🌲 Wandering Forest Park: North America’s Largest Urban Forest Awaits You in Portland

When I first moved to Portland, Forest Park wasn’t on my radar. Like many out-of-towners, I was busy ticking off craft coffee shops, Powell’s Books, and the Saturday Market. I’d heard whispers of a massive urban forest on the city’s edge, but I thought, “How impressive could a city park really be?”

Then one misty autumn morning, I wandered into Forest Park by accident—following a quiet trailhead off NW Thurman Street—and the next thing I knew, I was two hours deep into the trees, heart pounding, socks soaked, and soul wide open. Since then, Forest Park has become my refuge, my workout zone, my writing retreat, and my favorite spot to fall in love with the Pacific Northwest over and over again.

This article is not just a guide—it’s a personal invitation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Portland or a local who hasn’t yet laced up their hiking boots, let me show you why Forest Park is one of the most underappreciated gems in North America—and how to make the most of every moss-draped mile.

🗺️ What (and Where) Is Forest Park?

Let’s start with the basics.

Forest Park is located in the northwest hills of Portland, Oregon, sprawling across more than 5,200 acres of dense temperate rainforest. This makes it not only the largest city park in Portland but also the largest urban forest in the United States. It forms a stunning green corridor along the Tualatin Mountains, also known locally as the West Hills, creating a natural boundary between the city and the wilderness.

To put that into perspective, Forest Park is:

• Over seven times larger than Central Park in New York City
• Home to over 80 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails
• The starting point of the 40-Mile Loop, a regional trail system
• Just a 15-minute drive or a short bus ride from downtown Portland

What makes Forest Park so exceptional is its accessibility. Whether you’re a trail runner, a birdwatcher, or someone just looking for a peaceful place to think, you don’t need a car, entry fee, or fancy gear. The park is free, open every day of the year, and easily reachable by TriMet bus, bike, or on foot if you’re staying in the Alphabet District or Northwest Portland. It’s truly where city life and nature meet—a local treasure hiding in plain sight.

🌿 First Impressions: My First Hike Into the Green

I still remember that first deep breath. The air inside Forest Park smells different. Richer. Wetter. Like compost and clean rain and ancient cedar bark. There was a stillness I hadn’t felt in weeks, punctuated only by bird calls, the crunch of wet gravel, and the distant splash of a creek.

I was alone but never felt lonely. That’s the magic of Forest Park—it’s wild, yes, but welcoming in a way few forests are. Every trail feels like it’s gently wrapping around you, guiding you somewhere both literal and emotional.

🥾 Top Trails in Forest Park (And How to Choose the Right One for You)

With over 80 miles of trails, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are my go-to recommendations, based on mood, ability, and vibe.

1. Wildwood Trail

Length: 30.2 miles total (but you can do short sections)
Access points: Pittock Mansion, NW 53rd Dr, Lower Macleay Trail, NW Germantown Rd
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
My Tip: Wear waterproof shoes in winter—some sections are muddy!

This is Forest Park’s spine—a blue-marked trail that winds through almost the entire length of the park. I’ve hiked it in sections over years, and each stretch feels unique.

My favorite part? The 5-mile loop that starts at Lower Macleay Trailhead, passes the Witch’s Castle, then climbs to Pittock Mansion for panoramic views of Portland.

2. Maple Trail Loop

Length: ~7 miles
Start: Saltzman Road Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Why I Love It: Quiet, lush, less trafficked

If you want to lose yourself (safely), this is your trail. It’s quiet, incredibly green, and feels deeply immersive. I recommend this for spring and fall, when the maples drip color onto the ground and everything feels like a fairy tale.

3. Dogwood Trail to Leif Erikson Drive Loop

Length: 4.4 miles
Start: NW Dogwood Trailhead (just off NW 53rd Drive)
Difficulty: Moderate
Local Favorite: Great for trail running and birdwatching

This loop is what I call my “Sunday reset.” Just long enough to break a sweat, just short enough to be back by lunch. You’ll cross ridges, climb through fir groves, and loop down onto Leif Erikson Drive, a wide fire road that’s popular with cyclists and runners.

4. Lower Macleay to Pittock Mansion Trail

Length: 5.3 miles roundtrip
Start: NW 29th Ave & Upshur
Elevation: 950 ft gain
Highlight: The Witch’s Castle ruins + city views from Pittock Mansion

This is hands-down my go-to trail for impressing out-of-town friends. You start in a neighborhood, hike along a bubbling creek, pass the moss-covered remains of a mysterious stone structure (Witch’s Castle), and then climb through forest to a historic mansion.

