Reed College Canyon
A serene 28-acre watershed on the Reed College campus, offering peaceful trails and ecological restoration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Lush greenery and blooming flora
Reed College Canyon
Best Time
Lush greenery and blooming flora
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 28-acre watershed on the Reed College campus, offering peaceful trails and ecological restoration.
"Reed College Canyon is a truly unique place in Portland, and certainly unique as part of a college campus."
🚶♀️ Wander the Trails
Explore the diverse trails in the canyon for a peaceful nature walk. Great for self-care and de-stressing.
📚 Explore the Bookstore
The campus bookstore is a great resource for books and Reed College merchandise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reed College Canyon
Heart of campus
A lush 28-acre watershed with walking trails, offering a serene natural escape within the urban environment.
Crystal Springs Creek Restoration
Within the canyon
Witness the ongoing efforts to restore the creek, allowing fish to migrate to the ocean. A testament to environmental stewardship.
Gothic Architecture
Main campus buildings
Admire the historic Eliot Hall and other Gothic-style buildings, adding a timeless charm to the campus.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Natural Beauty
Campus Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander the Trails
Explore the diverse trails in the canyon for a peaceful nature walk. Great for self-care and de-stressing.
📚 Explore the Bookstore
The campus bookstore is a great resource for books and Reed College merchandise.
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Check out local coffee shops like Cloud City for a post-canyon treat.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The canyon offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially with its unique flora and creek.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander the Trails
Explore the diverse trails in the canyon for a peaceful nature walk. Great for self-care and de-stressing.
📚 Explore the Bookstore
The campus bookstore is a great resource for books and Reed College merchandise.
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Check out local coffee shops like Cloud City for a post-canyon treat.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The canyon offers beautiful photo opportunities, especially with its unique flora and creek.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven; comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the canyon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Reed College Canyon for its serene natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere it offers right on campus. The ongoing creek restoration is noted as an inspiring ecological effort. While the canyon is a highlight, some visitors also appreciate the campus's charming Gothic architecture and walkable layout.
"First time stopping by in nearly a decade. I graduated from Reed in 2004. Was bit of an emotional visit even though I've been gone in Portland several times for visits but never had the courage to stop by and then of course COVID.
Always loved the campus. Didn't have much time today but snapped a few photos. First time seeing the Performing Arts Center in person."
Mohamed Anees Ahmed
"The fee to audit a Reed College course, without a evaluations or homework critique is just $100 (2023). This is a very great value. I audited some courses at Reed and learned much more than at my Matriculated University. Strongly recommended if you are a scholar."
Treon Verdery
"Yes, I admit it. I graduated from Reed College 56 years ago, so I might be biased! However, I have traveled to many colleges and universities, both here and abroad, and Reed certainly has one of the most beautiful campuses of all. Of course the beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers play their part, along with the quaint "old dorm block" with its Sallyport and gargoyles, and historic Eliot Hall are a major reason for the beauty. Part of the reason also is that it is fairly small and very walkable in a couple of hours, and part is because of the unique canyon area below the upper formal campus.
Years ago, before it had been restored to its natural state, when I lived off campus during the summer and used to walk through the Canyon on my way home, I could stop and pick ripe blackberries along the way. Later, when I was an adult our children took lessons in the swimming pool in the canyon and we held family picnics there. Now, that is all gone so that the Crystal Springs Creek can be restored, the dams removed, and the fish can now move up the stream and all the way to the river and onward to the ocean. It has become a truly unique place in Portland, and certainly unique as part of a college campus.
If you are wandering around Reed and get hungry for lunch, the Commons (in the Gray Center overlooking the Canyon) has quite good food, with a lot of fresh seasonal choices. The prices are modest. The bookstore is also a great resource. I'm not sure if you can get borrowing privileges at the library, but you can certainly go there to browse and read. Be sure to enjoy the historic older section that houses the reading room.
But let me talk about Reed as an educational institution. When I arrived at Reed back in 1954, I felt immediately at home, and I have been at home there ever since, even though I had to move away from Portland almost 50 years ago. I return whenever I can, and almost every day I have a reason to thank Reed for the wonderful education they offer. I have checked with many people who know the students of today, and although things are obviously different now, since the world is different, I'm told that the same intellectual atmosphere prevails. However, don't get the idea that Reed students don't have fun. Yes, we studied, and discussed, and wrote papers, and toiled away in the library and in various labs, but we had lots of fun, and I can tell, when I see students today, and talk with them, that it's still fun to go to Reed. It is a different type of fun than the typical frat-sorority trip, the homecoming games, the rah rah atmosphere. The sports tend to be more individual and casual. My friends did a lot of rock climbing, for instance, and folk dancing was big back in my day. A lot of it is friendships, lots of frenzied discussion on every topic imaginable, and being able to go outside the boundaries of a major to be exposed to all kinds of ideas and activities with all kinds of people."
