The International Rose Test Garden is a historic testing ground and public park showcasing more than 10,000 rose bushes within Washington Park in Portland, Oregon. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to reflect the latest operating hours
Quick facts about the International Rose Test Garden
| Quick facts | Details |
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday 5:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Free |
| Address | 400 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Washington Park metered parking; TriMet MAX Light Rail |
| Typical time needed to visit | 1 to 2 hours |
International Rose Test Garden opening hours
The International Rose Test Garden is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm year-round. Between May and August, the garden closes from 5:00 am to 10:00 am every other Wednesday for routine maintenance and rose care.
Seasonal variations primarily apply to the on-site Rose Garden Store, which operates with varying daytime hours and closes entirely during January and February.
5 great Portland experiences to book
- 🌊 See the best beaches and views on a full day Oregon coast tour.
- 🏞️ Get a work out on a half day hiking tour to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge.
- 🚢 Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Willamette River.
- 👻 Hear ghost stories on an underground tour of the haunted Shanghai tunnels – with beer tastings.
- 🍽️ Taste 6 local and global dishes on a downtown food tour.
International Rose Test Garden ticket prices
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
Admission to the International Rose Test Garden is entirely free for all visitors. There are no ticket requirements or age-based pricing tiers, though donation kiosks are available along the main promenade for those who wish to support the site’s maintenance.
Visitors planning to visit other paid attractions within Washington Park, such as the Oregon Zoo or the Portland Japanese Garden, will need to purchase individual tickets for those sites.
How to get to the International Rose Test Garden
The attraction is located in Washington Park in the West Hills of Portland. For public transport users, the TriMet MAX Light Rail (Red and Blue lines) serves the Washington Park underground station. From the station, the free Washington Park Shuttle runs a continuous loop that drops passengers near the garden entrance.
Alternatively, TriMet bus route 63 runs directly from the city centre to the garden. Visitors travelling by car can take Highway 26 to exit 72 and follow the signs into Washington Park.
Why book the Portland Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?
- 🚍 Pink Trolley Sightseeing: Experience the city in style aboard a vintage-style trolley that follows a comprehensive 13-stop loop through Portland’s most famous districts.
- 🌹 Washington Park & Rose Garden: Enjoy easy access to the International Rose Test Garden and the Japanese Garden, two of the city’s most beautiful and iconic outdoor spaces.
- 🎤 Live Local Narration: Learn about Portland’s “Keep It Weird” culture, its unique history, and its world-class food scene from expert guides providing live commentary.
- 📚 Iconic Downtown Stops: Hop off to explore legendary locations like Powell’s City of Books, the Pearl District, and the historic Old Town area at your own pace.
- ⏱️ Choose Your Pace: Select between a 1-day or 2-day pass, giving you the flexibility to spend as much time as you like at each attraction without the stress of driving or parking.
Parking at the International Rose Test Garden
Parking is public and metered within the surface lots and roads surrounding the garden. Payment is managed by the City of Portland, costing $2.40 per hour or $9.60 for a full day, and visitors can pay using the Parking Kitty mobile app or at physical payment kiosks.
How long to spend at the International Rose Test Garden
Most visitors require between one and two hours to explore the site. This provides sufficient time to walk the paved paths, view the different rose varieties, and visit the gift shop.
Accessibility at the International Rose Test Garden
The attraction features a fully accessible main promenade, following recent renovations that removed physical barriers for wheelchair users. Accessible parking spaces are located directly on SW Rose Garden Way and SW Kingston Avenue, with ramp access leading into the garden.
While the primary pathways and the amphitheatre area are paved and accessible, the garden is built on a hillside, so some secondary paths feature uneven terrain or slight inclines.
Inside / what to see at the International Rose Test Garden
The site spans 4.5 acres and features over 10,000 rose bushes representing more than 600 distinct varieties. It is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States, designed to evaluate new hybrid roses before they reach the commercial market.
The Gold Medal Garden displays vintage and award-winning roses that have received top honours for their hardiness and bloom quality. The Miniature Rose Garden is a specialised section testing smaller varieties designed for commercial and domestic use.
The Shakespeare Garden originally featured plants mentioned in William Shakespeare’s plays but has evolved to include rose varieties with names inspired by his works. The garden also features a large amphitheatre and paved promenades offering expansive views of the downtown Portland skyline and Mount Hood on clear days.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
| Timing | The best time to visit is between late May and October when the roses are actively blooming. |
| Crowds | Parking lots reach full capacity very quickly on sunny summer weekends; use the free park shuttle instead. |
| Layout | The garden is arranged in terraced levels descending a hillside, with the main promenade offering the flattest terrain. |
| Entry process | There are no entry gates or ticket booths; visitors can simply walk into the park from the adjacent roads. |
| On-site logistics | Free public guided tours are offered daily at 1:00 pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. |
Frequently asked questions about the International Rose Test Garden
| Question | Answer |
| Is the International Rose Test Garden suitable for children? | Yes, the garden is family-friendly, and there is a large accessible children’s playground located just down the street. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the International Rose Test Garden? | No, admission is completely free and no advance booking or reservations are required. |
| Is the International Rose Test Garden open on Sundays? | Yes, the garden is open every Sunday from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at the International Rose Test Garden? | Yes, standard day bags are permitted, but visitors are strongly advised not to leave any valuables visible in parked cars. |
Things to do near the International Rose Test Garden
- Portland Japanese Garden: A traditional 12-acre Japanese garden located directly uphill from the rose garden.
- Hoyt Arboretum: A living museum of trees featuring 12 miles of wooded walking trails.
- Oregon Zoo: A 64-acre animal conservation zoo situated within the wider Washington Park complex.
- World Forestry Center: An educational museum focused on regional forests and environmental sustainability.
- Oregon Holocaust Memorial: A public memorial featuring an inscribed stone wall and historical exhibits, located a short walk away.
More Oregon travel
Other Oregon travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Guide to the top ten sights along the Columbia River Gorge.
- What to expect at the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint.
- A practical guide to visiting Vista House along the Columbia River Gorge.
- Is Portland really full of hipsters?
- A seedy history of Portland on a Shanghai Tunnels tour.
- Plan your visit to Pittock Mansion in Portland.
