Forest Park Urban Hiking Tour, Portland

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Recommended by 94% of reviewers

Badge of Excellence | Portland, USA

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3 to 4 hours (approx.)

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Overview

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.

What's Included

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

Gratuities (always appreciated)

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Northwest Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97210, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Portland
OR 97205, USA

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

What To Expect

Forest Park

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wildwood Trail

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)

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Witch's Castle

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

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Pittock Mansion (Pass 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

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Portland Japanese Garden (Pass 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

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!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Forest Park Urban Hiking Tour, Portland?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025