Overview
Forest Park occupies more than 5,100 acres along the Tualatin Mountains (locally called the West Hills) on the northwest edge of Portland, Oregon. Established as a city park in 1948, it stretches roughly eight miles from north to south and is consistently cited as one of the largest urban forest reserves in the contiguous United States.
The park is defined by its dense Pacific Northwest old-growth and second-growth forest: towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, bigleaf maple, and red alder form a canopy that shelters an impressive range of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, coyotes, Stellar's jays, barred owls, and over 100 recorded bird species. Several seasonal streams run through the park's ravines.
Despite its wild character, Forest Park is immediately accessible from city neighborhoods such as Northwest Portland (Nob Hill) and Linnton. The park has no lodging, no commercial vendors, and no entrance fee, making it a straightforward destination for anyone staying anywhere in Portland.
Before You Go
Forest Park is a public city park with no admission fee. There are no ticketing systems or advance reservations required for trail access as of the time of writing; verify with Portland Parks & Recreation if any temporary permit programs have been introduced.
What to pack
- Waterproof or water-resistant footwear: trails become muddy during and after rain, which can occur any month
- Layered clothing; the forest canopy keeps temperatures cooler than surrounding city streets
- Plenty of water — the park has no potable water stations along trails
- A downloaded offline map or a physical trail map, as cell service is unreliable inside the forest
- Leash for dogs (required throughout the park)
Permits and closures Occasional trail closures occur after significant windstorms or fire-risk events. Check the Portland Parks & Recreation website before visiting for current alerts. No fire or camping is permitted anywhere in the park.
Getting There
Forest Park has multiple trailheads distributed along its length. The most commonly used entry points are in the Lower Macleay Park area near NW 30th Avenue and Upshur Street, and at the Leif Erikson Drive gate near NW Thurman Street. Both are reachable from Portland's Northwest District.
By public transit TriMet bus lines serve the Northwest District. From stops near NW 23rd or NW Thurman, the trailheads are a short walk. Verify current routes and schedules at the TriMet website or app before traveling, as service details change.
By car Street parking is available near the Thurman Street and Macleay Park trailheads, though spaces fill quickly on weekends and sunny days. There are no large dedicated park-and-ride lots. Arriving early or using transit is advisable on busy days.
By bicycle Many Portland residents cycle to the trailheads from the city core. Leif Erikson Drive is a popular unpaved road open to cyclists and pedestrians (bikes are restricted to Leif Erikson Drive and a small number of designated trails — check current rules before bringing a mountain bike on singletrack).
Getting Around
Navigation inside Forest Park is entirely on foot (or bicycle where permitted). The two main arteries are Leif Erikson Drive, a wide unpaved road running roughly parallel to the park's length, and the Wildwood Trail, which winds through the interior for more than 30 miles, eventually connecting to Washington Park and Hoyt Arboretum to the south.
Trail junctions are generally signed, but signage density varies. The Portland Parks & Recreation department and several local outdoor organizations publish detailed trail maps; pick one up at an outdoor retailer in Portland or download a PDF before entering the park. The AllTrails app also covers most Forest Park routes and works offline if downloaded in advance.
Gradients range from gentle on Leif Erikson Drive to moderate-to-steep on connector trails into the ravines. Distance within the park can be deceptive; trails feel longer than expected due to elevation change and soft surfaces.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
Hiking is the park's primary draw. Route lengths range from short one-mile loops suitable for families to full-day out-and-back trips of 10+ miles along the Wildwood Trail. Popular shorter routes include the Macleay Trail to Witch's Castle (a stone restroom ruin that has become a landmark), and the loop combining Wildwood, Dogwood, and Alder trails.
Trail Running
Forest Park has a dedicated trail running community. Leif Erikson Drive is especially popular as a long, relatively flat running surface. Several local running clubs host group runs originating from the Thurman Street trailhead.
Birdwatching
The park's diverse forest layers support a wide bird population. Spring and early summer are peak seasons for songbird activity and breeding calls. Bring binoculars and move quietly on the less-trafficked interior trails for better sightings.
Photography and Nature Observation
Moss-covered forest floors, seasonal wildflowers (trillium blooms in early spring), and dramatic fog in the canopy make the park a rewarding photography destination. The hours just after dawn typically offer softer light and fewer visitors.
Connecting to Washington Park
The Wildwood Trail connects southward to Washington Park, which contains the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and International Rose Test Garden — all separately operated attractions worth incorporating into a longer day.
Food & Drink
There are no food or beverage vendors inside Forest Park. Pack all food, snacks, and water before entering.
The Northwest District (NW 21st and NW 23rd Avenues) is a 10–20 minute walk from the main trailheads and offers a wide range of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants suitable for a post-hike meal. Specific business hours and current operators should be verified locally, as Portland's restaurant scene sees regular turnover.
For a long hike, carry at least 2 liters of water per person. There are no water sources in the park that should be consumed untreated.
Practical Information
Restrooms Restroom facilities are limited. Pit toilets are located at the Lower Macleay trailhead and at a small number of points along the Wildwood Trail. Verify current facility availability before a long hike.
Dogs Dogs are permitted throughout the park but must remain on leash at all times. This rule is actively enforced and violations carry fines. Pack out all waste.
Leave No Trace Pack out all trash. Picking plants, removing natural materials, and going off-trail are discouraged and in some cases prohibited to protect the forest ecosystem.
Weather and season notes Portland's rainy season runs roughly November through April. Trails can become slippery and deeply rutted. Some steep connector trails may close seasonally. In summer, fire risk occasionally leads to park closures or restrictions — check Portland Parks & Recreation advisories.
Cell service Coverage is inconsistent to absent on most interior trails. Download maps offline and tell someone your planned route before entering for longer hikes.
Safety
Forest Park is generally considered safe for day hikers, including solo visitors, though standard urban-adjacent wilderness precautions apply.
- Navigation: Getting disoriented is the most common problem visitors report. Trails intersect frequently and look similar in fog or low light. Carry a downloaded map and know your route before entering.
- Wildlife: The park is home to coyotes and black-tailed deer. Neither poses a significant threat, but keep dogs leashed and do not approach or feed wildlife. Cougar sightings are occasionally reported — if encountered, do not run; make yourself appear large.
- Homeless encampments: Some areas of the park, particularly near access points and lower trail sections, have at times had encampments. Treat any occupied areas with courtesy and take alternate routes if a path feels obstructed.
- Emergency access: In an emergency, getting to a trailhead access point for vehicle or emergency responder access can take significant time from interior trails. Carry a fully charged phone and know the nearest trailhead exit from your planned route.
- For emergencies, dial 911. Portland's non-emergency police line can be verified locally.