Leach Botanical Garden
Leach Botanical Garden
4
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Situated along a free-flowing creek in outer SE Portland, the garden is an inviting, restorative urban greenspace. The Upper Garden features an entry plaza, aerial tree walk, four-season pollinator garden, and basalt stone sculptural installation. The hillside and lower garden feature native plants, historic Leach plant collections, meandering, wooded trails, and riparian area pathways along Johnson Creek. The “Sleepy Hollow '' estate that John and Lilla Leach lovingly created and tended for over 36 years was donated to Portland Parks in 1980. The original 4.7 acre property has grown to almost 17 acres with adjacent land purchased over the years by Portland Parks. Leach Garden Friends works closely with Parks to ensure that the unique property remains a well-cared for gem that both serves and is treasured by the larger community.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
28 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
9
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Walt M
37 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
I know there’s a LOT to do around here. You have waterfalls and the gorge and Mt Hood and hiking and skiing and the ocean all a quick drive away. That’s why I live here! But I enjoy the Botanical Gardens so much that I am a member there. It great to have a place in SE Portland that you can go to for a quick walk and know that there will always be something pretty to look at while getting some steps in. The riparian area near the creek is gorgeous. Seeing Mr Leach’s gorgeous rock work and learning about them is fun. On Saturday you can get a tour of the cabin across the creek. His wife was shy but he loved to have parties so built the cabin with an outdoor kitchen to entertain. How fun would it have been to go to one of his parties? There’s always something going on where you can learn stuff. It’s kid friendly, just make sure you tell them not to step on the banana slugs!
They’re part of the AHS Reciprocity program so if you’re a member of another participating garden you get in with your membership. And if you live here and like to travel, getting a membership at Leach lets you get in free at other AHS gardens. I’ve used my membership in St Louis and San Antonio to visit their gardens.
They’re part of the AHS Reciprocity program so if you’re a member of another participating garden you get in with your membership. And if you live here and like to travel, getting a membership at Leach lets you get in free at other AHS gardens. I’ve used my membership in St Louis and San Antonio to visit their gardens.
Written December 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jackwidely
Portland, OR167 contributions
Jun 2021
Lovely easy to walk Botanical Gardens close to everyone in Portland. Trails are well groomed and anyone of any age should find them easy to traverse. Nice selections of plants and tree- some pretty old are situated on the grounds.
Sadly the bridge across the creek was washed out by flooding in 2020 and has not yet been replaced leaving a small portion of the garden closed including the old stone house.
During 2021 admission is free but their website must be used for setting a time slot to visit. Plenty of parking. Easy to find. Worth an hour or so.
Sadly the bridge across the creek was washed out by flooding in 2020 and has not yet been replaced leaving a small portion of the garden closed including the old stone house.
During 2021 admission is free but their website must be used for setting a time slot to visit. Plenty of parking. Easy to find. Worth an hour or so.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MoonWoman
Decatur, GA8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
My husband and I were in Portland for the day and discovered this beautiful and interesting find. The gardens had a beautiful pollinator garden, a grand canopy walk which showcased loads of Douglas firs and other giant trees, as well as beautiful stone sitting areas. There is a gift store on the lower grounds that contained very unique items. We were also able to get a tour of the previous owner’s very unique and beautiful stone house he had built for his wife. The tour and surrounding area was the highlight of the gardens. So glad we found these gardens and highly recommend going.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GitchSup
Duluth, MN1,400 contributions
May 2022
What a beautiful find! We were looking for something to get us out of the city which was still so damaged from the riots. We looked for a place we could walk a little without anything too strenuous and this came up in our search. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a little relaxation. It's a peaceful small estate with an amazing garden filled with trillium, wildflowers, ferns, and beautiful trees. My husband and I spent a couple of hours just walking slowly enjoying the sights and sounds. I stopped into the gift shop for a peek and got a few things to bring home. I am delighted we found this place and would be happy to visit again.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tiredandtravelled
Portland, OR1,145 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Rented this for a wedding. Price seemed reasonable we signed a contract last September. They changed policies after we signed. Never knew what they were when we made plans they would just say not now. They also changed the rules from what we had agreed to. No DJ's when we signed they would help us with speakers, but then a DJ was 1100$ and no help with speakers for our iPhones. The caterer helped us instead. To turn on the lights at dark was 450 $. Okay there we some lights and the caterer brought spot lights but it was so dark. The garden is nice the walks are well maintained the terrace is beautiful. Do not rent this place even with a written contract things change and the things we didn't think to ask about and get in writing were even worse especially when they wouldn't answer our emails promptly.
Written September 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We just recently saw this review. We are saddened that this couple had a negative experience. It is true that we have made changes in the rental business which supports our non-profit operation. We have simplified pricing in the past year and are hopeful that it more completely meets our clients' needs. When clients commit to booking a date, the pricing in their contract does not change. In a typical year we have as many as 60 events, from weddings to business meetings. The satisfaction of those clients is essential to our business. We work hard to meet their needs. I am hopeful we will see more positive reviews in the future.
