Hikers of all ages enjoy exploring Forest Park.

Kid-Friendly Hikes

The whole family can enjoy Portland's greenery on these trails.

Updated July 28, 2022 2 min read

Easy access to some of the nation’s most spectacular scenery often puts hiking near the top of the agenda for many Portland visitors. Having children in tow shouldn’t put you off. Here are some of our favorite hiking spots with trails under 4 miles (6 km) in length, in or close to the city and bursting with natural beauty.

Great views of the city await you at the summit of Mt. Tabor, and the park also boasts two playgrounds in case you need a rest but your children don’t!

Hike Around a Garden

Even the littlest legs will have no trouble wandering around Portland’s beautifully maintained gardens, including the Japanese Garden, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and Leach Botanical Gardens.

Portland Japanese Garden

A haven of meticulously maintained, tranquil beauty, proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden offers meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.

Hoyt Arboretum

Just a stone’s throw from the zoo in Washington Park lies Hoyt Arboretum. Stop off at the Visitor Center for a map and plan your own route along the many trails around the park. Great signage makes it hard to get lost, and markers on the trees will help improve your ability to identify the many species of trees showcased here.

Lower Macleay Trail

Starting at the parking lot on Northwest Upshur Street and 29th Avenue, just a couple of minutes north of the popular hangouts of Northwest 23rd, the Lower Macleay Trail takes hikers up along Balch Creek into the southeastern corner of Forest Park. Little legs may favor turning around at the Stone House (a great photo opportunity), or else looping back along Wildwood Trail. Those with more stamina could plow on to the Audubon Society or even as far as Pittock Mansion.

Pittock Mansion

High in the West Hills, the Pittock Mansion offers picture-perfect views of the city and interesting insights into Portland's history.

Mt. Tabor Park

Mt. Tabor, an extinct volcano located just east of the Hawthorne neighborhood, contains a great number of trails running around and up and down its steep slopes. Great views of the city await you at the summit, and the park also boasts two playgrounds in case you need a rest but your children don’t! See a trail map.

go to mount tabor

Latourell Falls

The closest waterfall to the city is also one of the prettiest. The looping trail to the upper falls is under 2.5 miles in length; when you return, the bowl of the lower falls awaits with its truly spectacular torrent of water. The falls are one of the most beautiful anywhere, far less trafficked than the popular Multnomah Falls further into the gorge, and only 30 minutes from downtown by car. See a trail description.

Know Before You Go

Between May 24 and Sept. 5, 2022, a Timed Use Permit will be required for each personal vehicle accessing federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. just east of the Bridal Veil off-ramp (Exit 28) to Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35). Reserve your personal vehicle permit at recreation.gov

Before you head out, check with USFS for the most up-to-date information on alerts, conditions and trail closures.

Multnomah Falls

Located just 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Portland, Oregon’s tallest waterfall attracts visitors of all ages and abilities for stunning year-round sights of cascading water with complimentary flora and fauna.

Tryon Creek State Park

Located just a few minutes south of the city center by car (and still in Portland), Tryon Creek State Park offers one of the most beautiful hiking opportunities in the region. The many trails make it simple to plan a route suitable for your party and, whatever direction, you take you are sure to be surprised by the richness of the forest.

For Kids, Outdoors, Parks & Gardens

A woman and three children find their way through the tall corn at the Corn Maize at The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island.

The Corn Maize on Sauvie Island

The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental challenges in a cornfield.

Apple Picking Near Portland

Freshly-picked Pacific Northwest apples are a local favorite, and many Portland-area orchards allow visitors to pluck the fruit right off the branch.

Happy swimmers spend a hot summer afternoon in the cool, clear waters of Punchbowl Falls.

Swimming Holes Near Portland

Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.

a red panda walks on a tree limb, surrounded by leaves

Oregon Zoo

Located near downtown Portland in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,600 animals.

Oaks Amusement Park

In Southeast Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, Oaks Amusement Park has been providing families with carnival thrills and family fun since 1905.

kids splash in the fountain at peninsula park

Portland’s Public Fountains

Cool off with free fun at these kid-friendly fountains in Portland.

an airplane with tubes coming out of the sides

Kid-Friendly Regional Attractions

Trips outside the city promise all-ages entertainment. Here are four must-see attractions within two hours of downtown Portland.

thousands of small birds swarm around a tall brick chimney at sunset

Chapman Swift Watch

Every September, spectators gather to see the world’s largest roost of Vaux’s swifts swarm and spiral into the chimney of a Northwest Portland school.

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