and headed back across the bridge...
There was a century+ old Scottish garden that was on a bluff overlooking the Willamette River. Plus, admission was FREE. The garden is as large as the more famous Japanese Garden in Washington Park. The gardens were designed and cultivated by Peter Kerr, a Scotsman in 1916 on a site of more than 13 acres which contained many rare trees, flowers and plants. After his death on 1957, the land was given to the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon on the sole condition that the garden be available to the public to visit at no charge. The grounds include a manor home, lush stepped gardens, meandering paths, and lovely views of the nearby river and neighboring Milwaukie on the other side.
This moss covered tree was in the parking lot! We hadn't even entered the garden at this point yet!
Everything was just so lush and green. It was so peaceful and quiet during our visit. We arrived in the early morning with no other visitors until a younger couple arrived with their toddler son. The man grew up in Milwaukie and had never heard of this place until recently. He was surprised that we knew about it, especially since we were visitors.
This trial led us up the bluff. One portion was closed off. It had a set of steps that led to the lower trail.
The island to the left is Elk Rock Island where the young father told us he and his friends would hang out after school back in the day.
Everything was just so beautiful here...
The spire you see in the distance is St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie (home to Dark Horse Comics, by the way).
Such lovely views...
The Portland area has so many rhododendrons of all colors...
The sun even came out for a tiny bit!
We enjoyed our visit here, a brief respite for the rest of the day, in which we went from place to place, discovering places to eat and stores to window shop.
Once again, we crossed the Sellwood Bridge to get to the Sellwood neighborhood.
A short video:
Articles/posts:
"In the wealthiest neighborhood in Portland lies a hidden public Scottish garden..." Willamette Week, July 11, 2017
TheDangerGarden Feb. 2013 - This blogger has great photos which identify many of the trees, plants and flowers!
More info about Elk Rock Garden:
"Oregonencyclopedia.org
Elk Rock Garden at the Bishop's Close
11800 SW Military Lane
Portland, OR 97255
www.elkrockgarden.org + reviews from you know where and tripadvisor
TC had a place picked out for our breakfast destination...
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