A classic Portland hike: Hoyt Arboretum to Pittock Mansion, via the Redwood and then the Wildwood Trail. It's fairly easy-to-moderate, with the true uphill slog coming right before the mansion, but along the way you'll cross a couple of bridges, be awed by a stand of redwoods and march though a lush forest. The new Barbara Walker bridge is pretty cool to walk over as it curves across Burnside. All told, it's about a 3 mile round trip, mostly shaded and fairly hilly in parts, but not too intimidating IMO. The city view at the mansion is the icing on the cake. read more

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My favorite trail year round for easy access, groomed path, beautiful PNW scenery, and safety. There are a steady flow of hikers, which feels great for safety and support. The trail is well-marked so I know where I am, and it's 30 miles long so there's lots to explore and discover. My fitness is increasing because of the inclines for intensity and the flats for recovery. I always appreciate the multiple parking / entrance points of the trail. This is one of Portland's gems. Highly recommend! read more

Always glad to do a hike. SO AWESOME to have this HUGE nature preserve with multiple trails in Portland! Around 4.8 miles - loop trail - beautiful trees, fresh air and nice flowing streams read more

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We never we needed to visit the Witch's Castle when we came to Portland! We arrived around 2:30ish and got a bit confused first. We found a visitors center right after we passed the Wildwood Trail so we stopped there first, and they had restrooms and confirmed we needed to park in the right section. There was a small parking lot for the visitor center but we drove a little back to park and get to the Wildwood Trail. It was a rainy, wet, snow on the floor, cold day. The trail was pretty short from parking took us 20 mins to get to the witch's castle and 20 mins back. Make sure we are properly clothed especially if it rained recently it was very muddy and wet. The castle was very cool! It's empty inside but we took a lot of pictures! The nature in the Portland area just hits different- so beautiful! Highly recommend to anyone! Great attraction since it's so unique. read more

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Awesome trail, super beautiful and peaceful. The lower MacCleay trail is more easy/moderate. There are several trails you can take and one takes you to the Audobon which is a super easy hike. I was able to see the "Witches Castle" by taking the lower MacCleay trail, which was an interesting find. The opposite direction from the lower MacCleay goes upper and is moderate/hard. Going up takes you to a the Pittock Mansion and there you could see the view of Portland and Washington. I started at 9am and there was barely anyone on the trail, once it hit like 10am or 11am that's when it got busier. There are a lot of joggers that like to go on this trail as well. Overall a great hike and I'd go back to do it again! read more

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This is a cool place to explore, especially if you're visiting from out of town. Lots of stuff to see and great shade for a long walk or run. read more

Everything is five stars for this trail and Forest Park except for the signage. This trail offers a wonder woodland experience with the pines and sequoias. If you plan it right you might even see the mountains and a view of the city from on high from a mansion. I planned for a five mile hike but easily ended up doing seven plus. I tried to take a shorter loop with adjoining trails, but even though they were on the large map, the trail signs did not alert to Creek trail or (Redwood?). I succumbed and followed the blue diamond (only marker I found and it was for the Wildwood trail). Many intersecting trails so stay watchful. I often backtracked to make sure I was on the right path. Many entrance points. I took the Max light rail to Forest Park and marched uphill for the trailhead. read more

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The whole idea that an entire forest hiking trail exists less than 2 miles from downtown Portland blows my mind. So I'm assuming you love nature cause why else would you be here? The hiking trails are plentiful and the views are immaculate. I personally enjoyed the short trek to Witches Castle but there's probably 80 some miles worth of hiking to be had here so it never has to be the same thing every time you come here. The trails aren't particularly crazy but do have good hiking boots lest the mud trips you up. All in all, this is a must hike for visitors and locals alike. read more

The Wildwood Trail is an excellent hiking trail running the length of Forest Park between the SE end and NW end. Some sections are more strenuous and some less strenuous and it connects to, or is near, numerous other trails as well as the Audubon Sanctuary and Pittock Mansion at the southern end. It is largely in forest, providing lots of shade. Near the southern end is a ruined old stone park building covered in graffiti, sometimes called the Witch's Castle or Stone House. The length, access to or from other trails and trailheads, and varying degrees of difficulty make the trail great for a variety of hikers. read more

