Leach Botanical Garden

Leach Botanical Garden is an 17-acre property along Johnson Creek showcasing collections of plants native to the Pacific Northwest. Visitors walk through woodland slopes and upland meadows on winding paths that reveal the diverse plant communities of the region.

John and Lilla Leach created their estate along Johnson Creek beginning in 1932, cultivating rare plant collections. The couple later donated their property to Portland Parks and Recreation, transforming it into a public botanical garden.

The garden functions as a community meeting place where locals and visitors learn about native plants through hands-on experiences. People gather here to connect with the natural heritage of the Pacific Northwest and participate in seasonal celebrations.

The garden opens Wednesday through Sunday with the best visits occurring during warmer months when flowering plants are at their peak. Well-maintained trails are easy to follow, though comfortable shoes help as some areas have slopes and uneven terrain.

An elevated Tree Walk platform winds through the canopy, giving visitors a view of the garden from above the forest floor. Historic stone structures left by the Leach family, including a cabin and Manor House, tell the story of how the property began.

Location: Oregon

Founders: Lilla Irvin Leach

GPS coordinates: 45.47410,-122.53400

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43