If you love the Pacific North West like I do, you know a great perk about the area is all of the pretty trees, mountains, and natural sight-seeing. One of the best ways to experience, just some of what the PNW has to offer, is to get some fresh air and go hiking! Where is the best place in the Pacific North West? Well, Portland, Oregon of course! Portland, Oregon has many perks to the ever-growing city. One of my personal favorite perks is hiking. If you live in Portland Oregon or plan to visit, its time to jump on the bandwagon and get hiking. The weather stays pretty Neutral all year-round. It mostly rains in the fall and winter months. So, as long as you have some rain gear, you should have no problem hiking all year long. But, where exactly should you go to have a mid-day city hike in Portland? I have created a small list of the 4 best locations to go hiking in Portland, Oregon.
- 1. FOREST PARK
Forest Park is number one on my list because it is a huge natural wooded area spanning 5,172.14 acres, just west of Downtown. There are dozens of trailheads leading into forest park. Sringville Rd, NW 53rd Dr, Dogwood, Wildwood Trailhead at Germantown Rd, and Forest Park NW PDX Entrance, just to name a few. You can enter Forest Park from virtually any side of the beautiful urban forest that you are on. The NW PDX Entrance is the perfect entrance for any person who likes to have some lunch or a beer after there hike, for that entrance is right off of NW Thurman St on the west side of Downtown. its a quick extra mile of walking or so to 23rd Ave where there are many eateries, shops, and pubs. It makes for the perfect weekend afternoon adventure, and you cant get much more Portland than that!
2.WILLAMETTE PARK
Willamette park has a nice flat walking trail that extends out from past both ends of the park. This trail is the most urban trail on this list and perfect for anyone who wants a nice view of the Willamette River. The trail itself extends from the Sellwood Bridge, to the south entrance of Downtown. If you are looking for a walk with flat terrain and river views in a nice park setting, this is an easy going trail you will enjoy.
3. MT. TABOR PARK
Mt. Tabor is located in the center of town. If you live in, or are visiting Portland, this is a need-to-know location. Mt. Tabor really speaks for itself. You are sure to get a nice workout here because there is an incline. There is a small parking lot at the visitor’s center on the back end of the park. After you are parked you will have no problem finding all the places to walk. There are about two main paved pathways that either lead you up to the top of the park or down to the lower end of the park. Off of these main pathways you will find an abundance of wooded trails weaving all around Mt. Tabor. Its a great place to have a small adventure, but even better yet, its a fantastic place to look out and see views of the city. There are a couple different look-out points that you will want to experience. Be sure to bring a camera and a packed lunch and blanket for a picnic. The Top of Mt. Tabor has incredible views, but also a nice green area to layout and have some lunch, do some yoga, or sit with a friend.
4. POWELL BUTTE NATURE PARK
Powell Butte Nature Park is another spot with amazing views. Its best to visit Powell Butte on a clear day to really get the full view of all the nearby mountains. If you are hanging out on more of the east side of town, this is going to be the spot for you. Powell Butte Nature Park also has a small parking lot leading into the park. Once you are in the park you will notice that, although you have amazing views and will feel like you are on top of the city, you wont have much if any incline to actually hike. The trails themselves are very well maintained and gravel. Its a nice hike to take your furry friend on or to pop in some earbuds, listen to some music, and have a nice jog.
Portland, Oregon has so many amazing urban trailheads to see and experience. These four in-city hiking areas are sure to get you started. Once you have experienced even one of these locations, you are going to love the Pacific North West, Portland, Oregon, and hiking!
My new favorite blog. A pleasant and informative read while having my morning or afternoon tea.
Thanks for your support!
I wanna see forest park, it sounds huge and really nice…I’m gonna go check it out sometime…good job on the blog btw it was a good read.
Thanks for reading my blog and supporting me. You should definitely check out Forest Park!