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Loved the drive to this trail, very shaded. The walk down was smooth but the walk back kicked my butt lol. Very clean trail. The witch house in the middle of this forest is pretty cool. This place seems like a hangout spot amongst teens. When I went to it was a very hot day so we stopped and stack some rocks by the little waterfowl that was there. I recommend this trail. read more

Wildwood Trail - Witches house - Hiking Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Just amazing how much greenery and serenity is there right in the middle of the Portland Urban Jungle . This place is such a nice get-away without having to drive anywhere far from the city . There are multiple small and big trails that intersect each other and hence there is something for everyone . It's not difficult as such but has switchbacks and is quite muddy at parts especially during the rains .The directions are not very clear so you would have to keep an eye out for where you are going. Even though this is supposed to be a leashed trail , people generally do not follow that here and let their pets off-leash . Its quite popular so expect heavy foot traffic especially on a warm sunny day . They have recently made a few trails one way due to Covid so keep an eye out for that .If you are looking to get to Pittock mansion which is the most popular hike here take the Upper Macleay Trailhead and climb on Wildwood Trail all the way to Pittock Mansion. On your return trip, about half-way down, follow the one-way loop onto Upper Macleay Trail to return to NW Cornell Rd read more

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This is an outstanding urban trail, through one of the best city parks EVER. There are 5,200 acres of forest to explore, with 80 miles of trails for every level of fitness, and just about every activity except skiing (only because we are at sea level and don't get the snow). The Wildwood Trail is 29.6 miles point to point, but it is intersected by a lot of other trails and it is easy to make a shorter loop. I did that this morning and got 7.8 miles using the Alder Trail to loop back. I started at daybreak (its winter, so that would be a leisurely 07:00), and there were only a couple of runners out there. By the time I finished 3 hours later it was filling g up with families and dogs. Everyone had a mask and would suit up as soon as they were in sight, but it comes off again when they pass you. Towards the end of my hike there were so many people that I kept mine on continuously. I use the AllTrails app to find my hikes and to download maps. It is great for this, but wildly inconsistent with ratings on how difficult a trail is. This was rated difficult, and I would have said medium. It was wide, well groomed, no scrambles or huge puddles. It was muddy in places and the exposed rocks can be slippy. Good trail running shoes or boots definitely recommended. It had some gain, but no switchbacks. There has to be serious gain or endless switchbacks for me to say a trail is hard. Wildwood is a good hike, great for groups or couples, dogs will love it. Good kids who have some stamina will enjoy it. No drops or narrow ledges to scare mom and dad. read more

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It's my first visit to Oregon and while looking for things to do near witches castle came up. A lot of amazing area to take pictures or just enjoy a walk in nature. read more

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I read in reviews that this hike was a Portland highlight so I made sure to fit it in my schedule. I made it to this hike on my last day of vacay in Portland right before my flight. Since I was pressed for time, I only did a portion of the hike. I started the hike towards the upper woodland trails located near the birds observatory center. It's a really good place to start if you just want a quick workout! There was plenty of parking too. I couldn't figure out where the trail started but the staff was so kind to point me in the right direction. As someone who frequently exercises, this hike was pretty easy. It felt more like a leisurely walk. I took a couple of photos on my way up to Pittock Mansion and made it up in less than 30 minutes. I use to trail run and had in my mind how awesome this trail would be for running! When we got to the top, I was so impressed by the view. It was stunning! I'm glad I got to check this place out before my flight. It was the cherry on top of my already amazing vacation in Oregon. read more

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Beautiful place to be in contact with nature! Exercise and enjoy! Also to learn a bit of history! read more

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Absolutely beautiful, really makes you forget that you are in a city! Well paved and not too difficult this hike is for everyone.

