Guides
These city hot spots are not to be missed
Many locals say the Portland Saturday Market is the number one attraction, but its limited hours and winter closure mean that some visitors won't get to go. Don't despair. The city has so many other unique things to do that even hitting just a few of these highlights should ensure a great trip.
Follow this trail to Pittock Mansion for a panoramic view of Portland
At over 1,000 feet you will have great views of Portland and will also have a great opportunity for bird watching. Take the time to explore the grounds and make sure to read the links I've included with this guide for more information on the site. The building is overseen by the Bureau of Parks and Recreation and it is open for touring.
Explore Washington Park and visit the Zoo, Pittock Mansion, Japanese & Rose Gardens, Hoyte Arboretum & Vietnam Memorial
This guide uses the most popular and beautiful trails in Washington Park to connect you with all the major sites and attractions within the area. This is a great walk for the family as it includes a zoo and very cool Japanese Garden area. You will have great views over Portland 1,000 feet below you from Pittock Mansion and from the International Rose...
Take a ride or a walk around this beautiful city park which holds 3 different reservoirs for Portland
Although there is no swimming in the reservoirs for obvious reasons this park has plenty of other things to offer the whole family including picnic areas, a dog park, monuments and public art, and even volleyball and tennis areas. I've drawn a quick path that will take you to views of all three reservoirs and to the top of Mt. Tabor but I also encourage...
12.6 mile trail near Portland, Oregon
Aspen Trailhead to Rocking Chair Dam is about 12.6 miles long and located near Portland, Oregon. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes a full day
Take a nice loop hike on this undeveloped Butte in Clackamas County
This short loop to the top of this extinct lava dome in Clackamas County is perfect for the whole family. The trail winds through beautiful forest and is filled with interpretive signs about the environment you are walking through and the flora and fauna you may see along the way.
A beautiful park at the confluence of the Pudding, Molalla and Willamette Rivers.
Take a hike along a beautiful meadow and through beautiful woods to the shore of the Molalla River. If you have time enjoy a picnic at the tables near the parking lot and a game of horse shoes!
Trips
Aspen Trailhead to Rocking Chair Dam
Portland, Oregon, United States
Hiking | 12.6 miles (3.3 miles away)
Hiking | 12.6 miles (3.3 miles away)
In researching a route through Forest Park I saw a picture from a trail on this site of a sign that read "Rocking Chair Dam 6.0" miles. I looked up information for Rocking Chair Dam and it took awhile but I finally found a brief reference to it in Afoot & Afield Portland and Vancouver.Intrigued - I set out to find the dam. While the route I took places a loop at...
Wildwood Trail at Hoyt Arboretum
Portland, Oregon, United States
Hiking | 9.5 miles (2.9 miles away)
Hiking | 9.5 miles (2.9 miles away)
Wildwood Trail to Pittock Mansion
Portland, Oregon, United States
Hiking | 5.9 miles (2.3 miles away)
Hiking | 5.9 miles (2.3 miles away)
A walk on the famous Wildwood Trail through Washington Park is a reminder of what's so wonderful about Portland. What other city would have a forest path leading from a world-class zoo, past Japanese garden, to a mansion with a mountain view?<br>Although the Wildwood Trail stretches for 30.2 miles, mostly through the surprisingly wild woods of Forest Park, the relatively short hikes recommended here take only two or three hours.
The gardens are within Washington park near the Hoyt Arboretum. Lots of hiking trails criss cross over the entire park but today I headed straight for the gardens. Cost is $9.50 and they have free tours every hour or so. I suggest the tour, volunteers are very friendly and more than willing to answer questions. There are 5 gardens and lots of neat stuff in between, nice stroll for an afternoon.
A trip up to the top of Mt Tabor in Portland, OR. The reservoirs had been emptied and the debris had been hosed down/cleaned up. Those reservoirs hold much of Portland's drinking water (at least the eastside of Portland.)
