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Did you know?
You can reserve your spot today and pay when you're ready.Learn more
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Bridge City Portland Afternoon City Tour
63
See the best Stumptown has to offer on a small-group tour of the city's top sights and attractions. Learn about local history, culture and everyday life while exploring downtown and its surrounds. Peruse the revamped Pearl District and visit Pioneer Square. Experience what makes Portland unique with stops at the International Portland Rose Garden, Pittock Mansion and Lan Su Chinese Garden. Walk away with a better appreciation for and knowledge of Oregon's largest city.
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From
US$65.00
Price varies by group size
From
US$65.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Bridge City Portland Morning City Tour
71
Explore Portland on a 3.5-hour city sightseeing tour that travels from downtown Portland to the Pearl District to Nob Hill. Take a tour of the Pittock Mansion and see Lan Su Chinese Garden, a collaboration between Portland and sister-city Suzhou, China. Stroll through the International Rose Test Garden, located in Washington Park and boasting more than 7,000 rose plants with 550 varieties represented. Learn about the history and culture of Portland, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. Your tour includes pickup and drop-off from downtown Portland hotels.
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From
US$65.00
Price varies by group size
From
US$65.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Portland Sightseeing Tour Including Columbia Gorge Waterfalls
387
Experience highlights of the Portland area on this full-day sightseeing tour, including the blossoming food cart culture, diverse neighborhoods, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the unspoiled beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Immerse yourself in a guided tour of Portland’s fascinating history and quirky contemporary culture.
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From
US$115.00
Price varies by group size
From
US$115.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Portland's Top Sights Half Day City Tour
77
See the best of the Pacific Northwest on this guided Portland city tour. Pass top attractions including the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Pittock Mansion, the International Rose Test Gardens, and Powell’s Books. Your guide will provide commentary, beverages, and snacks while you take in views of nearby Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier.
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From
US$59.00
From
US$59.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Discover Portland Half-Day Small-Group City Tour
11
On this 3.5-hour tour, you'll get a broad overview of the Central City. We'll make stops at Pittock Mansion, the International Rose Test Gardens, and the Portland Aerial Tram. At Pittock Mansion, you'll get pictures of the best views of the city, and the five stratovolcanoes that are visible on a clear day. You'll have plenty of time to smell the roses at the Rose City's most famous garden. You'll get another great view of the city riding the Aerial Tram (*PORTLAND AERIAL TRAM CURRENTLY CLOSED TO PUBLIC DUE TO COVID-19*). Your expert guide will provide background on the sites and city history, while navigating through city traffic, so you don't have to. You'll meander through all of the major neighborhoods of inner Portland on both sides of the river while gaining views of 14 of Bridgetown's 22 notable bridges. Your guide will return you to your departure location at the end of the tour. Book our Explore Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Small-Group Tour as well, and receive $10 cash back.
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From
US$70.00
From
US$70.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Forest Park Urban Hiking Tour
17
When tour guests asks us, "what one thing should I not miss in Portland," we pick the 4.5- to 5-mile (8-9 km) hike in Forest Park. No matter what the season, hiking in the park is entering another world right on the borders (and through the fabric) of the city.
We offer two daily departures, both with varied terrain and about 900 ft elevation gain. The morning hike is focused around a classic Northwest Portland experience, and ends at the International Rose Test Garden, the Forest Park Experience (9 a.m. to noon). The afternoon hike starts at Goose Hollow, weaves through the neighborhoods and up into the park, the Goose Hollow to the Forest (1 to 5 p.m.). Both pass the iconic spots; Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Witch's Castle; but take a different approach to the forest.
Being in Forest Park is to be immersed a fluid place that exists both in and out of time. In the forest—within minutes leaving the street—you can forget, or wonder at the fact that you are still in a city.
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From
US$50.00
From
US$50.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Portland Discovery Tour
On this 3.5-hour tour, you'll get a broad overview of the Central City. We'll make stops at Pittock Mansion and the International Rose Test Gardens. At Pittock Mansion, you'll get pictures of the best views of the city, and the five stratovolcanoes that are visible on a clear day. You'll have plenty of time to smell the roses at the Rose City's most famous garden. Your expert guide will provide background on the sites and city history, while navigating through city traffic, so you don't have to. You'll meander through all of the major neighborhoods of inner Portland on both sides of the river while gaining views of 14 of Bridgetown's 27 notable bridges. Your guide will return you to your departure location at the end of the tour.
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From
US$312.00
per group
US$78.00 savings
From
US$312.00
per group
US$78.00 savings
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Views and Brews, Portland Brewery Bike Tour
1
Take the MAX to the Portland Zoo and we'll meet you in Washington Park with the perfect bicycle for cruising the streets of Portland and tasting some of the best beer it has to offer! This adventure starts with an easy and exciting downhill glide from the Zoo to Portland's fabled International Rose Garden, hearing stories of its origin along the way. From there, you'll cruise down to the heart of the Pearl for some brews at Breakside Brewery and a tasty bite. Next it's across the Steel Bridge for another of Portland's finest beer at Mt.Hood Brewing Co. Continuing, we'll pedal across the elegant and beautiful Tilikum Crossing to the western waterfront. Traveling along the water you’ll be visiting Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a favorite place for runners and bikers alike. Finally you’ll be taken to a surprise last Portland gem, for a view and a fond farewell.
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From
US$117.95
From
US$117.95

