Wildwood Trail

Portland‘s 28-Mile Crown Jewel

You know the drill. You want to go for a hike, so you pile into the car and drive an hour or two to the trailhead.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Portland is blessed with a magnificent trail system in its West Hills that rivals trail systems in Oregon‘s mountains and along its coast.

And you don’t need a car to get there.

The 28-mile Wildwood Trail, which winds through Washington and Forest parks, is accessible by foot from some neighborhoods, as well as by Tri-Met bus seven days a week from anywhere in the metropolitan area.

To reach the beginning of the Wildwood Trail near the Washington Park Zoo, hop aboard Tri-Met bus No. 63 from downtown or the Rose Quarter and get off near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. A large sign notes the beginning of the trail up Knights Boulevard from the many parking lots near the zoo.

To return to downtown, hike the Wildwood Trail 3.06 miles to where it crosses Burnside Road. Bus No. 20 stops nearby on its run between the Gateway and Beaverton transit centers.

This section of the Wildwood Trail passes Hoyt Aboretum and the Japanese Garden, a busy part of town on a sunny summer day. Numerous trail intersections beckon, but the Wildwood Trail is well marked and easy to follow.

You’ll be glad you left your car at home.

• WHAT: Portland‘s miniversion of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Wildwood Trail winds 28 graceful miles from its beginning in Washington Park to its end deep in Forest Park at BPA Road.
• DRIVE: The first segment of the Wildwood Trail runs from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial near the Washington Park Zoo to its crossing of Burnside Road near Northwest Barnes Road. Parking is available at both locations. Better yet, ride Tri-Met bus No. 63 to Washington Park and bus No. 20 to Burnside Road.
• TRAIL: The first segment of the Wildwood Trail has a wide, gravel surface. Use is heavy.
• DISTANCE: The trail covers 3.06 miles between the zoo and the Burnside bus stops, with some easy ups and downs along the way.
• CAUTION: Runners and dog-walkers love the Wildwood Trail, so keep track of what lies ahead and behind you on the trail. When pausing for a break, use the benches along the way or stop well out of the way at the edge of the trail.
• INFORMATION: Portland Bureau of Parks, 823-4492, or Friends of Forest Park, 223-5449.

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