Laurelhurst Park is a 32.27-acre Portland city park in Oregon, known for its pond, historic landscape and mix of paths, lawns and sports facilities. From Evergreen Inn, a Portland-area motel, it’s about a 12-minute drive, making the park a manageable outing from the airport area.
- Location: Northwest corner of SE César E. Chávez Boulevard and SE Stark Street.
- Park hours: Open daily
- Parking: Street parking is available; the park page does not identify a dedicated lot.
- Park background: Portland acquired the park in 1909; its landscape was designed in 1912.
What to expect at Laurelhurst Park
Laurelhurst Park combines a designed historic landscape with places to walk, picnic and play. Portland Parks & Recreation gives the park’s size as 32.27 acres and its acquisition year as 1909; the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in February 2001.
The city’s history traces the land to the estate of William S. Ladd. Portland bought 30 acres, including the spring-fed pond, in 1911.
Park superintendent Emanuel Mische designed the park in 1912, with a plan that included a concert grove, Firwood Lake, a children’s lawn, meadows, a picnic grove and Rhododendron Hill. During development, workers deepened the pond into a 3-acre lake.
The main entrance is at the northwest corner of SE César E. Chávez Boulevard and SE Stark Street. From there, you can take in the park’s landscape and choose among its paths, open areas and recreational amenities.
Paths, lawns, and the pond
Paved and unpaved paths lead through Laurelhurst Park, while the pond and open lawn areas offer a change of scene from the surrounding streets. The park map identifies picnic areas A through F, and amenities include picnic tables and an accessible picnic area.
Facilities include a playground, an accessible restroom, a horseshoe pit, a soccer field, a basketball court, a tennis backboard, a volleyball court, pickleball courts and public art. The official map labels two pickleball courts, two tennis courts, three basketball courts, one volleyball court and Sports Field 1 (Nathan Thomas).
The play area has several accessibility features, including a paved pathway 250 feet to the play area, an engineered-mulch surface, a ramp into the play area, a transfer station, sensory play elements and an adapted high-back swing. An accessible picnic table and restroom are also available.
If you’re planning a picnic, Portland Parks & Recreation identifies a reservable picnic site; call 503-823-2525 for picnic-site information.
How do you get from the airport area to Laurelhurst Park?
The park’s main entrance is at SE César E. Chávez Boulevard and SE Stark Street.
If you’re planning a wider city visit, the park can fit into a Portland day alongside other stops. A one-day Portland route from the airport area provides a city itinerary to pair with your plans.
Portland Parks & Recreation’s park page and map do not give an airport-area transit route or an estimated visit duration, so allow time for your own route and activities.
Parking, hours, and park etiquette
Laurelhurst Park has street parking, but its park page does not identify a dedicated parking lot. Portland’s citywide guidance says parking areas in parks are open during park hours unless posted otherwise, and city parking rules apply and are enforced at all times, including holidays.
Check the official site before you go, and follow signs and posted rules when you park.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 5 AM–10:30 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The park’s hours are 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. A separate seasonal schedule applies to the off-leash area. From June 15 to September 1, weekday hours are 5:00–10:00 a.m. and 6:00–10:30 p.m.; weekend hours are 5:00–10:00 a.m. and 7:00–10:30 p.m.
From September 2 to June 14, weekday hours are 5:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; weekend hours are 5:00–10:00 a.m. and 4:00–10:30 p.m.
Handlers using the off-leash area must supervise dogs, keep them in view and under verbal control, and bring no more than three dogs at a time. Dogs need tags showing current license and rabies vaccination, and dogs displaying aggressive behavior must be removed from the area.
FAQs
Where is Laurelhurst Park?
It is in Portland, Oregon, at the northwest corner of SE César E. Chávez Boulevard and SE Stark Street.
Is there parking at Laurelhurst Park?
Street parking is available, but the park page does not identify a dedicated lot. City parking rules apply.
Can you reserve a picnic site?
Portland Parks & Recreation identifies a reservable picnic site. Call 503-823-2525 for picnic-site information.
What are the park’s hours?
Open daily. The off-leash area follows a separate recurring seasonal schedule.