Gresham offers a range of experiences for a stay: trails through urban wetlands, wooded uplands, and river landscapes sit alongside places showcasing local history and public art. The Springwater Trail runs from Boring through Gresham to Portland. Other trails wind through residential neighborhoods in the heart of the city or climb into a wooded landscape. The experiences described here differ not only in their surroundings, but also in their respective trail lengths and activities.
Trails Through City and Countryside
Gresham’s section of the Springwater Trail is suitable for walking, hiking, jogging, cycling, picnicking, bird and wildlife watching, and horseback riding. For long stretches, the corridor follows the contours of 26-mile-long Johnson Creek. The trail thus connects a route through several communities with a distinctive landscape shaped by the creek.
The 3.29-mile Gresham-Fairview Trail passes through urban wetlands and residential neighborhoods in the heart of Gresham. It is suitable for walking, cycling, jogging, skateboarding, and inline skating; wheelchairs and battery-powered scooters are also included among the permitted uses. Compared with the Springwater Trail, this route emphasizes its urban setting. The two trails therefore offer different perspectives on Gresham, without requiring you to choose the same activities.
Upland Trails and River Landscapes
The Gresham Butte Saddle Trail is 1.24 miles long, lushly vegetated, and passes through wooded uplands. Along the way, it crosses several small tributary streams. The trail connects to the summit of Gresham Butte and offers panoramic views of the city. If you choose trails based on landscape rather than length alone, this one highlights forests, stream crossings, and views.
Another short loop is located in Shane T. Bemis Nature Park on Hogan Butte: the park covers 46 acres in the Gresham Butte neighborhood and features a paved, 0.5-mile interpretive loop trail. Its stated length differs significantly from the 1.24-mile Saddle Trail, and the surface is different too.
Oxbow Regional Park encompasses 1,000 acres of river, forest, and hills along the wild and scenic Sandy River. The park has more than 12 miles of hiking trails. Important for planning: Since September 8, 2026, it has been closed for several months while its outdated water system is replaced. Check its current opening status before planning a visit.
History and Culture in Gresham
The Gresham Historical Society Museum features exhibits on the community’s diverse history and culture. The society also offers monthly history lectures, tours of historic cemeteries, and family-friendly workshops. If you would like to attend a particular lecture or workshop, check the relevant dates when planning.
The Zimmerman House Museum is an 1874 farmhouse in northwest Gresham that houses thousands of artifacts. Another historic site is Gresham Pioneer Cemetery, where Miyo Iwakoshi is buried; she is believed to have been the first Japanese person to live in Oregon.
Tsuru Island is Gresham’s Japanese garden in Main City Park and is undergoing extensive renovations. In historic Downtown Gresham, artworks along Main Street are part of nearly two dozen public art projects. The garden and the art offer two distinct cultural themes: a Japanese garden under renovation and artwork in public spaces.
Getting There
Gresham is accessible via Interstate 84, Highway 26, several bus routes, and the MAX Blue Line. You can take these different travel options into account when choosing your route, while the trails and cultural destinations each offer their own focus for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Portland, Troutdale.
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