Deep into woods we went! * YES - Sometimes at an incline, sometimes totally flat trail. * YES - Saw tons of runners on the trail - awesome! * YES - Hiked from Hoyt Arboretum visitors center to Pittock Mansion. Easy, beautiful, quiet, lush trail~ read more

Wildwood Trail - Hiking Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Oh the beauty of the Northwest trails! So much to explore, checking out a new one every single time, & plenty more to go..!! Slight casualty today with the wrong shoes on a slippery trail, but no harm done. Made me fit right in with my camo jacket..!! read more

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Gorgeous! Green and lush even in the summer. You'll come across ancient redwood trees, plus, the majority of it is shady so you won't be burnt to a crisp. But I wish the trail was a little better marked. The double arrow signs can be a little confusing. Not a strenuous hike so it's perfect if you want extra exercise getting between the Japanese garden and Pittock mansion. read more

Wildwood Trail - Hiking Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A stunning hike! We were aiming to see the witch's Castle and it took us to the Wildwood Trail. They have their own parking lot to the right when coming up from the main roads. Although it'll get full fast once it hits noon time and you'll have to find parking on the street. We came at 10:30AM and the lot was only half full. We came after the rain and it made the trip that much more gorgeous. The layer of moisture made the air extra crisp and refreshing. The temps were definitely cooler, low 30s (December) so dress appropriately! It also gets muddy as well, so wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty. The sun was coming out so everything was extra green. The river and waterfalls were also extra roaring from the rain the last two days. The sights and hike were amazing! Definitely our favorite hike so far! read more

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Hiked this trail from the Zoo to Pittock Mansion and it was a pretty good hike. RT was about 7mi but you can make it longer by taking detours. We detoured to look around the Rose Garden and around Washington State Park. Hike wasn't too hard since you go up and down. Plus most of the trail was shady inside the forest. The view of Portland from Pittock was worth the hike! Plus we packed our lunch and had alittle picnic at the top. read more

Wildwood Trail - Hiking Near Me - Portland, Oregon

My Happy Place. My church. My refuge and respite. Glorious, ever-changing, beautiful year round. This trail is a place I go regularly to commune with nature and it has changed my life. So grateful to have this amazing "escape to nature" so close to my home in Portland. Ahhhhhhh! read more

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A trail to spend the entire day. So much nature to see and enjoy. The trail is easy for the first 5-10 miles. Just wear the right shoes if you come in a wet season. The trail meets the other trails in Washington park and you are free to take a digression. read more

If you're in Portland and want to go on a hike....go here! Wildwood Trail was so fun to walk and see all the green and scenery. We started from the Zoo and ended at Pittock Mansion. You will see families, walkers, runners on this trail. This was probably one of my most enjoyable hikes ever. One of our favorite spots along this trail was the redwood deck. Nice little spot to take a breather, sit on the benches and see the redwoods. I would recommend this hiking spot to anyone willing to venture out in the wilderness!! read more

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Portland's West Hills hold the City's largest parks and they are there for walkers like you on a myriad of mapped trails. Free! A favorite is the Wildwood Trail. I love to start with coffee at St Honore. Walk up NW Thurman to find the trailhead on the left, just past the gate. Along the way, you can find an old WPA stone building, no roof and decrepit. It's gothic vampire material and the site of many midnight rituals surely. It is known as the witch's castle. https://www.google.com/maps/place/45%C2%B031'43.0%22N+122%C2%B043'28.0%22W/@45.5286111,-122.7244444,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0 The trail also passes the Audubon Society and the Pittock Mansion. I usually loop back by foot to NW Portland at the Japanese Gardens. Don't miss the opportunity to look down from the trail onto the gardens. You can continue if you like to the Portland Zoo where the MAX train brings you to downtown Portland. Or you can continue on, the Wildwood Trail is 30 miles! Bring water. Though in the City, there are few to no legit restroom spots. We are in the Portland wilderness! read more