Written November 15, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ola Z
Pristina, Kosovo668 contributions
Sep 2019 • Friends
It's a peaceful and serene place, where you can fully immerse yourself in the nature. You can walk several short paths or just stop for a moment and breath in the fresh air. The garden is free of charge, but you can offere donation. In addition, they have a nice, little shop with some locally made and imported items. Close proximity to the city offers a really nice escape.
Written September 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RSNN
Portland, OR5,771 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
The Leach Botanical Garden is located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97236. It is part of the “Sleepy Hollow” estate that was once the home of John and Lilla Leach. Lilla Leach was a Botanist. John Leach liked working with metal. Their Manor House was the centerpiece of their estate. It was designed in 1936, so the Manor is 80 years old– this year.
On the estate you will find the Manor House, a Coach House, A stone cabin, and an Outdoor Kitchen which looks like an old stone fireplace, and a gift shop next to the Manor House. There are laminated maps of the garden that you can pick up to use as a handy guide while you walk around the Botanic Garden.
The Johnson Creek runs through the property. So there is a small metal bridge over it on the west side that connects the walking path on the North side with the walking path on the south side. The area itself is like walking on a path in a forest. With a wide assortment of plants all around you. So it reminded me more of a trail in a forest then it did a garden. This was just fine with me as I enjoy hikes and walks in forested areas. And enjoyed seeing the stone cabin amongst the trees. You can also go inside the Manor House and see some of the rooms. And a map for future plans the Botanic Garden.
The bridge over Johnson Creek is damaged and is no longer open for vehicles, but pedestrians can walked across it to get from the parking lot to the estate. This of course means that you can no longer drive from Foster Road via 122nd to get to the parking lot. Instead you will need to get to it by driving from SE Foster Road to SE 134th Avenue. Take the Detour at SE Flavel Street and follow the direction signs posted on SE Flavel Street and 122nd Avenue to the parking lot.
Reconstruction of the bridge is planned for late summer 2017. When it will be removed to start construction of a new bridge.
Leach Botanical Garden is free.
They have FREE guided tours 11:00 AM to Noon every Saturday, March through November.
The Garden Hours are:
Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM
Sundays 1 PM to 4 PM
The Garden is Closed on Mondays and Holidays
On the estate you will find the Manor House, a Coach House, A stone cabin, and an Outdoor Kitchen which looks like an old stone fireplace, and a gift shop next to the Manor House. There are laminated maps of the garden that you can pick up to use as a handy guide while you walk around the Botanic Garden.
The Johnson Creek runs through the property. So there is a small metal bridge over it on the west side that connects the walking path on the North side with the walking path on the south side. The area itself is like walking on a path in a forest. With a wide assortment of plants all around you. So it reminded me more of a trail in a forest then it did a garden. This was just fine with me as I enjoy hikes and walks in forested areas. And enjoyed seeing the stone cabin amongst the trees. You can also go inside the Manor House and see some of the rooms. And a map for future plans the Botanic Garden.
The bridge over Johnson Creek is damaged and is no longer open for vehicles, but pedestrians can walked across it to get from the parking lot to the estate. This of course means that you can no longer drive from Foster Road via 122nd to get to the parking lot. Instead you will need to get to it by driving from SE Foster Road to SE 134th Avenue. Take the Detour at SE Flavel Street and follow the direction signs posted on SE Flavel Street and 122nd Avenue to the parking lot.
Reconstruction of the bridge is planned for late summer 2017. When it will be removed to start construction of a new bridge.
Leach Botanical Garden is free.
They have FREE guided tours 11:00 AM to Noon every Saturday, March through November.
The Garden Hours are:
Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM
Sundays 1 PM to 4 PM
The Garden is Closed on Mondays and Holidays
Written September 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anagN42HU
9 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
Went to a friends company party here and very disappointed with the parking, bridge was shut off for drivers, had to walk up the hill, not to bad, good exercise. As the previous rater mention, very disappointed with the scenery, if you're expecting to walk around a nice "botanical garden" don't come here. It's more of a forest trail with labeled trees and spiders hanging down from all the shrubs! The best place to see is the Japanese gardens in Portland.
Written August 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrvlTheWorld2
Vancouver, WA572 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
Found this place on Tripadvisor. A little difficult to get to as the bridge that is right at the gate to the place is blocked off and impassible except on foot. Worth the trip though.
I liked the variety of plants and that many were marked with the name and origins. it's a small little park but lots to see. Can't wait to go back a little later in the season when more are bloomed out. There is a house that you can tour, but it wasn't opened w hen we went.
Will definitely go back to check it out!
I liked the variety of plants and that many were marked with the name and origins. it's a small little park but lots to see. Can't wait to go back a little later in the season when more are bloomed out. There is a house that you can tour, but it wasn't opened w hen we went.
Will definitely go back to check it out!
Written February 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sistapleto
Jacksonville, FL635 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Nice little garden a bit out of the way in a residential area. Mostly forest type plants and foliage. Nice paths but use caution because some are a bit uneven. Very nice staff. Small gift store. House worth a quick tour. Park across the street in the small parking lot. No fee but donations appreciated.
Written June 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this where the “secret garden” is located?
Written October 4, 2017
What is a good place to stay near Leach Botanical Garden?
Written April 9, 2017
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