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    • Sellwood-Moreland
    • Williams
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Hikers of all ages enjoy exploring Forest Park. Hikers of all ages enjoy exploring Forest Park.
i
Hikers of all ages enjoy exploring Forest Park.
Attractions / Family Friendly

Kid-Friendly Hikes

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

Updated Apr. 30, 2020 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

An authentic example of Japanese landscaping, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquil beauty with an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.

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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 as well as a revealing insights into Portland's history.

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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.

Multnomah Falls

Located just 30 miles (48 km) east of downtown Portland, Oregon’s tallest waterfall attracts visitors of all ages and abilities.

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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

More Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family

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 five acres of physical and mental challenges in a corn field.

Visitors to Oregon\'s Fruit Loop can pick apples straight from the branch.

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.

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.

子ゾウのリリーと母ゾウのローズツー

Oregon Zoo

The West's oldest zoo, located just minutes from downtown Portland in visitor-friendly Washington Park, is home to 2,200 animals.

Retro rides for the whole family await at Oaks Amusement Park.

Oaks Amusement Park

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

Little ones love to splash in the public fountain at Peninsula Park in North Portland.

Portland’s Public Fountains

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

Kids\' imaginations take flight at the Wings & Waves waterpark.

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 swifts soar across the sky at Chapman Elementary School.

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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