🏰 Bonus Stop: Pittock Mansion

Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210
Entry Fee: \$14 adults / \$12 seniors / \$10 youth
Open: Daily (closed major holidays)
Website: www.pittockmansion.org

Even if you don’t go inside, the views from the mansion lawn are postcard-perfect: the city skyline, Mt. Hood, even Mt. Rainier on a clear day. I once watched a summer sunset here that honestly felt like a movie scene.

🧭 Navigation and Trail Maps

You won’t find vending machines or flashy signage inside Forest Park. So come prepared:

• Download AllTrails or Gaia GPS (the AllTrails Pro version allows offline maps)
• Pick up a paper map at Powell’s or REI
• Check the Forest Park Conservancy website for updated closures and tips: www.forestparkconservancy.org

☕ Pre-Hike & Post-Hike Eats Near Trailheads

Because let’s be honest, food is part of the adventure.

Near Lower Macleay Trailhead (NW Portland):

• Blue Star Donuts – Fancy, flaky, and worth every cent
• Dragonfly Coffee House – Cozy with killer matcha
• St. Honore Bakery – French-style pastries that taste like Paris in Oregon

Near Saltzman or Germantown Trailheads:

• Skyline Restaurant – An old-school diner on Skyline Blvd
• Jim & Patty’s Coffee (NW 23rd) – Solid coffee before you hit the trails

🚍 Getting There: Do You Need a Car?

Not always! If you’re staying downtown, you can:

• Take TriMet Bus 15 to NW 23rd
• Walk 20 minutes to Lower Macleay Trailhead
• Or take a Lyft/Uber to a trailhead (about \$8–\$15 one-way depending on distance)

If you plan to explore outer trailheads or the Ridge Trail, renting a car may be more convenient. I use:

• Turo – when I want to rent locally
• Kayak – for comparing traditional rental companies
• Zipcar – great for quick 3–4 hour excursions

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby (for Forest Park Lovers)

If hiking is your priority, stay in NW Portland, Alphabet District, or Slabtown.

I recommend:

• Inn at Northrup Station – Funky, colorful, and walking distance to trailheads
• The Society Hotel – Budget-friendly and stylish
• Hotel deLuxe – Classic Portland glamour with frequent deals on Hotels.com and Expedia
• Lolo Pass – Modern hostel near Eastside MAX, great if you plan on doing Forest Park + urban exploration

Book on:

• Booking.com – best for boutique hotel options
• Hotels.com – use rewards for free nights
• Expedia – for bundled deals (flight + hotel)

🎟️ Entry Fee? Parking? Permits?

Forest Park itself is free to enter, and there’s no permit required to hike.

However, if you plan to park near popular trailheads, be mindful of neighborhood signage. Some trailheads have limited street parking, and you may have to park a few blocks away.

Pittock Mansion charges a parking fee if you park onsite but not if you hike in.

🌧️ Weather & What to Wear

Portland is wet, especially between October and May. Even if it’s dry downtown, Forest Park can be muddy.

Bring:

• Waterproof hiking shoes (I love my Merrell Moabs)
• Rain jacket (always)
• Layers – even in July, it can be chilly under the canopy
• Small backpack with snacks and water
• Bug spray in spring/summer (not bad, but worth packing)

🐿️ Wildlife, Plants, and Unexpected Beauty

I’ve seen:

• Red foxes dart across the trail
• Owls watching from Douglas firs
• Banana slugs as big as hot dogs (no joke)
• Wildflowers carpeting the slopes in May
• Deer grazing near the Wildwood switchbacks

It’s wild enough to feel real, tame enough to feel safe.

🔥 Final Tips Before You Go

1. Start early – Trails get busier after 10 am, especially on weekends
2. Tell someone your route – Cell service can be spotty in deep sections
3. Don’t wear earbuds – The soundscape is part of the magic
4. Bring snacks – No vendors inside the park
5. Leave no trace – Forest Park is stunning. Let’s keep it that way

❤️ Why Forest Park Feels Like Home

I’ve traveled all over the U.S.—from Sedona’s red rocks to Glacier’s alpine lakes—but Forest Park has a special hold on me.

It’s not dramatic or showy. It doesn’t scream for attention. But it listens. It absorbs your stress, clears your head, and invites you to wander without pressure.

Whenever life gets too loud, I find myself drawn back to its mossy trails. And every time I return, I find something new: a bird call I hadn’t noticed, a bench I’d overlooked, a fresh perspective I needed without knowing it.

So if you’re coming to Portland, don’t miss the food carts, the books, or the breweries—but do yourself a quiet favor:

Get lost (just a little) in Forest Park. You’ll be better for it.

Happy hiking!