Rules & Regulations

Hoyt Arboretum's rules protect a living tree collection. Dogs must be on a leash. Bikes, scooters and skateboards stay on the roads, not the trails. No climbing trees, hanging hammocks or slacklines, no foraging, and no fires, camping or drones. The arboretum is smoke and tobacco free, and alcohol is allowed only at permitted events. Park hours are 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Park Regulations

Hoyt Arboretum Friends posts these regulations for the arboretum:

• Bikes, scooters and skateboards must stay on roads.
• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails, except mobility devices such as scooters and wheelchairs for people with disabilities.
• Dogs must always be on a leash, and pet waste must be picked up immediately.
• Smoke and tobacco free. Alcohol only at permitted events.
• Protect the trees: no tree climbing, hammocks or slacklines.
• No foraging. Leave plants, animals and other natural features for everyone.
• No fires, camping or drones.

Hours

Portland Parks & Recreation lists park hours of 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; the parking lots and access roads close at 9:30 p.m. See hours and fees.

Permits

• Weddings: a permit from Portland Parks & Recreation is needed for any wedding with guests beyond the couple, officiant and two witnesses. See weddings.
• Picnic sites: Stevens Pavilion and other picnic sites are reserved through the city at 503-823-2525.
• Film, video and photography: Portland Parks & Recreation has a separate permit for commercial shoots.

Safety

• Park Rangers handle conflicts and permit questions: dispatch 503-823-1637. In an emergency call 911.
• Car prowls happen in Washington Park. Take valuables with you; there is no luggage storage.
• Coyotes live here. Keep children close and dogs leashed; clap or shout if one approaches.

Dogs

Leashed dogs are welcome on every trail and in the Visitor Center. See dogs.

Why the Rules Are Strict

Hoyt Arboretum is a museum of living trees, founded in part to conserve endangered species. The ban on climbing, hammocks and slacklines is there, in Hoyt Arboretum Friends' words, to protect the trees. See the tree collection.