A trip to Portland, Oregon, with its endless array of tempting food carts and profusion of microbrews, could cause you to pack on the pounds. But Portland also gives you plenty of chances to get outside and burn off some of those tasty indulgences. Although hiking and biking trails can be found across the city, the walking trails within the West Hills are some of the most challenging as well as the most rewarding.
Getting Wild
- The Wildwood Trail begins in Washington Park and then meanders through Portland's Forest Park for 30 miles through the West Hills. If a 30-mile walk is more than you're ready to tackle, that's not a problem. The trail has many small sections that make for pleasant shorter walks. For terrific views, consider the 4-mile portion of the Wildwood Trail that starts in Washington Park near the Oregon Zoo. From there, you'll wander along well-tended trails that let you catch glimpses of Portland's Japanese Garden, see the Winter Garden and then make a steady 1-mile climb up to the Pittock Mansion. You're free to explore the grounds of this stately home. From the lawn, you can take in the view of downtown Portland and, on clear days, see the peaks of the surrounding mountains. If you like, you can tour the mansion for a small fee.
Seeing the Trees
- If you want to learn as you stroll, head to the Hoyt Arboretum. The 320-acre arboretum is filled with trails that intersect and loop around, making it a wonderful place to wander. Each trail is name for a type of tree, such as the Hemlock Trail, and signs are posted at any juncture with another trail. Whether you choose to stick to one trail or create your own route by combining trials, take a close look at the trees you pass. Most are marked with their common and scientific names, so by the time you're through with your walk, you may be handy at identifying Northwest tree species. The Hoyt Arboretum lies within Washington Park.
Climbing for Views
- If you want to give yourself a challenge and you want some of the best views Portland has to offer, head up the walking trails that lead to Council Crest. Starting from the walking paths along Terwilliger Road or from the Marquam Hills Nature Center, follow signs for the Marquam Trail and continue into the woods. You'll be among the trees for about 2 miles and be heading uphill most of the walk. Your efforts are rewarded when you come out of the park at Council Crest and see Portland spread out before you. From the crest you'll be looking over the Tualatin Valley, spotting Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood and, on a very clear day, the Columbia River Gorge.
Dipping Into the Creek
- On cloudy days when views are limited, consider heading to Tryon Creek State Park for a walk. Just south of downtown Portland, this 640-acre state park has a variety of trails that allow you to explore the rim of the park or dip down into the small valley created by Tryon Creek. The maps available at the visitor center provide accurate lengths for all sections of the trails so you can make your walk as long or as short as you like. If you enjoy suspension bridges, don't miss the Lewis and Clark Trail so you can bounce your way across the Terry Riley Bridge. Along with an informative visitor center, the park also has a short nature trail that is paved and accessible to people in wheelchairs.
