Saint Paul, Oregon

Take the train to Washington Park and hike through Hoyt Arboretum. This will bypass a few miles of Wildwood Trail, but you won't miss much. In the arboretum, the trail twists and turns through the trees, will smaller trails jutting off to the sides, through other groups of trees (each trail is a...

Nestled in the Bethany neighborhood just northwest of Portland, Bethany Lake Park offers a quiet and scenic spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With a peaceful lake, paved trails, picnic spots, and fishing access, this small but charming park is ideal for families, walkers, birdwatchers, ...

Pittock Mansion via Wildwood Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Portland, Oregon. Once the private home of the prominent Portland pioneer Pittock family, the Pittock Mansion is a 22-room architectural marvel designed by Edward Foulkes an...

Founded in 1928 to conserve endangered species and educate visitors, Hoyt Arboretum is a 190-acre park in the forest above Portland's NW area. It's only 15 minutes from downtown! There are 12+ miles of trails to explore, my favorite is the Redwood Trail that takes you through towering redwoods a...

The Witch’s Castle in Portland, Oregon, is a site steeped in a mix of historical significance and urban legend. Originally built as a ranger station and restrooms in the 1930s, the stone ruins are now known for their eerie ambiance and storied past.  The Witch’s Castle is accessible via a modera...

While the Portland Japanese Garden is a popular place for tourists, it's also a favorite for Portland residents as it's located right in Washington Park close to trails and across from the Rose Garden. The Japanese Garden also just unveiled its Cultural Crossing expansion in April 2017, which inc...

Lower Macleay Park is one of most easily accessible trailheads in the city, especially during one of Portland’s rare snow years where even driving up to 500 feet of elevation can challenge your car. You can park within the park entrance cul-de-sac, around the intersection of Upshur St. & NW 2...

Huckleberry, Mark's and Looney's Gate Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Molalla, Oregon.

This is a great option for a quick hike when you don't have time to get out of the city but need to satisfy your craving to get outside and escape the noise of bustling Portland. Follow Firelane 7 from the Springville Trailhead up towards Leif Erickson Drive and the Ridge Trail. There are signs a...

This trail is an easy out and back from either the west or east side of Forest Park. The east trailhead is off NW Skyline Blvd, on Saltzman Road, which is a dirt/gravel road like the trail. You'll park near the gates where there aren't No Parking signs up (the land around the trail at this point ...

The Laurelhurst Park Loop in Portland, Oregon, is known for its scenic beauty, ease of access, and dog-friendly paths. This urban trail features a peaceful loop around a serene pond, lush greenery, and towering trees, making it popular for leisurely walks, jogging, and family outings.  The par...

This trail is unmarked and a little rough and rugged. The land is privately owned by Mount Angel Abbey, but they don't appear to have problems with courteous hikers. Walking out of the parking area back up the road in the direction you came from, you’ll pass one dirt trail right at the ending of ...

If you're thinking of hiking the Trail of Ten Falls Loop and staying overnight, there are 42 tent campsites (available from April – Oct) as well as 14 rustic cabins. With multiple beds, heat, electricity, a covered porch, and a small fridge, they provide the perfect respite after a long day of ex...

The unique feature of South Falls, Lower South Falls, and Middle North Falls are the paths that pass behind the falls providing an amazing visual and auditory experience; however, be sure to have a good bag for your equipment to avoid water damage and a decent jacket (preferably water-resistant)....

Mount Tabor City Park is located in the heart of southeast Portland and is situated atop an extinct volcano. It’s comprised of more than 190 acres of beautiful Douglas Fir forest and features several relatively easy routes to the top: the easiest being the road you can drive (but what’s the fun i...

Leach Botanical Garden is a 17-acre urban sanctuary located in outer Southeast Portland, OR, offering visitors a serene escape into nature.  Established over 40 years ago, the garden is often a surprising discovery for locals and tourists alike. It features a diverse landscape, including a four-...