Hoyt Arboretum —
Your Complete Guide
A free museum of living trees in Portland's Washington Park: 12 miles of trails, a redwood grove and the start of the Wildwood Trail.
What is Hoyt Arboretum?
Hoyt Arboretum is a free, 190-acre arboretum in Portland's Washington Park, with 12 miles of trails through about 6,000 trees of more than 2,000 species from six continents. It is open every day from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and the Visitor Center at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee; parking costs $2.52 an hour. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Portland Parks & Recreation, which owns it, calls it a museum of living trees, founded in 1928 to conserve endangered species and teach the public (history). The trees are grouped by family, so the trails carry their names: Redwood, Spruce, Fir, Oak, Magnolia, Maple. Three collections are nationally accredited, the conifers, maples and magnolias (the collection), and a grove of coast redwoods and giant sequoias surrounds the Redwood Deck.
Two things to plan for. Parking is limited on sunny weekends, so many visitors take the MAX Red or Blue Line to Washington Park and the free shuttle (parking and directions). And the paved Bristlecone Pine Trail is closed from October 27, 2026 for an accessibility rebuild (details). This is an independent guide; the official sources are Portland Parks & Recreation and Hoyt Arboretum Friends (about this site).
Hoyt Arboretum at a Glance
What to Do at Hoyt Arboretum
About 6,000 trees from six continents on 12 miles of trails, two miles from downtown.
Redwood Deck
A wooden deck in a grove of redwoods and giant sequoias, on the 0.9-mile loop from the Visitor Center.
The Redwood Loop →
Hiking Loops
Three marked loops of 0.5, 0.9 and 1.25 miles, from a level 30-minute stroll to a 2-hour walk.
Suggested Loops →
Wildwood Trail
Portland's 30-mile trail starts here, by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and leads to Pittock Mansion and Forest Park.
Trailhead & Route →
Fall Colors
More than 90 kinds of maples on the ¾-mile Maple Trail, turning in October and peaking in November.
When to Go →
Visitor Center
Free trail maps in English and Spanish, restrooms, water and snacks, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Maps & Restrooms →
Free Tours
Free public tours on Sundays at 11 a.m., April to October, and free guided hikes June to October.
Tour Schedule →Trails at Hoyt Arboretum
12 miles of paved, dirt and gravel trails, most named for the trees along them.
The southern start of the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, past the Winter Garden and the Redwood Deck to W Burnside.
Down from the Visitor Center to the redwood and giant sequoia grove.
Paved, above the Visitor Center, with views to Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier on clear days.
More than 90 kinds of maples on the south side.
How to Get to Hoyt Arboretum
Two miles from downtown Portland, by car, MAX or bus.
Visitor Center
4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Visitor Center guide.
Parking
Two pay lots at the Visitor Center, $2.52 an hour, $15.12 a day. Parking guide.
MAX & Shuttle
Red or Blue Line to Washington Park, then the free shuttle or a ½-mile walk. MAX station.
Nearby in Washington Park
Hoyt Arboretum is one of five big attractions in Washington Park, with the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, the Oregon Zoo and the World Forestry Center. The Washington Park MAX station, 260 feet underground, is a short walk from the arboretum's southern trails. Pittock Mansion is a walk north on the Wildwood Trail, and the Witch's Castle is farther on in Forest Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoyt Arboretum free?
Yes. There is no admission fee and it is open every day of the year. Parking costs $2.52 an hour, up to $15.12 a day, from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What are Hoyt Arboretum's hours?
Portland Parks & Recreation lists park hours of 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Where is Hoyt Arboretum?
In Washington Park, Portland, Oregon, about two miles from downtown. The Visitor Center is at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221.
Are dogs allowed at Hoyt Arboretum?
Yes, on a leash at all times, on every trail and in the Visitor Center.
How do you get to Hoyt Arboretum without a car?
Take the MAX Red or Blue Line to Washington Park station, then walk about half a mile on the Overlook Trail or ride the free Washington Park shuttle to the Visitor Center.
What is Hoyt Arboretum known for?
About 6,000 trees from six continents grouped by family, nationally accredited conifer, maple and magnolia collections, the Redwood Deck, and the start of the 30-mile Wildwood Trail.
How long does it take to walk Hoyt Arboretum?
The three marked loops take about 30 minutes (0.5 mile), 1 hour (0.9 mile) and 2 hours (1.25 miles). All 12 miles of trail take a full day.