Portland's golf market combines year-round playability with a strong public and semi-private course network across the Portland metro and the Willamette Valley. Like Seattle, the summer season (June–September) is exceptional — warm, dry, and clear. Portland's public golf infrastructure is particularly strong: the city operates one of the best municipal golf systems in the Pacific Northwest, and green fees run below Seattle averages across every tier.
Portland Green Fees (2026)
| Course | Weekday 18 | Weekend 18 | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Crest Golf Course | $17 | $18 | 4.5 ★ |
| Sandelie Golf Course | $22 | $25 | 4 ★ |
| Glendoveer Golf & Tennis | $31 | $37 | 4.4 ★ |
| Gresham Golf Course | $40 | $45 | 4.2 ★ |
Verified from course websites · Showing 4 courses with published pricing · Verify before booking
Pumpkin Ridge: The Benchmark of Portland Golf
Pumpkin Ridge Golf Clubin North Plains (25 miles northwest of Portland) is widely considered the best public-access golf experience in Oregon. Ghost Creek course (a 1992 Bob Cupp design that hosted the 1996 US Women's Open) is the premier layout — a parkland course through natural wetlands that plays significantly different from the open, farm-country terrain typical of the region. See current rates in the pricing table above.
The City of Portland Golf System
Portland Parks & Recreation operates Eastmoreland Golf Course (a 1920 H. Chandler Egan design, consistently rated the best city-owned course in Oregon), Heron Lakes Golf Course(two 18-hole layouts in North Portland), and several 9-hole executive courses. Eastmoreland and Heron Lakes Great Blue are the city's best-value full rounds — walkable, historically significant, and priced well below private or semi-private alternatives. See current rates in the pricing table above.
The Columbia River Gorge Corridor
East of Portland along the Columbia River, Skamania Lodge Golf Course in Stevenson, WA offers one of the most scenic golf experiences in the Northwest — a mountain resort course overlooking the Gorge. Beacon Rock Golf Course is the affordable alternative with similar Columbia River scenery. Worth the 45-minute drive from Portland for destination golfers.
Portland Golf by Season
- November–March: Rainy season. Courses playable but wet. Lowest rates of the year. Best for locals who accept Pacific Northwest conditions.
- April–May: Spring shoulder. Conditions improving rapidly. Mix of rain and clear days.
- June–September: Peak season. Consistently excellent — warm, clear, low humidity. 16+ hours of summer daylight. Peak pricing.
- October: Best value window. Rates dropping, conditions still good, summer visitors gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best public golf course in Portland?
Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (Ghost Creek course) in North Plains is the consensus best public-access course in Oregon — a 1996 US Women's Open venue with outstanding conditioning. Within the city, Eastmoreland Golf Course is the best city-owned course and one of the most historically significant in the Pacific Northwest.
Is Portland golf cheaper than Seattle?
Yes — Portland's public golf market runs 10–20% below Seattle rates across most tiers. The city's municipal system (Eastmoreland, Heron Lakes) is particularly affordable. Semi-private courses in the Portland metro also price lower than their Seattle equivalents.
When is the best time to golf in Portland?
June through September is peak season — clear skies, warm temperatures, minimal rainfall. October is an underrated value window: summer crowds gone, rates dropping, excellent course conditions. The fall color in the Willamette Valley enhances the experience considerably.
What are the cheapest golf courses in Portland?
Portland Parks & Recreation courses (Eastmoreland, Heron Lakes, and the city's executive courses) are the most affordable public options. Resident rates are available for Portland residents. See current verified rates in the pricing table above.