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One of my favorite things to do is plan weekends, day trips, or activities in my hometown, Portland, Oregon, especially for newcomers or visitors. I love showing people why Oregon is so much more than just the state above California and why Portland might secretly be the greatest city on the planet. And no matter the itinerary, I always include my local guide to Portland’s Forest Park.
Although it may not be as unique as I think it is, Forest Park is a giant connection of trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, exploring etc. that sits in the middle of the city. And while you will be competing for parking on weekend mornings with the locals, I think a short stroll or even a long trek along the 30 mile long Wildwood trail is an essential Oregon activity. Continue reading for my favorite trails and things to see while visiting Forest Park in Portland.
Warning!
Cute dog ahead. Forest Park was one of my favorite places to take our Golden Retriever- Ron Weasley. He loved to find mud on the trail and sniff every bush we passed. While he was a terrible running companion he did love to explore and adventure through the park. With that said, I apologize for the adorable dog in all my pictures below, you have been warned.
Why Forest Park is a Must-See in Portland
Forest Park is 5,200 acres of, you guessed it, forest, right in the middle of the city. It actually separates downtown Portland from the western suburbs like Beaverton, home to Nike’s headquarters (and where I grew up). It’s one of the largest urban forests in the United States, with over 80 miles of trails, forest roads, and fire lanes.
Don’t expect a manicured park with fountains, and don’t plan on camping here. Forest Park is its own thing, part wild, part city escape, with mossy trees, quirky Portland touches, and incredible views.
Most visitors come to hike, but you can also run, bike, or wander your way up to Pittock Mansion for a panoramic view of Portland. The best part? You can reach trailheads in just 15 minutes from downtown. While the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood area offer epic hikes, they require longer drives, permits, and crowded parking lots. Forest Park gives you a taste of Oregon’s outdoors without leaving the city.
Best Hikes in Forest Park
Lower Macleay to Pittock Mansion
- Distance: 4.9 miles
- Elevation gain: ~900 feet
- Parking: limited parking at the trailhead roundabout, but plenty of street parking on nearby street.
This hike takes you along a shady creek, past mossy trees, and by the iconic Witch’s Castle (more on that below). The bubbling of the creek provides an atmosphere that makes you feel like the city isn’t just a few blocks away. You’ll finish at Pittock Mansion with sweeping views of the city and, on clear days, Mount Hood.
Upper Macleay to Pittock Mansion
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation gain: ~500 feet
- Parking: located at the trail head is a parking lot with a decent number of spots.
If you’re short on time but still want the big payoff view, start higher up and take this shorter version of the Pittock Mansion hike. Same views, less effort.
Wildwood Trail: any section
- Distance: 30.2 miles total, choose your section
- Parking: varied depending on which section of the trail you choose.
The Wildwood Trail is the backbone of Forest Park. Locals use it for long runs and even ultra-marathon training, but you can hop on anywhere, walk as long as you’d like, and turn around. A great starting point is Washington Park, where you can connect your hike with other Portland icons like the Japanese Garden, International Rose Test Garden, or Hoyt Arboretum.
One of my favorites is a trail which takes you from the Vietnam Memorial to Lower Macleay Park, but most importantly it takes you into a grove of impressive redwood trees. If you want to explore that area check out this trail is for you.
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Ridge Trail
- Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: ~850 feet
- Parking: plenty of parking in the free lot.
One of my absolute favorites. While I usually do the hike in reverse, starting down near the bridge, follow this trail for navigation ease. The Ridge Trail starts in a downhill, saving your climb back up for the end. You are rewarded at the half way point with epic views of the gothic-style St. Johns Bridge. Enjoy the Trillium flowers and mossy trees as you climb back up towards the parking lot with your car. In general, especially on these remote trailheads, don’t leave anything out in your car.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few more hikes within Forest Park that are also awesome:
Witch’s Castle: A Touch of Portland Lore
No Forest Park guide is complete without a stop at the Witch’s Castle (also known as the Stone House). The structure itself is eerie, but the backstory is even darker.
Legend has it that Danford Balch hired a man called Mortimer Stump to help clear out his land. While working for Balch, Stump fell in love with Balch’s eldest daughter. Despite Balch’s disapproval, Stump and the daughter eloped. When they returned to the cabin to collect their belongings, Balch killed Stump for dragging his daughter away and marrying her. While on trial, Balch blamed away his murder by saying that his wife “bewitched” him (classic). He became the first legal hanging in Oregon and locals say their ghosts still haunt the area today.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, walking past Witch’s Castle is a rite of passage for Portland hikers. While the story is true and ghosts are a maybe (?) you can’t deny the eeriness that is felt when walking past this stone house.
Conservation
Of course, as with any green space in a city, there is a focus on maintaining the trails and keeping the park clean and safe for all visitors. The Forest Park Conservancy tackles this effort with grace over the entire 5,200 acre park. The conservancy’s mission is to protect the park while maintaining access and recreation. On top of a myriad of programs that they provide, they have different benchmarks to meet within the park depending on the season and maintenance goals. While Portlanders and visitors alike do an excellent job of staying on the trail and keeping the paths free of litter and dog waste, the conservancy still has work to do.
While donations are widely accepted to support the conservation of the park, they also host monthly community work days throughout the year. These can be planting parties, raking parties or my favorite, invasive ivy management. There are 3 types of European ivies that have made their way to the US. While they may seem beautiful growing along a brick wall, in the reality of living in a forest is that they grow spiraling up trees, eventually stealing all of the trees nutrients and suffocating them. Additionally, the vines act as fuel if a wildfire were to occur. But for me, yanking the ivy off the trees and from the ground is incredibly fun and satisfying.
The Bottom Line
Forest Park is one of Portland’s true gems, an urban escape where you can hike through mossy trees, explore local legends, and still be back downtown in time for craft beer and food truck tacos. On your next trip to Portland, don’t skip it. You might just find me out there on a run or walking with friends. And who knows, maybe you’ll even spot a ghost at Witch’s Castle.
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