Portland City Tour
1
The city of Portland is a fascinating and diverse community with many historic locations, like the Pittock mansion, the Rose Test Gardens, and Old Town China Town forming the foundation of our city. There are also many modern aspects that make Portland “one of the most interesting cities in the country.”
Take a tour of the historic sites, as well as the geographic landmarks. View the unique neighborhoods to the past, present and future of Portland, and understand why our city is so special.
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From
US$66.67
From
US$66.67

Private Portland City/Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Join us for a comprehensive introduction to the City of Portland and the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, which includes detailed visits, magnificent views and concise information of the area’s best attractions. The tour combines some of the most iconic and unique places in Portland with the natural beauty and splendor of the waterfalls, scenic vistas, and historical sites in the Columbia River Gorge. We’ll stop and enjoy The International Test Rose Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, and Vista House, Latourell and Multnomah Falls in the Gorge. Spend the day learning about what makes this region of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest so special.
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From
US$353.85
Price varies by group size
From
US$353.85
Price varies by group size

Private Morning Bridge City Portland City Tour
More than just a basic city tour, Portland City Tour will reveal the laid-back small city feel of this fun and thriving downtown. Not only will you experience the best Portland sites, including Pioneer Courthouse Square, Pittock Mansion, Lan Su Chinese Gardens and the International Rose Test Garden, but you will also find out what makes the citizens of Portland so colorful, and learn the cultural history of this unique Pacific Northwest city.
Today the 26th largest city in the US is known as one of the world’s most environmentally conscious cities: a hub for farm-to-table eateries, alternative lifestyles, a large community of cyclists, and high walkability.
Our tour will take you into the heart of the city where you will experience what makes the City of Roses so unique. Hundreds of food carts, the world’s largest independent bookstore, and a huge urban forest are just a few points of interest that you will encounter.
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From
US$133.34
Price varies by group size
From
US$133.34
Price varies by group size

Private Afternoon Bridge City Portland City Tour
More than just a basic Portland city tour, our half-day Bridge City Tour will reveal the laid-back small city feel of these fun and thriving downtowns. Not only will you experience the best Portland sites including, International Rose Garden, Pioneer Courthouse Square, the best shopping area in Portland, Tilikum Crossing, Willamette Falls, the Oregon City Municipal Elevator, and downtown Oregon City, but you will also find out what makes the citizens of this area so colorful, and learn the cultural history of these unique Pacific Northwest cities.
Today Portland is known as one of the world’s most environmentally conscious cities: a hub for farm-to-table eateries, alternative lifestyles, a large community of cyclists, and high walkability. Oregon City is the state’s first capital and the end of the Oregon Trail where you can still see the remnants of the 1800s, when it was the heart of the region’s lumber, flour, wool and paper mill industries.
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From
US$133.34
Price varies by group size
From
US$133.34
Price varies by group size

Private- Bridge City Portland Morning Tour
More than just a basic Portland city tour, our half-day Bridge City Tour will reveal the laid-back small city feel of these fun and thriving downtowns. Not only will you experience the best Portland sites including, International Rose Garden, Pioneer Courthouse Square, the best shopping area in Portland, Tilikum Crossing, Willamette Falls, the Oregon City Municipal Elevator, and downtown Oregon City, but you will also find out what makes the citizens of this area so colorful, and learn the cultural history of these unique Pacific Northwest cities.
Today Portland is known as one of the world’s most environmentally conscious cities: a hub for farm-to-table eateries, alternative lifestyles, a large community of cyclists, and high walkability. Oregon City is the state’s first capital and the end of the Oregon Trail where you can still see the remnants of the 1800s, when it was the heart of the region’s lumber, flour, wool and paper mill industries.
…More
From
US$133.34
Price varies by group size
From
US$133.34
Price varies by group size

Pink Trolley City Tour of Portland - 10am
The trolley tour is a two-hour, fully narrated City Tour featuring our famed open air Pink Trolleys. This tour includes a 30 minute stop at Portland’s world famous Rose Test Gardens. The tour also includes the waterfront neighborhoods, city center landmarks, a scenic drive through Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum, and Portland’s Northwest neighborhoods, including the Pearl District
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From
US$30.00
From
US$30.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Multnomah Falls & City Combination Tour with Gray Line
Only have one day to see the attractions around Portland? Our Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge Tour combined with an afternoon City Tour gives you the best of the Gorge and the best of Portland in one attraction filled day. Begin your day with our Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge Tour. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Columbia River as you travel up the Gorge and visit sights along the way. See the Multnomah Falls & Columbia River Gorge Tour description for full details. Once back in Portland, take a lunch break and catch our 2:00 PM trolley for an informative City Tour. With a 1/2-hour stop at the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park you will marvel at the variety of roses lovingly attended too. Back on the trolley you finish out your City Tour at 4:00pm. A full day of experiences and sights for one great price.
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From
US$68.00
From
US$68.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Pink Trolley City Tour of Portland - 2pm
The trolley tour is a two-hour, fully narrated City Tour featuring our famed open air Pink Trolleys. This tour includes a 30 minute stop at Portland’s world famous Rose Test Gardens. The tour also includes the waterfront neighborhoods, city center landmarks, a scenic drive through Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum, and Portland’s Northwest neighborhoods, including the Pearl District.
…More
From
US$30.00
From
US$30.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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