Heron Lakes Golf Course is located at 3500 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217. It offers 36 championship holes, a driving range, putting and bunker practice areas, and a Pro Shop. Tee times are generally available Monday through Sunday from 07:00 to 19:00.
Located near the Columbia River and just north of central Portland, Heron Lakes Golf Course is a popular municipal golf destination for local players and visitors. The facility features two 18-hole courses—the Great Blue Course and the Greenback Course—along with a driving range and several short-game practice areas.
Heron Lakes Golf Course Information
| Course Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3500 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217 |
| Phone | (503) 289-1818 |
| Opening Hours | Monday–Sunday, 07:00–19:00 |
| Number of Holes | 36 championship holes |
| Courses | Great Blue Course and Greenback Course |
| Facilities | Driving Range, putting practice area, bunker practice area, and Pro Shop |
About Heron Lakes Golf Course
Heron Lakes provides two complete golf experiences at one public facility. Both layouts were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., but they offer noticeably different visual styles and playing challenges.
The Great Blue Course has a more open appearance, with mounding, fescue-style areas, numerous bunkers, water hazards, and smaller greens with more movement. It generally rewards accurate approach shots and careful course management.
The Greenback Course follows a more traditional parkland design. Mature trees, doglegs, ponds, and larger greens create a classic Northwest golf experience. Although many golfers consider it slightly more forgiving than Great Blue, it still demands thoughtful club selection and controlled tee shots.
Heron Lakes Golf Course Tee Times
Heron Lakes golf course tee times are generally available seven days a week between 07:00 and 19:00. Actual availability depends on the season, daylight, weather, maintenance schedules, tournaments, and demand.
| Day | General Tee-Time Window |
|---|---|
| Monday | 07:00–19:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:00–19:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00–19:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00–19:00 |
| Friday | 07:00–19:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00–19:00 |
| Sunday | 07:00–19:00 |
Weekend morning times can fill quickly, especially during Portland’s warmer and drier months. Golfers seeking a quieter round may prefer an early weekday reservation or a later twilight time.
- Select your course. Decide whether you want to play Great Blue or Greenback.
- Choose 9 or 18 holes. Confirm the available format before booking.
- Check the weather. Portland conditions can affect course firmness and pace of play.
- Confirm the current rate. Fees may change according to day and tee-time category.
- Arrive early. Allow time for check-in, warm-up, and practice.
Reserve your tee time in advance and confirm which course you are playing. Great Blue and Greenback have different rates, layouts, and levels of difficulty.
Heron Lakes Golf Course Green Fees
Heron Lakes golf course green fees vary according to the selected course, day of the week, number of holes, and time of day. Great Blue generally costs slightly more than Greenback.
| Category | Greenback Course | Great Blue Course |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday, 18-Hole Regular | Approximately $52 | Approximately $58 |
| Friday–Sunday/Holidays, 18-Hole Regular | Approximately $60 | Approximately $66 |
| Monday–Thursday, 9-Hole Regular | Approximately $32 | Approximately $35 |
| Friday–Sunday/Holidays, 9-Hole Regular | Approximately $38 | Approximately $40 |
| Twilight and Special Times | Reduced rates may apply | Reduced rates may apply |
These figures are general reference prices and may change. Cart rental, range balls, tournament services, and other optional purchases may cost extra. Golfers should confirm the final total when reserving a tee time.
Which Heron Lakes Course Is Better?
The better course depends on your experience, preferred visual style, and desired level of challenge.
| Comparison | Great Blue | Greenback |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Style | Modern, open, links-inspired character | Traditional parkland layout |
| Main Challenges | Bunkers, water, fescue, and undulating greens | Trees, doglegs, ponds, and strategic approaches |
| Difficulty | Generally more demanding | Generally more approachable |
| Best For | Experienced golfers seeking a stronger test | Mixed groups and players seeking a classic layout |
| Visual Character | Open views and dramatic shaping | Mature trees and a quieter parkland feel |
Great Blue may be the better option for golfers who enjoy bold hazards, demanding approach shots, and strategic risk-reward decisions. Greenback may be preferable for first-time visitors, mixed-skill groups, or players who appreciate mature trees and a more traditional design.
Playing both courses is the best way to experience the full Heron Lakes facility. The contrasting layouts make a two-round visit feel varied rather than repetitive.
Heron Lakes Golf Course Reviews
Heron Lakes golf course reviews frequently praise the facility for offering two distinctive public courses at a reasonable price. Golfers also mention the convenient practice facilities, friendly atmosphere, and interesting designs.
Great Blue is often highlighted for its memorable layout and demanding final holes. Greenback receives positive feedback for its mature trees, playable fairways, smooth greens, and welcoming character.
Reviews also show that course conditions can vary with Portland’s wet weather and seasonal maintenance. Fairways may become soft after extended rain, while bunkers and rough can play differently throughout the year.
- Two full 18-hole courses at one location
- Interesting Robert Trent Jones Jr. designs
- Good value for a major-city public facility
- Useful driving and short-game practice areas
- Great Blue provides a challenging championship-style test
- Greenback offers a traditional and slightly more forgiving round
Practice Facilities and Pro Shop
The driving range allows golfers to warm up before their tee time or schedule a separate practice session. The putting area is useful for adjusting to the day’s green speed, while the bunker practice area helps players prepare for the many sand hazards found across both courses.
The Pro Shop provides check-in services and access to common golf essentials. Arriving 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled tee time gives players enough time to check in, organize equipment, and complete a short warm-up.
Golf Carts Suitable for Heron Lakes Golf Course
Using a comfortable golf cart can make a 36-hole facility easier to explore, especially for players carrying equipment, playing in warm weather, or planning a full 18-hole round.
Golfers and facility operators can explore tara golf carts for quiet, smooth, and comfortable transportation around golf environments. Electric operation helps preserve the relaxed atmosphere of the course while reducing unnecessary operating noise.
Visitors or businesses looking for local rental and purchase options can contact nearby golf cart dealers. Availability, rental rules, and course access requirements should always be confirmed before bringing outside equipment onto the property.
The Tara Spirit Air is a practical option for golfers who value seating comfort, convenient storage, smooth handling, and modern onboard technology.
A Tara GPS system can help golfers review hole information, estimate distances, understand the course layout, and plan an efficient route between playing areas. This is especially useful at Heron Lakes because the facility includes two separate 18-hole layouts and extensive practice areas.
For a comfortable round at Heron Lakes, consider a Tara Spirit Air equipped with a Tara GPS system. Confirm all rental arrangements and operating policies with the golf course and authorized dealer before your visit.
Final Thoughts
Heron Lakes Golf Course is an appealing Portland destination for golfers seeking variety, practice facilities, and two championship layouts at one location.
Choose Great Blue for a more demanding experience featuring strong bunkering, water, and strategic shot-making. Choose Greenback for a traditional parkland round with mature trees, doglegs, and a slightly more accessible character.
Book tee times early, confirm current green fees, check weather and course conditions, and arrive with enough time to use the practice facilities. A comfortable Tara golf cart with GPS support can also make navigating Heron Lakes more convenient and enjoyable.
