When tour guests asks us, "what one thing should I not miss in Portland," we pick the 5-mile (8-10 km) hike in Forest Park. No matter what the season, hiking in the park is entering another world right on the borders, and through the fabric, of the city.
PLEASE NOTE THIS HIKE HAS 900 FT ELEVATION GAIN
We offer two departures, both with varied terrain and about 900 ft (300 meter) elevation gain. The classic hike is focused around a Northwest Portland experience, and ends at the International Rose Test Garden (when in season), the Forest Park Experience at 9 a.m. We have limited 1:30 p.m. departures. Once weekly, we offer an afternoon hike that starts at Goose Hollow, through neighborhoods and up into the park (2:30 p.m.). Both pass iconic spots; Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Witch's Castle; but take a different approach to the forest.
In Forest Park—within minutes leaving the street—you can forget, or wonder at the fact that you are still in a city.
levation points in the park, where we'll join the famous Wildwood Trail, a 43-mile long trail that has its origin over 110 years ago.
4033 SW Canyon Rd, (trailhead: World Forestry Center), Portland, United States
We'll make our way from Lower Macleay Trail and continue traveling along the Wildwood Trail. We will be on this trail for approximately 3 miles (5 km), for about 900 feet of elevation gain (300 meters)
3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, United States
At the Pittock Mansion, we'll visit the grounds and see the expansive view of the city and the mountains surrounding it. We'll have a chance to eat some snacks in some of the city's prettiest public gardens.
4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, United States
We'll cross Burnside and pass into Washington Park (occasionally in the afternoon, we'll reverse this and see Washington Park before Forest Park). We typically wind down through the NW Portland neighborhoods, with beautiful views of the city and mountains, and cross Burnside at a light-metered crosswalk. If the weather is not friendly or the roses are not in bloom, we will often end in the NW neighborhood of Nob Hill/NW 23rd Avenue, with guest agreement.
611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, United States
The Japanese Garden is closed on Tuesdays and can often be closed sporadically; please check with us about open hours. The trail through Washington Park passes right by the Japanese Garden; morning tour guests have an option of ending the tour here for afternoon tea and a stroll through the garden (admission not included).
400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, United States
THE ROSE GARDEN IS ONLY IN BLOOM FROM LATE MAY THROUGH OCTOBER. The Rose Garden will be the final stop of the morning tour, and the first stop of the afternoon tour; where we will most definitely stop and smell some of the 600 varieties of roses!
For the 9 a.m. and 1:30 departures, we meet outside Haven Coffee, on NW Thurman, a few blocks from the #15 bus stop (NW Vaughn and 27th). Have Coffee has newly opened in the spot so you may not find it on Google.
The 2:30 p.m. hike meets at a different point
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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