Forest Park Urban Hiking Tour, Portland

4.8 (85 reviews) 3–4 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

85 reviews

4.8

Heading deep into the lushness of Forest Park in summer! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Trees so big it takes four to hug them — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

When tour guests asks us, "what one thing should I not miss in Portland," we pick the 5-mile (8-10 km) hike in Forest Park. No matter what the season, hiking in the park is entering another world right on the borders, and through the fabric, of the city.

PLEASE NOTE THIS HIKE HAS 900 FT ELEVATION GAIN

We offer two departures, both with varied terrain and about 900 ft (300 meter) elevation gain. The classic hike is focused around a Northwest Portland experience, and ends at the International Rose Test Garden (when in season), the Forest Park Experience at 9 a.m. We have limited 1:30 p.m. departures. Once weekly, we offer an afternoon hike that starts at Goose Hollow, through neighborhoods and up into the park (2:30 p.m.). Both pass iconic spots; Japanese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Witch's Castle; but take a different approach to the forest.

In Forest Park—within minutes leaving the street—you can forget, or wonder at the fact that you are still in a city.

Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Walking Tours Nature Walks Small Group Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Around Portland Tours

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water: We'll bring along extra water, but you're encouraged to bring your own bottle! Portland's tap water is delicious.

Not included

Not included: Gratuities (always appreciated)

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

We'll make our way into Forest Park from the starting point, one of the lowest-elevation points in the park, where we'll join the famous Wildwood Trail, a 43-mile long trail that has its origin over 110 years ago.
Wildwood Trail

2 hours

We'll make our way from Lower Macleay Trail and continue traveling along the Wildwood Trail. We will be on this trail for approximately 3 miles (5 km), for about 900 feet of elevation gain (300 meters)
Stop 3

5 min

We'll visit the former rest stop known as the "Witch's Castle," and tell stories about the witches that do live here now.
Pittock Mansion

Passing by

At the Pittock Mansion, we'll visit the grounds and see the expansive view of the city and the mountains surrounding it. We'll have a chance to eat some snacks in some of the city's prettiest public gardens.
Washington Park

30 min

We'll cross Burnside and pass into Washington Park (occasionally in the afternoon, we'll reverse this and see Washington Park before Forest Park). We typically wind down through the NW Portland neighborhoods, with beautiful views of the city and mountains, and cross Burnside at a light-metered crosswalk.

If the weather is not friendly or the roses are not in bloom, we will often end in the NW neighborhood of Nob Hill/NW 23rd Avenue, with guest agreement.
Portland Japanese Garden

Passing by

The Japanese Garden is closed on Tuesdays and can often be closed sporadically; please check with us about open hours. The trail through Washington Park passes right by the Japanese Garden; morning tour guests have an option of ending the tour here for afternoon tea and a stroll through the garden (admission not included).
International Rose Test Garden

15 min

THE ROSE GARDEN IS ONLY IN BLOOM FROM LATE MAY THROUGH OCTOBER. The Rose Garden will be the final stop of the morning tour, and the first stop of the afternoon tour; where we will most definitely stop and smell some of the 600 varieties of roses!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

For the 9 a.m. and 1:30 departures, we meet outside Haven Coffee, on NW Thurman, a few blocks from the #15 bus stop (NW Vaughn and 27th). Have Coffee has newly opened in the spot so you may not find it on Google.

The 2:30 p.m. hike meets at a different point

End point

We end at the rose garden, near transit options to get back downtown

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Options

Goose Hollow to the Forest

Goose Hollow to the Forest: We start at a Goose Hollow coffee shop in SW, walk into the park from the SE, and end at the Clearing Cafe near Macleay Park.
Forest Park Experience

Starting in NW Portland: We start at Haven Coffee 2772 NW Thurman, entering the park from the NW, and end at the rose garden in Washington Park.