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Resource
You can help us protect our spectacular natural resources and help ensure everyone has a safe and rewarding experience while visiting Portland Parks by following all park rules.
Full List of Rules
A full list of rules can be found in Portland City Code Title 20, Title 14, and Title 19. In addition, Portland Policy Documents also govern the conduct and use of parks.
Quick Reference
Alcohol and Drugs (20.12.040)
Use of alcohol, cannabis, and controlled substances is prohibited in Portland parks. PCC 20.12.040. Alcohol may be allowed with a proper event permit. See PP&R’s Customer Service Center for more information.
Animals (20.12.140)
Leashed animals are allowed in most parks. Some natural areas prohibit dogs due to habitat and wildlife considerations. See PCC 20.12.140 and more on dogs in parks.
Dogs can be off-leash at over 35 Off-Leash Areas around the city.
Park Rangers regularly patrol to educate pet owners about potential violations. Non-compliance may result in a park exclusion or fine up to $150.
Bikes and Motorized Devices (20.12.170)
Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, and motorized devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, segways, and hoverboards are generally only allowed on paved pathways. Bicycles and other wheeled devices, like scooters, are not allowed on soft-surface trails or off-road, except in designated areas for off-road cycling. See Motorized Wheeled Device rule and PCC 20.12.170.
Off-road cycling is available at Gateway Green.
Dock and Moorage Rules (PRK-1.17)
Portland Parks & Recreation manages several of the city’s public docks and boat ramps. In addition to all park rules and the rules and regulations established under Title 19 of city code, boaters must abide by the rules and regulations described in PP&R’s Boat Launch and Moorage policy to keep the docks safe and equally accessible to all members of the public.
Park Rangers regularly patrol the docks to educate boaters about potential violations and ensure that all applicable rules are being followed.
Fires, Fireworks, and Smoking (20.12.110)
Per PCC 20.12.110, fires, fireworks, and smoking are not allowed. This includes the use of vaporizers for nicotine and cannabis products.
Barbecue grills are allowed with a picnic permit or in areas designated for grilling by PP&R.
Geocaching
PP&R allows geocaching in certain areas of parks. For more information, see policies on Geocaching.
Events (20.08)
Permits may be required for events or if soliciting for or conducting business. If you are interested in holding an event in a park, contact the Customer Service Center. You need a permit for an event if:
- You want guaranteed use of a site
- You are setting up any equipment or structures (e.g. stage, chairs, tables, canopies, sound system, volleyball net, or other sporting equipment)
- You will have alcohol present
- Your event is expected to have 150 or more people in attendance
- You will conduct any commercial activity, such as a service/product for which customers pay, including photography, film/video, classes (including personal training), concession of food products and sundries, docking, pedicabs, etc.
- Any organized entertainment/event, demonstration, or public gathering as defined in Chapter 20.08.010 of the City Code
Remote Control Devices and Drones (20.12.180)
The use of drones ("unmanned aerial devices") and other remote-control devices by park visitors can bother others and create stress for nearby wildlife. As such, the landing or taking off of a drone while on park property is prohibited.
Swimming
Portland Parks & Recreation encourages swimming at many beach access sites where it is permitted. For more information and tips for a safe visit, including docks open to swimming, see the page on Swimming in Portland’s Rivers.
Fishing (20.12.100)
Fishing at Portland parks and docks is generally not allowed except in designated areas. For more information, see the policy on Fishing in Portland Parks.
Structures (20.12.080)
Placing or installing a structure in a park requires a permit. This includes things like a pop-tent, bounce-house, art installation, tables and chairs, or other temporary or permanent structures. For events, please contact the Customer Service Center.
Vehicles and Parking
Vehicles are allowed in designated parking areas only, and must remain on park roads. Vehicles on turf or in unauthorized areas, or driving on park pedestrian paths -- even briefly to drop off or pick up people or parcels -- is prohibited. Please contact the Customer Service Center if you have needs requiring access in a vehicle in a park.
Metal detecting
Recreational metal detecting is allowed in some parks. Detectorists must follow the best practices for metal detecting to ensure the protection of park property. Review the Metal Detecting rule.
Slacklining, Hammocks, and Attaching Items to Trees or Poles (20.12.100)
Attaching, tethering, or tying items to park trees, lightpoles, fencing, or other structures is unlawful. Slacklining, hammocks, and other attachments can damage park resources and trees. In addition, park fencing, poles, and other structures are not designed to hold slacklines or hammocks.
Foraging and Removing Vegetation or Roses (20.12.100 C)
Park plants and vegetation provide critical habitat for wildlife and insects, as well as bring beauty and enjoyment to all visitors. Removal of park plants or flowers is unlawful. For information on research permits for plant materials, please contact the Customer Service Center.
Courtesy Guidelines
As a courtesy to other park users, here are a few reminders of courtesy expectations for you while you are at a Parks facility:
- Follow the safety and program directions of PP&R staff.
- Be a good role model for others, especially children and youth.
- Use language that is appropriate for visitors of all ages and refrain from derogatory, violent, hateful, or explicit language.
- Be safe, for the benefit of yourself and everyone else.
- Leave no trace – pack out what you pack in at our parks and our facilities.
- Respect the confidentiality of patrons and fellow employees.
- Respect other people and their space.
- Respect the equipment, supplies, and facilities of PP&R. At community centers, this includes not bouncing balls in hallways, bringing bicycles into buildings, eating or drinking in non-designated areas, and bringing non-service animals into buildings or leaving animals unattended.
- Do not leave young children unsupervised.
Ejections, Exclusions, and Citations
You may be excluded, ejected, or issued a citation for prohibited activities on park property, such as:
- All forms of harassment or inflicting physical harm, as defined by state law.
- Defacing or damaging property.
- Behavior, conduct or activity that obstructs, disrupts or interferes with the operations, business, or permitted activity at parks or community centers. This includes disruptive behavior that may be the result of being under the influence of any intoxicating substances.
- Riding a wheeled device inside a building, except for persons needing such devices to be mobile.
- Smoking in prohibited areas (inside, near entrances, and in all PP&R properties).
- Soliciting or conducting business in a park or community center without a permit.
- Parking in prohibited areas.
- Any other violation of City Code Chapter 20.12 or other relevant state or city laws.