Hoyt Arboretum Portland

A museum of living trees: beautiful hiking trails in the middle of the city!

Hoyt Arboretum features 12 miles of hiking trails just minutes from downtown Portland! My favorite place in the city for finding inner peace and serenity.

I visit this place alone or with my kids at least monthly. It’s my go-to location when I need a break and a peaceful moment among the trees. According to its official web site, it’s the home of 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents. It’s gorgeous and family-friendly!

Hoyt Arboretum, Tryon Creek, and Forest Park (Especially lower Macleay Park to Pittock mansion trail) are part of a selected group I call “Happy Places.”

The trip

Located in Washington Park (2 miles from Downtown Portland, Oregon), you can go there by car, public transportation, biking, or walking, depending on where you live.

Keep in mind that during summertime, that area is very busy, so plan it accordingly. Even though I’m lucky that I have this fantastic place just 15 mins from home, I always try to visit it early in the mornings, so there are more parking options (and for photography, the light is beautiful in the woods).

What to see and do

Hoyt Arboretum offers activities for everyone. I love Nature photography, especially trees; therefore, this place is a real paradise for me. Hiking with my camera is the activity I love the most there. I never get tired of visiting this location since it’s a different experience in each season, time of the day, and weather.

• 

• 

• 

Hoyt Arboretum Hiking Trails

I usually start the hike at the Visitor Center so I can plan the walk and make a stop at the restrooms (very important area when you are hiking with kids!).

In case you are wondering if you are going to get lost, don’t worry, they have hiking trails maps available in the center (also you can download the map from the web site too), so you can explore knowing where to go.

They also have an adorable gift shop at the Visitor Center! The staff and volunteers are always so great and helpful when you have questions about the trails or finding a certain type of plants or trees and the best spots in each season.

There are different hiking trails to enjoy, but one of my favorites is the 1-hour loop (0.9 miles): Spruce/Wildwood/Redwoods Trails. It’s a great forest experience and a Nature therapy for me.

You can find maps in the trails, name of the trees and plants as well signs in the trail junction, so it’s easy to navigate plus a great learning experience.

• 

• 

• 

While I’m hiking there, I always see people running and biking (bicycles on paved roads only). There are guided tours on weekends, and they organize different classes and ongoing programs as well, so take a look at the web site for more details about it.

You can have your picnic in the Stevens Pavilion or find a picnic table or benches along the trails.

There are beautiful spots everywhere! I have some favorite ones, and I hope you can find yours too!

If you love to explore more natural areas, wildlife refuges, and preserves, you will enjoy some or all of these options.

Pin for later

Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• 12 miles of hiking trails.
• Visitor Center with Gift Shop and Restrooms (Visitor Center is closed however the bathrooms are open).
• Picnic Shelter and several picnic tables next to the trails.
• Parking: Park lots cost $2 per hour or $8 for the day. There are two small parking areas close to the Visitor Center. Additionally, you can find parking near the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, at the head of the Bristlecone Pine Trail, by the Winter Garden, along some sections of Fairview Boulevard, and in some small pull-outs in front of trailheads.
• Guided tours on weekends as well as on-going programs and classes (take a look at its web site for more details).

Important information and tips

• Visitor Center Adress: 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR 97221
• Website.
• Free and open to the public 365 days a year, from 5 am – 10 pm.
• Biking on paved roads only.
• Dogs only on a leash.
• You can plan this visit with other nearby attractions: International Test Rose Garden, Portland Children’s Museum, Portland Japanese Garden, World Forestry Center, and more.