Top 5 Picnic Spots in Troutdale

1102 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060

Situated between the Sandy River and Beaver Creek, this beautiful 6.38-acre gem has something for everyone. It’s located off the East Columbia River Highway just a short drive (or stroll!) from historic Downtown Troutdale and offers plenty of amenities for a day of family fun. Ideal for picnics, this park includes a swimming beach, children’s playgrounds, lush grassy fields, and convenient public restrooms. Named in honor of an instrumental developer for Troutdale’s many parks, Glenn Otto is the perfect spot for lounging on a blanket, enjoying lunch with loved ones, and appreciating the scenery. Be sure to save room for a gourmet frozen treat from Sugar Pine, an extremely popular local drive-in that sits in Glenn Otto’s spacious parking lot. Trust me, you don’t wanna miss out on this!

Crown Point Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060

If Glenn Otto Community Park happens to be too busy, head just across the Halsey Bridge a mile down the road to Sandy River Delta. This park, also known by locals as Thousand Acres, consists of 1,400 acres of open fields, wetlands, berry patches, and countless trails. If you’re in the mood to work off that delicious picnic lunch and stretch your legs, the Sandy River Delta Trail is a 4.4-mile loop that winds through an old cattle farm, cottonwood trees, and bushes of blackberries. Birds and wildlife are abundant, so don’t forget your binoculars! If you brought your furry friend, the Sandy River Delta even includes a 1000-acre dog park. You can take your four-legged buddy on one of many off-leash trails and cool down with a quick dip in the Sandy River. This is the perfect place to picnic and adventure with your best friend!

345 SW 21st St, Troutdale, OR 97060

Looking for something a little quieter and away from the water? Sunrise Park is the spot for you! One of the best places for a clear view of Mount Hood, this 15.76-acre park is the only other pet-friendly park in the Troutdale area beside Sandy River Delta. Located between Hensley Road and Southwest 21st Street, this park is an excellent place to relax and embrace nature while feasting on a tasty picnic lunch. If you’re looking to exercise, the park features an outdoor fitness course with 12 signs that offer exercises and accommodate different fitness levels. Another attraction that makes this park special is the Community Garden filled with a variety of flowers, vegetables, and fruit grown by local gardeners. If you’re a Troutdale resident with a “green thumb,” take the opportunity to partake in the community by renting your own garden plot! 

SE Stark St and S Troutdale Rd

If you’re hoping to immerse yourself in bustling wildlife, head over to the 62 acre College Nature Park and relax in one of the many accessible spots along Beaver Creek. It’s the perfect getaway for a leisurely picnic where you can spot bobcats, beavers, great blue herons, and even the elusive pygmy owl. Located near Mt. Hood Community College’s Gresham campus, this idyllic setting is often used by the college as an outdoor classroom for some of its natural resources classes. While you’re in the neighborhood or visiting the beautiful campus, don’t resist the chance to stroll along one of the park's trails under Douglas firs, western red cedar, and black cottonwood trees.

114 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060

Smack in the heart of downtown Troutdale, surrounded by art galleries, restaurants, and gift shops, sits Mayors Square. Instead of packing a picnic yourself, grab a yummy bite from one of the many nearby restaurants and sit on picnic benches surrounded by flower boxes. Afterward, take a stroll along the slow-paced Columbia River Highway and pop into one of the local shops to buy a uniquely crafted gift for someone you love. This charming, quaint downtown feels like a Hallmark movie--the perfect place for a photo op!