Tanner Springs Park is an urban oasis in the Pearl District, north of downtown Portland.
This wetlands park occupies a full city block in the trendy Pearl District north of downtown Portland, at NW 10th Avenue and Marshall.
It has a tranquil setting, with gravel paths, cobbled walkways, meadows, long grasses, and a wetlands area with a floating pontoon.
This a great place for quiet reflection and a wonderful respite from the city. Many visitors picnic on the lawns, or read a book on a park bench.
Tanner Springs Park was once a wetlands area with a creek that flowed out to the Willamette River. The wetlands area acted as a filtration system for water before it reached the nearby Willamette River. Unfortunately the wetlands was filled in during the 1800's to accommodate rail yards and industry.
When the Pearl District was re-developed in the 1990's, a master plan was developed to create three new parks along NW 10th Avenue (Tanner Springs Park, Jamison Square and The Fields). Tanner Springs Park was returned to it's original identity as a wetland, however the re-developed site for Tanner Springs Park is at an elevation 20-feet higher than before.
5 best things to do at Tanner Springs Park
1. Walk out along the floating pontoon to see koi and turtles.
The spring connects to Tanner Creek that now runs through a system of pipes to the Willamette River.
2. See the famous art installation behind the floating pontoon, constructed from 368 railroad tracks.
3. Relax on a bench or lawns at Tanner Springs Park with a good book or coffee.
4. Dip your feet in the circular spring where recycled water flows down a runnel into the pond.
5. Walk one block north to Ovation Coffee and Tea for refreshments.
Fun things to do near Tanner Park Springs
Explore other attractions in the Pearl District, including Powells Books, Jamison Square and The Fields.
Review this attraction