The Wildwood Trail
The Wildwood Trail runs the length of Forest Park: 30 miles of natural-surface path from Washington Park through Forest Park to NW Newberry Road, and a National Recreation Trail. Its southern trailhead is in Hoyt Arboretum, by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, marked with a carved wooden sign. The first 2.85 miles wind through the arboretum before the trail crosses W Burnside toward Pittock Mansion.
The Wildwood Trail at a Glance
Where the Wildwood Trail Starts
Hoyt Arboretum Friends places the start near the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial, at the south end of the arboretum, with a carved wooden sign just across SW Knights Blvd from the memorial's parking lot. That is a short walk from the Washington Park MAX station, so you can reach the trailhead without a car. Portland Parks & Recreation describes the trail as entering Forest Park at W Burnside Road and ending at NW Newberry Road.
Blue diamonds painted on trees mark every quarter mile, counting from the southern end.
The Arboretum Section (2.85 miles)
Inside Hoyt Arboretum the Wildwood Trail winds for 2.85 miles, on packed dirt and gravel, generally moderate with occasional steep stretches; Hoyt Arboretum Friends measures one pitch at 19 percent about a mile in. Along the way it passes other Washington Park destinations and arboretum landmarks including the Winter Garden and the Redwood Deck, then reaches the arboretum's northern edge at W Burnside.
It is also part of two of the arboretum's marked loops; see hiking and suggested loops and Redwood Trail and Deck.
To Pittock Mansion
The trail leaves the arboretum to the north by the Barbara Walker Crossing at W Burnside. About half a mile past the arboretum's boundary you reach Pittock Mansion.
Through Forest Park
North of Pittock the trail drops into Forest Park, 5,200 acres of native forest with more than 80 miles of trails, according to the city. Popular stops in the southern miles include Balch Creek Canyon and the Stone House, better known as the Witch's Castle, where the Wildwood meets the Lower Macleay Trail.
Hikers and runners take on the whole trail end to end as a long-distance challenge; the city notes it can be an hour's walk or a full day.
Rules
- Open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Forest Park. Inside Hoyt Arboretum, park hours are 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Dogs on leash only.
- Walking and running only. Bikes are allowed only on certain Forest Park fire lanes and roads, such as Leif Erikson Drive, never on the Wildwood Trail.
- No fires, camping, drones, fireworks, hunting or fishing.
Good For
- A long day hike or trail run that starts at a MAX station.
- Pittock Mansion on foot from the arboretum.
Maybe Skip If
- You are riding a bike. Use Leif Erikson Drive in Forest Park.
- You want a short, signed loop. The arboretum's marked loops are easier to follow.
The Wildwood Trail FAQ
Where does the Wildwood Trail start?
At the south end of Hoyt Arboretum, near the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial, marked with a carved wooden sign. It is a short walk from the Washington Park MAX station.
How long is the Wildwood Trail?
Portland Parks & Recreation lists it as 30 miles, from Washington Park through Forest Park to NW Newberry Road. About 2.85 miles of it are inside Hoyt Arboretum.
Can you hike from Hoyt Arboretum to Pittock Mansion?
Yes. Follow the Wildwood Trail north over the Barbara Walker Crossing; Pittock Mansion is about half a mile past the arboretum's boundary.
Are dogs allowed on the Wildwood Trail?
Yes, on leash at all times, in both Hoyt Arboretum and Forest Park.
Can you bike the Wildwood Trail?
No. In Forest Park, bikes are allowed only on certain fire lanes and roads such as Leif Erikson Drive.