Skamania County, Washington

The International Rose Garden located in Washington Park near downtown Portland is a must stop on your visit to the Rose City. The City of Roses, as Portland is known, won't let you down. Portland is host to the largest Rose Test Garden in the U.S. The 5 acre park, with over 7,000 rose bushes, an...

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 Maple Trail loop lies in the heart of Portland’s Forest Park, at 5,100 wooded acres, it’s the largest forested natural area within city limits in the United States. It’s packed with tons of natural variety as it winds through the park’s most heavily forested canyons. You’ll be amazed at how s...

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...

Getting There Take Road 1000 to start your hike at Conrad Meadows, which is also where you will park your car, be sure to leave your Northwest Forest Pass properly displayed on the dash of your car before you leave. Surprise Lake trailhead is one of the very few trailheads that starts out on th...

Pittock Mansion offers a one of kind view of downtown Portland. This is a historic site that allows public access throughout the day and night. Parking is available at Pittock until 9pm but if you wish to visit the grounds after hours you can park at the bottom of the driveway, walk around the ga...

Springwater Corridor is a 40-mile paved trail that stretches from downtown Portland all the way to Boring. This trail is wide, virtually flat, and yes, paved - but there is a clear manmade path on the dirt shoulders that's friendlier to knees. Any given day, you'll see dozens of cyclists and pede...

During those summer days when you’re desperately seeking some sand between your toes, open space to soak up the sun, and nature to play around in…Sauvie Island is calling your name. Located just 10 miles outside of downtown Portland, Sauvie Island offers a convenient rural escape that’s just begg...

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...

On a clear day, this short, secluded hike offers breath-taking views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Jefferson, as well as of downtown Portland, Coast Range, and the Roaring River Wilderness. Begin the hike from the Twin Springs Trailhead and immediately take your fi...

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...

This is a great little adventure for those looking to get on the water, but who don’t have time to escape the city. Paddle the loop around Ross Island for a scenic workout and a relaxing picnic.To begin your loop, put-in at Sellwood Riverfront Park – it features easy parking and sandy beach at al...

This resort sits right on Silver Lake, which makes it easy to do multiple activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. Whether you want to tent camp or stay in a cabin, Silver Lake Resort has you covered.Silver Lake Resort offers boat/canoe rentals or if you have your own there is also a b...

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...

High Rock Lookout is aptly named. Perched at 5,685' on a slab of rock, it has sweeping views of the valleys below, Cora Lake, and Mount Rainier. Although it is only a short 1.6 mile hike to the top, it is a steep one. You gain 1,365' to reach the lookout, but the reward is grand.The trail follows...