Bristlecone Pine Trail
The Bristlecone Pine Trail, Hoyt Arboretum's paved trail on the west side, is closed from October 27, 2026 while Portland Parks & Recreation rebuilds it for wheelchair users. The city is renovating the 1-mile out-and-back trail and its trailhead parking lot at 148 SW Fischer Lane. Until it reopens, use the paved Overlook Trail and Visitor Center Loop.
The Bristlecone Pine Trail at a Glance
What Is Closed
Hoyt Arboretum Friends lists the Bristlecone Pine Trail as closed to park users as of October 27, 2026, as part of the city's Bristlecone Pine Trail ADA Accessibility Improvements Project. The project covers the paved trail and the small parking lot that serves as its trailhead. The Stone Circle, a small ceremony site on the trail, is off the wedding permit list during 2026 and into 2027.
Portland Parks & Recreation's schedule lists construction for spring to fall 2026 and gives the overall project window as late summer 2023 to winter 2026. The city posts updates on the project page every 30 to 60 days. Check there before you plan a visit around this trail.
What Is Changing
According to Portland Parks & Recreation, the work will:
- Replace the asphalt and remove the root heaves and cracks that stop people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
- Adjust the slope to meet current ADA guidelines.
- Add new places to rest and widen the trail where possible.
- Improve the gathering areas and key overlooks.
Hoyt Arboretum Friends adds that the project will build paved trail connections from the main Visitor Center lots and the shuttle stop; today the paved section is reached only from the small Fischer Lane lot. The money comes from the 2019 Metro Parks and Nature Bond, local share.
The Trail Itself
The paved section runs about ½ mile one way from the Fischer Lane lot to a picnic area near a grove of ginkgos, with a grade under 5 percent. Unlike the rest of the arboretum, where trees are grouped by family, the trees here are planted by region: exhibits include Chile and South America, Northeastern Carolina hardwoods, Korea, China, Japan, the Pacific Northwest, the Siskiyous and Europe. Halfway along is the Stone Circle. Before the closure there were five benches and two accessible picnic tables.
The city calls it a regional draw with recognition in hiking guidebooks.
Where to Walk Instead
- Overlook Trail, paved, ½ mile one way from the Visitor Center, with mountain views on clear days.
- Visitor Center Loop, paved, 1/10 mile.
- The 30-minute Fir Trail loop, 0.5 mile and fairly level, on dirt.
See paved and accessible trails and hiking and suggested loops.
Bristlecone Pine Trail FAQ
Is the Bristlecone Pine Trail at Hoyt Arboretum open?
No. Hoyt Arboretum Friends lists it as closed from October 27, 2026 for Portland Parks & Recreation's ADA accessibility rebuild. Check the city's project page for the reopening date.
Why is the Bristlecone Pine Trail closed?
The city is rebuilding the trail and its trailhead lot so wheelchair users can use them: new pavement without root heaves, gentler slopes, wider tread and more rest spots.
How long is the Bristlecone Pine Trail?
The paved section is about ½ mile one way; the city describes it as a 1-mile out-and-back trail.
What paved trails are open at Hoyt Arboretum during the closure?
The Overlook Trail (½ mile one way) and the Visitor Center Loop (1/10 mile), both starting at the Visitor Center.