This was one of those "unintentional adventures" that sometimes happens when you try to do something else and it doesn't quite happen that way? I was trying to get to the Japanese Garden via TriMet (public transportation), but found out once I got to the train stop that the buses that run straight to the garden don't run on the weekends and one doesn't run during the winter months. A lady at the Zoo (which is what the stop is really for) says "oh, if you don't mind a walk just take the Wildwood Trail to the garden, its about a mile to a mile and a half." Well! Its fortunate that I love running and walking because the Trail to the garden is closer to 3-4 miles. And its a BEAUTIFUL 3-4 miles. Actually the Wildwood Trail is a 30 mile trail with hundreds of access points and side trails to the most amazing forestry areas I've ever seen. Here I was also treated to one of the most beautiful views of Portland that took my breath away. And the serenity of the forest made me feel like I was far far away, peaceful and relaxing. The Wildwood Trail is the perfect place for some quiet time to yourself, a picnic or maybe spend time with a friend. Bring your walking shoes/hiking boots because its a good chance your shoes are going to get muddy. read more

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Such a fun trail experience. It had everything we were looking for- a bit of a challenge, a fair amount of distance, and an end point reward- the Pittock Mansion. There are many points at which to pick this trail up, including the Japanese gardens, but we walked along a main road (Cascade, I think) and found an entrance there-- this entrance makes you back track toward the garden and then you are on your merry way. What I loved about this trail is the mental challenge of it. I frequently get distracted, especially when walking in nature, but with this one, you had to pay attention to the twists and turns to stay on the right trail. I enjoyed that aspect of it. If you pick it up from the gardens area, it's mostly uphill, with lush forest, redwoods and fat slugs as far as the eye can see! As I stated before, this trail ends at Pittock Mansion, which offers the best sites of Portland. It was a great reward at the end of the challenging walk. This is my second time completing the trail (both trips to Portland it was a must!) and I would do it again next time! read more

Was an amazing gem in the Beaverton area---was several of us so we only took the hike up to the mansion. This was basically all uphill which I love!! Cannot wait to explore the other trails. It was crowded with small parking areas....a lot of people parked on road which is a little crazy as people tend to zoom by---they should definitely consider a crosswalk with flashing lights in this area read more

An amazing wooded oasis in the heart of Portland's urban jungle, the Wildwood Trail is a great way to escape the heat of the city without going too far out of your way. Start by visiting Pittock Mansion, with its incomparable views of downtown and Mt. Hood, and then follow the trail one of two directions back down the mountain. The switchbacks make it an easy downhill stroll, or a moderately strenuous uphill hike, if you're coming up. The trail markers can be a bit confusing, so consult a map before you head out. I hiked roundtrip from Burnside Rd. to Cornell and back, stopping twice at the Mansion to take in the incredible scenery. Longer hikes can can take you deep into Washington Park, to the Portland Zoo, or over to the Pittock Bird Sanctuary. An unforgettable way to spend an afternoon in Portland. read more

Wildwood Trail - Incredible views from the Pittock Mansion. - Hiking Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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A fall hike through Forest Park was just what our Sunday afternoon ordered. Off of Germantown road, we jumped onto the Wildwood between Norman Drive and the Leif Erickson trail. The tree canopy was spectacular, the trail wasn't groomed necessarily, but hiked enough that you can't really lose your way. It was fairly flat, so it made for an extremely easy five or six miles. We made our return loop on the Leif Erickson, and there were many bicycles and runners taking advantage of the nice wide trail. Five minutes after starting in, we couldn't even hear the road below and the mist through the openings and the old growth all around really made you feel like you were a long ways away from home. But you're not, it's ten minutes from downtown, how killer is that?! Highly recommended. Lots of useful signage without being distracting, dog friendly, and just lovely. read more

Wildwood Trail - Sir and our faithful hound. - Hiking Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This is my favorite hiking trail in Portland. I mostly hike between McClelly Park and the zoo. I've done that whole section a few times but I've done smaller sections more often. Taking that part of the trail is really nice. First you hike up the canyon. The trail is along a creek and surrounded by big trees. There is the ruins of an email old cabin along the way. Up though the canyon is the busiest part. At the top of the canyon you cross the road. (Turn left and it will take you back to Northwest Portland. Turn left for the Audubon Wildlife Center.) The next section is a steep climb through the trees. Climbing all the way up to Pittock Mansion (great views). From Pittock it's downhill through trees to Burnside. After you cross Burnside it is back uphill for a bit then you cross. Threw and around a nice neighborhood. The trail then passes above the Japanese Gardens and you can see down into it. Then back through the forest to. By the zoo. It's fun hiking. Tip bring water. There arn't water fountains on the trail. read more

