Sellwood Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Sellwood Park offers a highly versatile and easily accessible outdoor experience from Portland (10-15 minutes drive). It stands out for its unique combination of relaxing swimming beaches on hot days, a giant off-leash dog park, and extensive recreational facilities including multiple sports courts (some lighted), diverse playgrounds with classic equipment, bike paths, and direct access to the scenic Oaks Bottom wetlands trail. Parents will appreciate the beautiful views of Portland and Oaks Amusement Park, along with convenient amenities like picnic tables and public restrooms.
Key Highlights
- ✓Easy accessibility from Portland, typically a 10-15 minute drive.
- ✓Features relaxing beaches perfect for swimming on hot days.
- ✓Includes a giant off-leash dog park and large grassy areas for pets and families.
- ✓Offers multiple playgrounds equipped with classic features like see-saws, teeter-totters, and pull-up bars.
- ✓Provides a variety of sports facilities: tennis courts (some with lights), basketball court, baseball fields, and a horseshoe field.
- ✓Offers scenic views of Portland and Oaks Amusement Park.
- ✓Direct access point to the Oaks Bottom wetlands trail for nature exploration.
- ✓Equipped with picnic tables, benches, and public bathrooms.
Standout Features
- ⭐Giant off-leash dog park.
- ⭐Beaches suitable for swimming.
- ⭐Playgrounds featuring classic equipment like see-saws, teeter-totters, and pull-up bars.
- ⭐Lighted tennis courts for extended play into the evening.
- ⭐Direct access to the Oaks Bottom wetlands trail.
- ⭐Abundance of picnic tables and benches.
- ⭐Public bathrooms available on-site.
- ⭐Scenic views of Portland and Oaks Amusement Park.
- ⭐Designated bike paths in certain areas.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Bring swim gear if visiting on a hot day to take full advantage of the relaxing beaches.
- →If you have a dog, utilize the giant off-leash area for exercise and socialization.
- →Consider visiting in the evening to use the lighted tennis courts.
- →Explore the Oaks Bottom wetlands trail for a nature-focused activity.
- →Pack a picnic or snacks to enjoy at the available picnic tables.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Bike paths are available only in 'certain areas,' suggesting they are not continuous throughout the entire park.
- ⚠The park is described as 'very popular' for running and dog walking, which could mean shared spaces with high foot traffic.
Price & Value
This is a free public park, offering an extensive range of amenities and activities without an entry fee, providing excellent value for family entertainment and recreation.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Not explicitly detailed, but mentions 'stroll' and 'bike paths' which might imply some paved, accessible areas suitable for strollers or potentially wheelchairs. No specific ADA accommodations, sensory-friendly hours, or staff training for special needs were reported.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food and drinks are implied to be allowed, given the presence of picnic tables and the general public park setting. No restrictions or on-site food vendors were mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not explicitly detailed in reviews, but as a public park, it likely offers free parking, either in dedicated lots or readily available street parking.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Described as 'very popular' for running and dog walking, and generally well-used, suggesting moderate to high foot traffic in various areas, especially on nice days.
🛡️Safety Features
- •None explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • No specific situations to avoid were explicitly mentioned by reviewers. However, due to its popularity, certain areas might experience higher foot traffic on peak days.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Jon Wyrick
4 months agoI see it's very popular running going and dog walking park and trail. Excellent view of Portland and Oak Amusment Park.
April M
3 months agoNice day for a stroll. This park has a off leash area.
Chad Evett
3 years agoGreat place and easy to get to in 10-15 minutes in your in Portland or close to it. Relaxing beaches to hang out, swimming on hot days and a giant dog park and grassy area if you don't want to go down to the water. One of my favorite spots close to home
Matt Newton
8 years agoBeautiful park. There are picnic tables, benches, and bathrooms. Perfect place to bring kids, bring your dogs, or have a party. There is a playground, a see-saw, there are bike paths in certain areas, as well as off leash parts for dogs. There are tennis courts, baseball fields, and a horseshoe field. Great place to go
Kyle Decker
4 years agoLove this park! Beautiful and spacious, with tennis courts (w/lights), basketball court, and playgrounds complete with pull-up bars and teeter-totters. There's access to the Oaks Bottom wetlands trail as well from the park.