Mount Hood Gardens, Inc.

This peaceful, small public park is tucked into the hillside overlooking downtown Hood River. It is located above Overlook Memorial Park, west of the public stairs. The garden often is a surprise to first-time visitors. Its serene atmosphere lends itself to enjoying a quiet lunch or a moment of respite. Take a walk through the park and up the stairs to absorb the fragrance and beauty of the roses and other flowers. Numerous benches around the perimeter of the park invite visitors to sit down and relax. Large oak trees shade part of the garden.

Starting with a weed-strewn hillside, the 6,000 square foot park now consists of a formal lay-out of four symmetrical rose beds surrounded by traditional boxwood. The beds are based on a historical, European parterre pattern and arranged around a small central fountain. The lower part of the park is handicapped-accessible. The terraced hillside above, with its sweeping stone staircase, displays English-style plantings.

Stratton Gardens was designed by Marion McNew of Mount Hood Gardens. She also served as project manager for its construction. The park was financed by an endowment from the late Brick Stratton, who passed away in 2001. The fund also provides for the garden’s ongoing maintenance.

Stratton Gardens is owned by the City of Hood River and was dedicated on July 6, 2002. It is located directly above Overlook Memorial Park and bordered by Sherman Street on its south side. It can be rented for weddings from the City of Hood River, (Public Works / Parks & Recreation)

Stratton Gardens and Marion McNew received two national First Place Landscape Design Awards in 2005, a Gold Award from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and an Honor Award from the Perennial Plant Association.

For more detailed information about the construction of the park, please refer to linked articles:

Place cursor over image for "Before" view

Place cursor over image for close-up of rose