Elk Rock Garden

Not sure why its rating is so low. It’s beautiful and peaceful, and feels like a secret garden. I went in the early afternoon of a rainy weekday, and there wasn’t a soul in sight. It was just when the maple trees’ leaves were falling and I got some gorgeous shots. You can’t picnic there or do much else besides appreciate the beauty and meditate, which is fine by me. I mean, it’s free! A true hidden gem. Can’t wait to visit again in the spring when the wisteria is blooming.

Small private garden that’s open to public. Donations are suggested, to help maintain the garden. There’s trail to follow to go around the whole garden, nice view to the Willamette river as you reach the the south lawn. There’s a big sequoia tree, and Japanese arbor vitae tree.
There’s benches where you can sit and just appreciate the beauty of nature or just to meditate or even read a book.
Parking is small but I don’t think it’s a problem.
No public restroom.

Found this garden while searching what’s «nearby» on another travel app while at a local Starbucks. On a sunny day I try to stay outside as much as possible so this free hidden garden fit the bill perfectly. I recommend this to anyone looking to stretch their legs and smell the roses, or in today’s case the lilacs. The trails are well maintained and the wisteria is in full bloom.
There is a donation box which we didn’t know would be there so next time we will be sure to donate. The neighborhood the garden resides in is so nice and the houses are more like estates not houses. The house on site was designed to resemble a Scots manor. It isn’t very clear what the building is now used for. Even though this garden isn’t spectacular it makes up for that with its charm and FREE price tag.
We made it through in about 45 minutes but if your really into gardens and flowers you could spend plenty more time there. Stay away from the hype of the Saturday market and give this a try the next time you are in PDX.

This place is an undiscovered gem. One of the entire purposes of going to a garden is to be able to walk around and appreciate its beauty. I spent around 2 hours walking around and unlike the Rose Garden or the Japanese Garden where there were so many people, I only saw 2 other visitors and two staff members.
Many other reviewers have mentioned that there are so many rules-​that was not an issue at all for me. At the entrance way, they do provide maps but when I was there, only one was left. I went last June and the weather was nice but a little cool.

One of Portland’s «secret» gardens known to landscapers for its long established plantings. Usually known as the «Bishops Close». Not as tended as most. But worth a visit, it’s deserted most times. But who would have known that Episcopalians would have so many rules?

This is a beautiful place. I really enjoyed visiting here, however, as the other reviewers indicated there are quite a few rules here. We walked down to the end of the path and took some pics.
There are some spectacular views of the Willamette River here so be sure and check that out when you go in.
I thought it would be a beautiful place for a wedding but there is a sign that says none of that either. :)
A good place to reflect, but don’t try and do anything else because it’s prohibited.
It’s worth the trip, however, a little off the beaten path but nice scenery.

Wow there are a lot of rules! But this is still a pretty neat place. The path winds through the woods with some peakaboo views of Mt. Hood. I like the gardens that are tiered and a little wild, and this one is precisely that. Otherwise Jen K. pretty much said it all!

Sometimes when you go where you’re not wanted, you feel a little naughty. Other times you just feel unwanted. I’ll let you decide.
I’d heard about this «secret» garden years ago, but hadn’t visited until yesterday as part of my «free activities» day in Lake O. When I took the Willamette Shore Trolley, we passed through a long tunnel and one of the volunteers said we were passing under the Bishop’s Close.
This is a private garden and also home to the Episcopal Bishop of Oregon. As part of a bequest, the family gave the home to the church and left an endowment for the care and maintenance of the garden, which is required to be left open to the public. There is no signage on Highway 43 indicating the garden is there and I think they intentionally don’t broadcast this little gem.
Now I will be first to tell you this isn’t a «fancy» garden with tons of blooming plants (go to Crystal Springs for that). This is a large garden with rare and interesting plants from around the world that is more natural and sprawling. You won’t go ooh and aah, but I thought it was a lovely place with great views of Mt. Hood and the Willamette River.
Now the rules:
**Dogs on leash permitted — yeah!
**No bathrooms — be forewarned
**No picnicing
**No sunbathing or frolicking — yes it says this
«This is neither a picnic area nor a playground, but rather a place to walk and contemplate.»
To get here take Highway 43 and turn east towards the Willamette River at the signal for SW Military Road. Take an immediate right on SW Military Lane and it is at the end of the road past some of the most beautiful homes in the area. And don’t take the rules personally.