Leach Botanical Garden Aerial Tree Walk & Manor House Trails

About this adventure

Tucked away in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood of Southeast Portland along Johnson Creek, Leach Botanical Garden is a 16-acre hidden botanical jewel. The garden was originally developed in the 1930s by botanist Lilla Leach and features over 2,000 plant species. The star winter attraction is the dramatic 360-foot elevated Aerial Tree Walk, a steel-and-timber walkway that suspends visitors nearly 40 feet above the forest floor, giving families an exhilarating bird's-eye view into the canopy of western red cedars and Douglas firs. Children also love the cedar creek-side paths, stone steps leading to the historic 1932 stone Manor House, and open terrace gardens. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: The upper garden, visitor pavilion, arbor terrace, and aerial tree walk are fully ADA accessible with smooth paved and boardwalk paths; lower historic manor house trails feature stone steps. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Modern visitor center restrooms with baby changing tables; covered terrace seating overlooking the botanical ravine. • Age Suitability: All ages; children are captivated by walking high up in the treetops on the safety-railed aerial bridge. • Sensory Tips: Peaceful forested valley sheltered from city sounds; the sound of Johnson Creek rushing over rocks below provides soothing natural white noise.