Tanner Springs Park - A tree in a park with a path in the foreground
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Tanner Springs Park

4.6
·682 reviews·Portland, United States

An urban oasis on former wetlands, featuring a striking railroad track wall and a tranquil sunken pond.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy peaceful reflection

CrowdLow
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Tanner Springs Park - A tree in a park with a path in the foreground

Tanner Springs Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy peaceful reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An urban oasis on former wetlands, featuring a striking railroad track wall and a tranquil sunken pond.

4.6
(682 reviews)

"A beautiful little urban park, a peaceful and relaxing spot in the middle of The Pearl."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 No Dogs Allowed Inside

Dogs must stay on the paths outside the park to protect the pond's ecosystem. :dog:

🌿 Appreciate the Native Plants

The park features native plants, lily pads, and water features inspired by the PNW. :seedling:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Repurposed Railroad Track Wall

Repurposed Railroad Track Wall

A striking wall made of reclaimed train tracks, showcasing industrial history transformed into art.

Instagram
Sunken Pond with Lily Pads

Sunken Pond with Lily Pads

A tranquil, sunken pond teeming with lily pads, ducks, and fish, creating a peaceful urban sanctuary.

Reddit
Recycled Railroad Ties Design

Recycled Railroad Ties Design

Discover how recycled railroad ties are creatively integrated into the park's landscape and water features.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Oasis: Leash Up or Admire from Afar

Tanner Springs Park is a serene urban escape, but it's not for dogs. Keep your furry friends on the perimeter paths to preserve the delicate ecosystem and enjoy the tranquility. Reddit

Embrace the History, Respect the Present

This park is built on reclaimed industrial land, featuring unique elements like a wall of repurposed train tracks. Appreciate its transformation into a green space, and be mindful of its history and current use. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy peaceful reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Walk through a park with me. #Portland #oregon #parks #Sustainability #birds #Outdoors
@nathanielstclair
270 likes • 3.8K views

🐾 No Dogs Allowed Inside

Dogs must stay on the paths outside the park to protect the pond's ecosystem. Reddit :dog:

🌿 Appreciate the Native Plants

The park features native plants, lily pads, and water features inspired by the PNW. Instagram :seedling:

Exploring the heart of the Pearl and discovering urban oases Tanner Springs Park and Jamison Square. Immerse yourself in nature while exploring everything the Pearl District has to offer! 🌿🌸🏞️ #portland #pnw #oregon #portlandoregon #pacificnorthwest #travelportland #pdx
portland
2.3K likes • 74.9K views
Hidden in Portland’s Pearl District, Tanner Springs Park is an urban oasis that blends ecology, history, and design. Once part of a natural wetland, the park reimagines that landscape with native plants, lily pads, and water features that echo the rhythms of the Pacific Northwest. Look closer and you’ll spot recycled railroad ties woven into the design, linking the area’s past as a rail yard wit...
archlifephotography
3 likes • 171 views

💡 Reflective Urban Oasis

A great spot for quiet contemplation amidst the city bustle. Reddit :thought_balloon:

♻️ Eco-Conscious Design

See how toxic land was transformed using nature and science. Instagram :recycle:

reddit.com

High Drowning Risk! - Tanner Park, Parley's Historic Nature Park, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, SLC, Shoot the Tube, Mountaindale River, Dog Park

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 No Dogs Allowed Inside

Dogs must stay on the paths outside the park to protect the pond's ecosystem. Reddit :dog:

🌿 Appreciate the Native Plants

The park features native plants, lily pads, and water features inspired by the PNW. Instagram :seedling:

💡 Reflective Urban Oasis

A great spot for quiet contemplation amidst the city bustle. Reddit :thought_balloon:

♻️ Eco-Conscious Design

See how toxic land was transformed using nature and science. Instagram :recycle:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(682 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tanner Springs Park is lauded as a beautiful and peaceful urban oasis, praised for its innovative design that repurposes industrial elements like railroad tracks into art. Visitors appreciate the tranquil sunken pond and the park's ecological transformation. However, some recent reviews note a decline in upkeep, with areas becoming overgrown and damaged, detracting from its former charm.

"Beautiful little urban park. Reclaimed railroad tracks repurposed to make a wall. A sunken in pond that hosts ducks and fish. Cool little stream that recycles back into pond. Lots of natural scenery, hidden benches and places to kick back and relax. Great little urban park."

Ryan Cuda

"I loved it! I had to walk around it because I had my dog. Dogs aren't allowed in the park. I really liked the layout and the waterway. The side is made of Steel T beams. Really cool place to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Unfortunately, I had to do it from the bench outside the park. 😂"

Michael DeGori

"Cool little nature park that is using nature and science to clean up toxic land. Really nice place to smoke a joint when there aren't kids around."