If you don't like this, I don't understand you. Say you're an outdoorsy bloke that wants to go hiking, but doesn't have the extra time to get outside of the city. If you live in Portland, you go to Forest Park, and probably go to the Wildwood Trail! It's almost 30 miles (meaning I've only done a fraction of it), and well maintained, making it accommodating for urban hikers of all ability levels. It's in some really gorgeous forests, and while it doesn't match the splendor of the Columbia River Gorge, it's truly as good of an urban hiking experience as anybody could reasonably expect. It's a treasure. It can get muddy, which can makes some of the inclines and declines a challenge. If you're not the most fit or able-bodied, hiking poles might not be a terrible idea. read more

Who turns a one hour trail run into an unprepared 4 hour jog and hike? This girl! *face palm* That being said, I experienced a quite a bit of the trail. Wildwood will get you deep into the outer perimeter while the trails that branch off will lead you deeper into the center. I really like this trail because of the above and because it's well kept. The path is wide and the signs are sturdy and visible. I saw the most beautiful and large butterfly float on this trail and it made me feel like I was in a dream... More like I was getting delirious and exhausted from my accidental 4 hour hike. Most of the trail is flat and easy. Getting up to Pittock will have an incline. When I first started hiking, I found it mildly difficult but I would still consider it an easy hike. I see families with young/pre-teen children do it all the time. In fact, I jogged past elementary school aged campers on my way to Pittock. From the entrance on Lower Macleay Park (NW 29th and NW Upshur), it takes about 1 hour to hike up, making it a less than 2 hour round trip (not including time spent at Pittock Mansion). The trail also passes through Audubon Society of Portland (great for bird watching) where there are some really nice short trails around there. You can also visit their owl and turkey vulture! read more

An easy trail to hike at the Hoyt Arboretum...perhaps not as easy to stay on that specific trail at some points since multiple trails occasionally intersect & the guide post arrows aren't always helpful. That said, it's a beautiful place and no matter what trail you end up on you'll enjoy it. There are a few maps posted so if you happen to end up on another trail you should be able to make your way back. read more

Great easy hike, well traveled and well marked. On a clear day, great views of the mountains @ Viewpoint and Pittock Mansion. The 7 miles loop from Zoo to Pittock Mansion, was convenient for parking and restroom use. We'll definitely do it again. read more

Wildwood Trail - Hiked 7 mi last Saturday, started from Zoo up to Pittock Mansion then back. Mt. St. Helens was visible from the Viewpoint. - Hiking Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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What a Beautiful trail!!! Exactly what I was looking to experience while visiting Oregon. The trail was challenging at times and we seemed to hit it at a time that they were just covering all of the rest benches with linseed oil so we didn't get to sit and rest like we wanted to do. (We aren't regular hikers). We enjoyed the beauty and peaceful surroundings immensely and I can't wait to hike it again. read more

Wildwood Trail - Hiking Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Love, love, love this trail! Very scenic and tons of paths to walk and explore. We started at the Pittock Mansion and took the trailhead from the top of the parking lot. This trail also connected to the trail leading up to the Witch Castle. You can take a short or long hike depending on what you're looking for. Free Parking at the Mansion! read more

an exceptional hike. my husband and I took the "Trail One", which consisted of a light to medium intensity trail hike of 2.7 miles round trip. there are many different trails to take - we just wanted a shorter hike. greenery. everywhere. it was a dream. there wasn't an overage of people, which was really nice, but we did visit during the day on a Tuesday. the neighborhood surrounding the entrance of the area is straight up dreamy.. so that was pretty fun to see too. inside the city limits, so no long drive. what do you have to lose? go for it!! read more

Very beautiful trail. It's very easy to walk miles and not even notice it. Last week I went for a hike and it started raining, and I though, Oh no!!!! But with all of the tree cover, I didn't even get wet! Love this place and come here once a week. read more

Really peaceful, green hike. I took the trail from Washington Park up to Pittock Mansion, which was 2 miles one way. Relatively easy hike. Not too crowded for a beautiful day, but it was midday during the week. read more