Leach Botanical Garden — Attraction in Portland

Leach Botanical Garden – A Hidden Gem in Portland's Green Tapestry ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Tucked into the wooded hills of Southeast Portland, Leach Botanical Garden feels less like a public attraction and more like a secret whispered among the trees. It’s not sprawling or flashy like some larger city gardens, but that’s exactly what makes it special—it’s intimate, deliberate, and deeply personal.

Walking through the garden is like stepping into a living storybook curated by two passionate botanists, Lilla and John Leach. You’re surrounded by over 2,000 species of plants, many native to the Pacific Northwest, and each turn on the path offers a new vignette: moss-covered stone walls, wooden bridges over trickling creeks, and tucked-away benches where time seems to slow down.

The Aerial Tree Walk is a highlight—suspended 30+ feet above the forest floor, it offers a bird’s-eye view of the canopy, giving visitors a quiet, almost meditative look into the upper reaches of the garden’s towering Douglas firs and red cedars. Meanwhile, the Children’s Garden offers creative and educational spaces for little explorers, making it a wonderful stop for families.

Leach isn’t about manicured formality—it’s about harmony. Native plants are allowed to thrive in their natural rhythms, and the garden’s design reflects a deep respect for the ecosystem it lives in. It’s the kind of place where you can lose yourself in thought, or just sit and watch the bees dance between foxgloves.

Best of all, the garden is rooted in a mission of accessibility and education. Programs like “Garden for All” ensure that no one is turned away for lack of funds, and frequent art workshops and nature tours make it a living classroom for people of all ages.

Verdict: Leach Botanical Garden is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. It’s where science, history, and nature converge into something quietly magical. Whether you’re a plant lover, a photographer, or someone simply seeking peace, this garden delivers a soul-nourishing experience that lingers long...

If you haven't been here for a few years, go for a second visit! There is a lot of parking, bathrooms, and an upper section that is very wheelchair/stroller friendly. There are a few sections to this place: an Arial bridge, a children's meadow, a butterfly/ bee garden, the historical buildings, a gift shop, and a multitude of winding paths. I was warmly greeted by staff at the check in booth on the upper part where there are to main parking lots. The entire space is very well maintained and because it is gated off and only open during certain hour, there were no homeless people. It felt very safe! There are guided tours (check thier website) and an old stone building is no longer accessable unless you go on the staff guided tour. It is not a super large park, however there are numerous spots you could simply sit and read a book or enjoy the ambiance. The lower area and paths would be more challenging if you have mobility issues, however the upper area is very well designed and beautiful for those who need level paths. The bathrooms are very clean and close to the main entrance. For those interested in the garden and plants, some of them are labeled and they do sport quite a variety of plants. I think it would be beautiful and changing...

I've heard about Leach Botanical Garden from my wife and a variety of friends, but had somehow missed seeing this gem for myself until recently. Changes in the past couple of years will make this a partly new experience for those who have been before. All the new stuff comes at the beginning. The parking lots appear to be recently paved, and as you enter the grounds, there is a small lawn (perhaps for events) and pollinator garden that you pass before reaching the trees that dominate the rest of the property. Another new item is an accessible, circular elevated walkway that extends above a hillside. The paths farther into the garden are well maintained, and easy to walk, but there are occasional rustic stairways that would present a challenge to folks with disabilities. At the moment (late 2021), the pedestrian bridge over Johnson Creek has collapsed, so the grounds on the south side of the creek (and the stone cottage) cannot be visited. Leach Garden is not huge, but the twisting, intersecting pathways invite a leisurely pace and the enjoyment of a calm, peaceful haven. The city continues to benefit from this land that the original owners left to their...