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Hikers of all ages enjoy exploring Forest Park.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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Chapman Swift Watch

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