Hike to Pittock Mansion via the Wildwood Trail

Hiking · History · views

Portland is home to one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Forest Park, at 5,200 acres, sits on the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains - what we locals call the West Hills. There are more than 80 miles of trails, many of which take you to some pretty cool places in Washington Park like Hoyt Arboretum, Portland Japanese Garden, and the International Rose Test Garden. The Wildwood Trail, designated as a National Recreation Trail, is the 30-mile anchor of the park’s trail system. Today we are going to hike part of that famous trail to some amazing views at the historic Pittock Mansion.

Getting There

Parking: Parking anywhere in or around Forest Park is a challenge. Washington Park (think Oregon Zoo) is adjacent to Forest Park and offers slightly better pickings. I recommend parking at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial parking lot in Washington Park. There is additional parking at the Oregon Zoo if that lot is full. There is parking at Hoyt Arboretum but good luck to you, and some parallel parking along the side of the road. Or, skip the whole parking fiasco and take Max in from your nearest Park & Ride. The trailhead is just a short walk up from the Washington Park stop.

The trail: Our hike will start at the Wildwood Trail’s south terminus at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Park. From there, we’ll head up the hill toward Hoyt Arboretum to connect with the Wildwood Trail. Once on the Wildwood Trail, we will roughly head north until we reach Pittock Mansion.

There are lots of opportunities to modify and shorten the 6 mile hike by cutting through Hoyt Arboretum on the way back. In fact, I recommend that you do to best experience the beauty of this urban forest! The Redwood Trail is especially nice when the sun is low in the afternoon sky.

Map/Navigation: There are 80 miles of trails in Forest Park and eventually you will want to find your car again. So be sure to bring a map and/or use the AllTrails app. The AllTrails app made it easy to navigate the dozens of connector trails. And since it tracks your progress in real time, it is ever so helpful when the kids keep asking, “How much longer?”

Restrooms: There are restrooms available at Hoyt Arboretum and at Pittock Mansion. There is a porta potty not too far into the hike at the Archery Range as well as some picnic tables which are nice if you’re starting the hike around lunchtime.

Pets: Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash.

The Experience

This is the quintessential Portland weekend hike. Nothing can beat it when the sun is out, the leaves are changing and there is just a hint of crispness to the air. You’re probably going to see a lot of people as you get started on the trail, but don’t worry. Soon you’ll have space to yourself to enjoy this urban forest. You’ll notice some road noise from Hwy 26 in the beginning, but this too will dissipate as you start to head north.

The Archery Range is a short ways into the hike and makes a good stop for a picnic lunch. The trail then continues beneath a forest canopy towards the Redwoods at Hoyt Arboretum. This is a really special spot. Take a moment to be still with the trees and the view from the Redwood Deck. Then walk the enchanted trail through 70 Redwoods. These towering trees are just babies planted less than one hundred years ago. Given time, these trees could grow to be more than 1,000 years old!

Blue diamonds painted on tree trunks mark the Wildwood Trail at 1/4 mile intervals. So if your kids start to lose steam, try playing a game of “I spy”. Soon enough you’ll come to the Barbra Walker Crossing that - depending on your kids’ comfort with heights - will either delight or mildly terrify them. As striking as the award-winning footpath is driving under it on Burnside Road, it is even prettier when crossing from above. Best of all, no more dodging traffic while trying to cross Burnside!

Once across the footpath, the summit is within your reach. Keep your eye out for the wall of graffiti which emerges from the woodland like a vibrant gallery. Here you’ll start to gain some elevation - which means some epic views are up ahead.

When you cross Pittock Drive, you’ve nearly made it. There’s a short trek up then, ta-da! A big parking lot with a lot of traffic. Don’t worry, your efforts were not in vain. Head down toward Pittock Mansion. You only need to pay admission if you’re entering the museum - which I do recommend for its history and architecture. Otherwise, head around to the back of the mansion for sweeping, one-of-a-kind views of Portland. It is spectacular. You’ll probably want to stare at it for a while. Go ahead, this is what you came for.

Just like it always does, the way back seems twice as fast. But this time, it really can be with a short cut through Hoyt Arboretum. Once at the Redwoods, take the Redwood Trail back down through Hoyt Arboretum. Here the AllTrails app is really helpful for finding the connector trails that can get you back to your car.

If you or your kids are still up for a little more walking, check out the Vietnam Veterans Memorial before heading home. It is a beautiful if sobering memorial to Oregonians who died in the war and well worth the effort to see.

And there you have it - the quintessential Portland weekend hike. As always, be sure to check local resources for weather, road conditions and COVID-19 related closures when planning your trip. And don’t forget to post your photos to #lifelivedoregonstyle on Instagram. We’ll see you out there!