Justin Rasco

What People Like

Unique railroad track wall
Peaceful sunken pond
Ecological transformation

What People Dislike

Overgrown areas
Maintenance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tanner Springs Park is located in Portland's Pearl District. It's easily accessible by public transport, including buses and the MAX light rail. Many visitors also walk or bike to the park, especially if they are exploring the Pearl District. Parking can be challenging in the area, so public transit or ride-sharing is often recommended. TikTok

Yes, Tanner Springs Park is situated near Jamison Square and is a central part of the Pearl District's urban landscape, offering a green respite amidst shops and residences. Instagram

Exploring on foot is ideal to fully appreciate the urban design and discover hidden gems. Consider combining a visit to Tanner Springs Park with Jamison Square for a comprehensive Pearl District experience. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Tanner Springs Park is a public park and is free to enter. Reddit

Tanner Springs Park is generally open from dawn until dusk, like most city parks. It's best to check local listings for any specific seasonal hours or event closures. Reddit

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed inside Tanner Springs Park itself to protect its delicate ecosystem. You can walk your dog on the surrounding paths. Reddit

The park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring paved paths that should accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, allowing visitors to enjoy its features. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The unique railroad track wall, the serene sunken pond with lily pads, and the interplay of recycled materials with native plants offer excellent photographic subjects. The park's design provides many interesting angles. Instagram

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the park's natural beauty and architectural elements. Early mornings can offer a more tranquil and less crowded experience for photography. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, for commercial shoots or large-scale events, permits might be required. It's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

You can relax by the pond, admire the unique art installations like the railroad track wall, enjoy the native plants, and simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this urban oasis. InstagramReddit

Absolutely. Its design as a reclaimed wetland and its tranquil water features make it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and escaping the city noise. Reddit

The park is built on former industrial land that was once a natural wetland. It has been redeveloped to echo that original landscape, incorporating elements like recycled railroad ties and a water system that mimics natural processes. Instagram

Yes, the park offers various benches and seating areas, some nestled within the greenery, providing comfortable spots to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tanner Springs Park offers a unique visual experience for families, with its striking railroad track wall and tranquil pond. While dogs are not allowed inside the park, children can enjoy observing the ducks and fish from the designated paths. The park's design, which reimagines a former wetland, can be a subtle educational opportunity about nature and urban regeneration. Reddit

It's a great spot for a brief, peaceful stop during a family outing in the Pearl District. Pack some snacks and enjoy a moment of calm, but be sure to keep little ones close and adhere to the no-dog policy to ensure everyone has a pleasant visit. :family_park:

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors

For those seeking a moment of peace and quiet contemplation, Tanner Springs Park is an ideal destination. Its design as an urban oasis, complete with a sunken pond and lush greenery, provides a serene escape from the city's hustle. Reddit

Find a quiet bench, admire the innovative use of recycled materials like the railroad track wall, and let the gentle sounds of the water features wash over you. It's a perfect spot to read, journal, or simply be present and recharge. Reddit :person_walking:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Transformation of Tanner Springs Park

Tanner Springs Park stands as a testament to urban regeneration, transforming a site once dominated by industrial activity and toxic land into a vibrant ecological and recreational space. The park's design intentionally echoes the area's history as a natural wetland, a concept brought to life through careful landscaping and water features. Instagram

Key to its unique aesthetic is the prominent wall constructed from repurposed railroad tracks, a striking visual reminder of the site's industrial past. This is complemented by the creative use of recycled railroad ties woven into the park's structure and water elements. The sunken pond, complete with lily pads and aquatic life, further enhances the naturalistic feel, creating a serene environment that contrasts sharply with the surrounding urban landscape. InstagramReddit

This thoughtful integration of history, ecology, and design has resulted in a beloved urban oasis. Visitors often praise the park for its peaceful atmosphere and its innovative approach to land reclamation, making it a unique destination within Portland's Pearl District. Reddit

Navigating Tanner Springs Park with Your Pet

While Tanner Springs Park is a beautiful spot for humans to enjoy nature, it's important to note that dogs are not permitted within the park's boundaries. This rule is in place to protect the delicate ecosystem of the sunken pond and its inhabitants, including ducks and fish. Reddit

However, this doesn't mean your canine companions have to miss out entirely! You can still enjoy the park's vicinity with your dog by walking them along the perimeter paths that surround the park. This allows you to experience the park's ambiance and admire its unique features from the outside, ensuring compliance with park regulations while still including your pet in your outing. Reddit

Many visitors find this a good compromise, allowing them to appreciate the park's tranquility and unique design without compromising the park's ecological integrity. Remember to always keep your dog leashed and be mindful of other park users. :dog:

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