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Forest Park, Portland, OR

Photo: EncMstr, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFreeLocal Gem

Forest Park

Between NW Skyline Blvd and NW St. Helens Rd, from W Burnside Rd to NW Newberry Rd · Portland, OR

Why you should go…

Forest Park covers about 5,200 acres of native forest inside the Portland city limits. More than 80 miles of trails cross it, including the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, which runs from W Burnside Road northwest to NW Newberry Road. There are more than 40 access points, and over 25 miles of roads, firelanes and trails are open to bikes. More than 100 bird species live here, and Balch Creek is one of three fish-bearing streams.

  • #urban forest
  • #hiking trails
  • #wildwood trail
  • #trail running
  • #city park

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Forest Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Pittock Mansion

    Under $25

    A hilltop 1914 chateau-style mansion with sweeping views of Portland and, on clear days, five Cascade peaks.

    1.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Betsy & Iya

    Free

    A Portland jewelry studio and shop making ethically sourced wedding rings and handcrafted fine jewelry.

    1.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

    Under $25

    An 1,800-square-foot gallery of oddities, cryptids and interactive photo ops in Northwest Portland, with a gift shop of original art and novelties.

    2.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Date Night

    Portland Japanese Garden

    Under $25

    A meticulously tended traditional Japanese garden called one of the most authentic outside Japan.

    2.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    International Rose Test Garden

    Free

    Portland's oldest continuously operating public rose garden, with skyline and Mount Hood views.

    2.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Washington Park

    Free

    A 410-acre Portland park home to the Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, Rose Test Garden and miles of trails.

    2.5 mi awayMore like this