Sharon Toji
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reed College Canyon is located on the Reed College campus in Southeast Portland. You can reach the campus via public transportation (bus lines) or by car. Parking is available on campus, though it can be limited during peak academic times. Once on campus, follow signs for the canyon trails.
Yes, Reed College is well-served by public transportation. Several TriMet bus lines stop near the campus, making it accessible without a car. Check the TriMet website for the most current routes and schedules.
Visitor parking is available on campus. It's best to check the Reed College website for the most up-to-date parking information and any potential fees or restrictions, especially during the academic year.
No, Reed College Canyon is an integral part of the Reed College campus, a 28-acre watershed located within the university grounds. It's not a separate public park but a natural area accessible to visitors.
Upon arriving at Reed College, look for campus maps or ask for directions at an information desk. The canyon trails are generally well-marked and accessible from various points on the upper campus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit Reed College Canyon. It is an open natural area on the Reed College campus, accessible to the public.
As the canyon is part of the college campus, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of campus hours and any potential event closures.
Yes, Reed College offers the opportunity to audit courses for a fee, which can be a great way to experience the academic environment. The fee was around $100 in 2023.
While there isn't a dedicated visitor center specifically for the canyon, the college campus has administrative buildings where you might find information or maps. The bookstore also serves as a hub for campus-related items.
Visitors are expected to respect the natural environment and campus rules. Stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing wildlife. The college may have specific policies regarding campus access.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking the trails, observing the diverse flora and fauna, and appreciating the ongoing creek restoration efforts. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful nature walk or quiet reflection. 
Absolutely! The natural habitat within the canyon makes it a great spot for birdwatching, with various species likely to be present due to the creek and diverse plant life.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can find spots along the trails to enjoy a quiet picnic. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to keep the canyon clean.
Given the creek and natural setting, you might see various birds, small mammals, and aquatic life. The restoration of Crystal Springs Creek aims to support a healthier ecosystem.
Yes, the canyon is suitable for children, especially for short walks. However, some trails might be uneven, so supervision is recommended. It's a great place for kids to connect with nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The creek itself, the lush greenery, and the bridges offer great photographic opportunities. Look for interesting textures in the bark of trees and the play of light through the canopy.
The natural backdrop of the canyon, with its trees and creek, can provide a beautiful and serene setting for portraits. The diffused light under the canopy can be very flattering.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical in the canyon.
Drone usage is typically restricted on college campuses and in natural areas to ensure safety and minimize disturbance. It's best to check Reed College's specific policies regarding drone operation.
Yes, the Gothic architecture of Reed College, like Eliot Hall, is also very photogenic and complements the natural beauty of the canyon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the canyon, the campus itself can be an interesting exploration for kids, with its unique architecture and open spaces. It's a peaceful environment that encourages curiosity and a gentle introduction to a college campus setting. The focus on nature and restoration might also spark interesting conversations about the environment.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1The canyon's natural beauty, coupled with the ongoing ecological restoration, makes it a fascinating place to explore at your own pace. You can spend hours wandering the paths, observing the flora and fauna, and appreciating the efforts to preserve this unique watershed.
📚 Academically Curious Visitors
Exploring the campus, including the library and historic reading rooms, can also be an enriching experience for those curious about academic institutions. The blend of intellectual pursuit and natural beauty is a hallmark of the Reed College experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ecological Significance of Reed College Canyon
The restoration aims to remove barriers, improve water quality, and re-establish a healthy habitat for species like cutthroat trout, allowing them to travel from the Willamette River all the way to the ocean. This initiative transforms the canyon into a dynamic ecosystem, showcasing the positive impact of conservation efforts. Visitors can observe the progress and appreciate the natural beauty that is being preserved and enhanced for future generations.
This commitment to nature is deeply ingrained in the Reed College experience. The canyon serves as a constant reminder of the importance of preserving natural spaces, even within an urban setting. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and witness firsthand the benefits of ecological restoration.
+1Exploring the Campus and its Architectural Charm
The campus is designed to be highly walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its various sections. From the formal academic buildings to the more residential areas, there's a sense of cohesion and thoughtful design throughout. The presence of open green spaces and mature trees further enhances the pleasant walking experience, making it easy to spend a couple of hours simply strolling and taking in the sights.
For those interested in the history and character of educational institutions, Reed College's campus offers a rich visual narrative. The blend of natural landscapes and well-preserved architecture creates a unique environment that is both inspiring and peaceful.
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