Forest Park Urban Hiking Tour, Portland

Overview

When tour guests asks us, "what one thing should I not miss in Portland," we pick the 5-mile (8-9 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.

We offer two daily departures, both with varied terrain and about 900 ft elevation gain. The classic hike is focused around a Northwest Portland experience, and ends at the International Rose Test Garden, the Forest Park Experience (9 a.m. to noon). We have limited 1:30 p.m. departures. We occasionally offer an afternoon hike that starts at Goose Hollow, weaves through the neighborhoods and up into the park, the Goose Hollow to the Forest (2:30 to 6:30 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.

City: Portland

Fri 29 Aug

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $59.00

Make a reservation

Fri 29 Aug

Starting at $59.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

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

Additional Info

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

What To Expect

Wildwood Trail

We'll continue traveling along the Wildwood Trail

Pittock Mansion

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 (in the afternoon, we'll reverse this and see Washington Park before Forest Park). Because of construction to a planned bridge over Burnside throughout summer and early fall 2019, our tour winds down through the NW Portland neighborhoods (with beautiful views of the city and mountains), and crosses Burnside at a light-metered crosswalk.

Portland Japanese Garden

THE JAPANESE GARDEN HAS BEEN CLOSED PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC; 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 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!

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (75)

Mari W

Jun 2019

Edwin led us on a wonderful, informative hike with interesting discussions about how Portland developed, which tree species were towering above us or standing beside us, and importantly, where public restrooms were along the hike! Hike/travel with kids and you quickly realize how valuable that information is. The other party on the tour with us was from the Midwest and it was really enjoyable to be reminded of how special this place is as we had a marvelously bug-free hike. While most of the native wildflowers had finished blooming, the roses were in full bloom and were an amazing treat for the eyes and nose. My tween did great and Edwin took all her "are we there yet" in stride. We were both a healthy worn out by the end and enjoyed some down time with the roses.

Response from Host

Jun 2019

Mari, thank you so much for your wonderful review! Edwin came back from that hike tired but glowing with all the forest bathing along the way -- he said it was fun to chat with you about other hikes we might try in the future (a big YES to hiking to Council Crest!) xoxo Sarah

Jsl451

Jun 2019

Sara is very knowledgeable and fun! About two hours is an uphill hike so be ready! Beautiful views. Enjoy!

Response from Host

Jun 2019

Thank you so much, Jen! You and your daughter were so much fun to walk and talk with -- we really enjoyed our conversations with you and your unstoppable energy. We hope you're able to visit again; immersing ourselves in the forest with you and exploring secret passageways was truly a joy. <3 Sarah & Jonathan

allietheworld

Apr 2019

Our concierge recommended Forest Park hiking as a great attraction, but we didn't know how to start. Around Portland Tours to the rescue! Our about 7k trek wound through the northwest part of the city, up into a park that seems like a magician conjured it up. Throughout the hike, Sarah pointed out the flora and fauna, and told us stories of the history of the area, from recent generations back to the indigenous people. It was a long walk but I felt the pace was comfortable throughout, and we were in good hands. We ended at the Rose Garden, and our guide pointed us to transit back to the city and a great lunch spot. Definitely recommended.

Response from Host

Jun 2019

Allie, I loved our time hiking together in the park! As you said, it truly is a Shinrin Yoku experience -- forest bathing at its best. I really look forward to exploring what we talked about more, these slow meditative experiences that work at a spiritual level. all my best, Sarah