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Kid-Friendly Hikes
The whole family can enjoy Portland's greenery on these trails.
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.
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 few 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.
Adventure Begins Here
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.
Pittock Mansion
High in the West Hills, the Pittock Mansion offers picture-perfect views of the city and interesting insights into Portland's history.
Mount Tabor Park
Mount Tabor Park, a century-old public space, is known for its open-air reservoirs, forested hiking trails, sunset picnics, epic city views, its annual Adult Soapbox Derby, and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone.
Mt. Tabor Park
Mount Tabor, an extinct volcano located just east of the Hawthorne neighborhood, contains many trails running around and up and down its steep slopes. Great city views 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.
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
Before you head out, check with USFS for the most up-to-date information on alerts, conditions and trail closures.
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.
More Outdoor Activities for the Whole Family
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