Forest Park

Overview

Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, offering over 80 miles of trails for hiking, walking, and nature exploration. It's a serene escape within the city, home to diverse wildlife and stunning views.

Forest Park is significant for its role in providing a vast green space within an urban environment, promoting biodiversity and offering recreational opportunities to residents and visitors alike.

Hiking Nature Birdwatching

Location

Address

4033 N W Portland, Oregon 97217

Neighborhood: Northwest Portland

Coordinates

45.563300, -122.718600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

tuesday 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

wednesday 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

thursday 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

friday 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

saturday 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

sunday 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better wildlife sightings

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

• Wildflowers
• Waterfalls

summer

hot

• Extended daylight
• Outdoor performances

autumn

cool

• Fall foliage
• Harvest festivals

winter

cold

• Holiday lights
• Winter trails

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Check trail conditions
Bring water
Wear appropriate footwear

What to Bring

essential

Water bottle Hiking shoes Map or GPS

seasonal

Rain jacket Warm layers Sunscreen

not allowed

Drones Pets (in some areas) Littering

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• Uneven terrain
• Wildlife encounters
• Dehydration risk

Medical facilities: First aid available at main entrances

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry Free

parking $0 (free parking available)

food $10-$20

souvenirs $5-$15

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable, Hiking shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, Inappropriate clothing for hiking

Booking Tips

• Not typically required, but guided tours may need advance booking
• Official website or local tourism sites
• Varies by tour operator
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Forest Park Portland

Size: 30 MB

Features: Trail maps, GPS tracking, Wildlife guides, Park news

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor centers

Charging Stations: Visitor centers

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Portland International Airport (PDX)

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

taxi

$40-$50 30 min

public_transport

$3 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

bus

$2.50 20 min

taxi

$15-$20 15 min

bike

$5 25 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Forest Park offers a peaceful escape from the city, with diverse trails and wildlife

Historical Significance: Forest Park has been a significant green space for Portland since its establishment in 1948, providing recreational and conservation opportunities

Insider Tips

Less crowded trails on weekdays
Best views at Stone House
Coffee shops nearby for a post-hike treat

Local Recommendations

• Try local coffee shops near the park
• Ask rangers for trail advice
• Visit nearby Hoyt Arboretum

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Not typically required

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Hoyt Arboretum

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle for trees

Result: Stunning landscape shots

#ForestPark #PortlandTrails #NatureLovers

Lower Macleay Trail

Best Time: Sunrise

Tips: Wide-angle for waterfalls

Result: Breathtaking waterfall photos

#WaterfallWednesday #HikingAdventures #NaturePhotography

Leif Erikson Drive

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Panoramic for views

Result: Scenic overlook photos

#SunsetViews #PortlandViews #UrbanEscape

Photography Rules

allowed areas All trails and open spaces

prohibited areas Wildlife, Prohibited viewpoints

flash photography Not recommended, may disturb wildlife

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without permit

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Portland Japanese Garden

Distance: 1.5 km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Garden

International Rose Test Garden

Distance: 3 km

Walking: 40 min

Type: Garden

Washington Park

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Park

Portland Art Museum

Distance: 4 km

Walking: 50 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.7

Based on 5,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit early for fewer crowds"
"Bring plenty of water"
"Check trail conditions before heading out"
"Great for all fitness levels"

Contact Information

+1 503-823-1600

info@forestparkportland.org

www.forestparkportland.org

Social Media

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