Had some painting done in the kitchen today, so I had to vacate the house for a few hours. I knew that whatever I did had to be done outdoors because of the fall colors, so I aimed for the Oregon Zoo, which is always a good place to start an adventure and is just 3 miles from home.
Road Sign
I decided that 15 years in Portland without a trip to the Japanese Garden was long enough, so I hiked on the Walnut, Cherry and Wildwood trails from the Zoo through Hoyt Arboretum toward a spur trail that leads down to the Garden.
Trees on Wildwood Trail
The Wildwood Trail is marked every quarter mile with a blaze of electric blue paint so users can keep track of their progress.
Trail Marker
A sign marks the turn from Wildwood to the Japanese Garden, which is just a short walk down the side trail.
Trail Sign
It costs $8 for an adult to enter the Japanese Garden. Normally I strongly prefer to recreate for free, but I felt it was worth the money today because of the changing season. I did not regret my decision. (Click here for larger version.)
Footbridge at Japanese Garden
I wanted to go in the rock garden and make my own design, but that would have violated the numerous “Do Not Cross” signs and would not have been very Zen of me.
Rock Garden
After wandering around the Japanese Garden for a while, I continued downhill to Washington Park and the Rose Garden (both free of charge). Roses are not exactly in season, but there were a couple of hardy blossoms and buds that didn’t get the memo that summer is over. I suppose these blooms will last until the first freeze.
Late Roses
I don’t know the name of this tree, but it seemed intensely yellow. (Larger version.)
Washington Park Rose Garden
There are some beautiful homes near Washington Park. Although I did see one yard sign advocating Republican Senator Gordon Smith’s re-election, Portland is Obama country, as seen in this Halloween-themed show of support in a steep yard near the park. If it were not Halloween, I don’t know what this sign might portend. (Larger version.)
Continuing down the hill past one of Portland’s open drinking water reservoirs.
Water Reservoir
Four or five miles after beginning, it’s time to catch the MAX train from the Kings Hill/Salmon Street station back to the Zoo.
Kings Hill/Salmon Street MAX Station
Masterpeace 
