Portland, Oregon (Last day)

For our last few hours in Oregon, we took a Lyft to the Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park and explored one of the most popular destinations in the city.

In the first few minutes we were there, I saw a proposal underway. I didn't see a photographer hiding anywhere, so I started snapping candid photos of them and then offered to get a few posed photos after, and texted them the pictures. After they headed off, my parents and I decided to get a photo in the same spot, overlooking Portland.

Since it was fall, the colors in the park were so beautiful. Many of the trees were changing and dropping leaves. I was surprised by how many different mushrooms we spotted throughout, too. I always love a good macro shot, so I took plenty of the mushrooms!

macro shot of a mushroom

beautiful fall colors

Dad resting

another macro mushroom!

dad and mom

fall foliage

more mushroom macros!

The last part of the gardens that we explored was an bonsai tree exhibit with an amazing collection of bonsai.

black dragon bonsai tree, 50 years old

When we were done, we started to catch a Lyft back to the hotel to grab our bags, but then realized we were just across the street from the International Rose Test Garden. It was almost out of season, but we walked around that area as well and saw a few roses left. Then we hopped on a free park shuttle for a full loop and rode by Washington Park's archery range, Oregon Zoo and World Foresty Center, Hoyt Arboretum and more. We'd wanted to stop but quickly realized the park was quite large and one loop around was all we had time for. 

International Rose Test Garden

one of the final few roses in the garden

Once our loop was finished, we grabbed a Lyft back to our hotel to grab our bags and were off to the airport to head home. The flights home were easy with lovely views. We got to take a little piece of Oregon with us--Oregonian wine that I won in a silent auction during the annual meeting we attended.

wine from the silent auction