Best Not-Too-Exciting Sledding Hills Around Portland

Though the internet can answer many important questions for you (we see you, IsItSnowinginPDX.com), we’re here to help you identify the best sledding hill in town: It’s the one that’s closest to home, that you can get to without digging out a vehicle, and that you can return from quickly when you’re ready for hot cocoa and a hot bath. “Deadman” is not in its nickname.  

“Closest to home” is different for everyone (and if you live in the mountains, well, good for you), so we’ve rounded up some of Portland’s not-too-exciting sledding spots, where you’re unlikely to get stuck under a parked car, get run over by a moving one, or inspire the final act of a tragic novel à la Ethan Frome.

No sled? We have thoughts.

Parks

Farragut Park: A train zipping by the bottom of the hill adds a thrill, but a fence keeps you from sliding into it.

Irving Park: Its short sledding slopes spill out onto sports fields, so there’s a good flat area to slow you down.

Kenton Park: A short hill, but a nice, wide-bottomed bowl. Some bars and coffee shops nearby have staff who live within walking distance, so they might actually be open.

Laurelhurst Park: On its western edge there’s a bit of bowl for sledding. Just avoid the trees, please, and the pond in the east section.

Mount Tabor: The crowds here mean there should be someone around to help when your have the inevitable collision that comes with crowds.

A Park (yes, the real name of a park awaiting a new name): The large flattish expanse at the bottom of the little hill under the playground might stop you from going into the road.

Schools

Chapman Elementary: Why should those swifts have all the fun here?

Laurelhurst K–8: It’s not Laurelhurst Park, but it will do.

Campbell Elementary (Milwaukie): Between the upper and lower playgrounds, there’s just enough of a slope for littles.

Golf Courses

Glendoveer: The same steep hills that wear you out when you’re lugging your clubs at this public course also wear you out when you’re lugging your sled, but it’s more fun.

Rose City: We’d call this a best-kept secret, but we’re pretty sure everyone in Northeast Portland knows about it.