Forest Park Hiking Tour Portland: 5-mile Wildwood Trail climb

Five miles through old-growth forest with city views from Pittock Mansion and Wildwood Trail

You’ll leave Portland’s busy sidewalks behind almost instantly, hiking up through Forest Park’s wild side with a local guide who knows every twist of trail and story behind Witch’s Castle. Snack breaks at Pittock Mansion come with mountain views before ending among blooming roses or winding down in a cozy neighborhood. Expect muddy shoes and a full heart.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Pittock Mansionpassing by
2. Washington Park30m
3. Portland Japanese Gardenpassing by
4. International Rose Test Garden15m

Forest Park hike and city views

• Start at Forest Park low elevation point
• Hike 3 miles on Wildwood Trail
• Visit Witch's Castle rest stop
• See Pittock Mansion grounds and views
• Cross Burnside into Washington Park
• Pass by Portland Japanese Garden
• End at International Rose Test Garden

The experience

The first thing I noticed was how the city just… faded. One minute we were dodging cyclists near NW 23rd, the next we were swallowed by green: moss thick on every branch, the air cooler and kind of earthy. Our guide, Sam (Portlander since the ‘90s), grinned at my surprise. “Give it five minutes,” he said, “you’ll forget there’s a city behind you.” He was right. The Wildwood Trail wound up through Forest Park like it had always been there: roots underfoot, birds somewhere above us arguing about something. I kept thinking: five miles? In here it could be fifty.

We stopped at Witch’s Castle: a mossy stone ruin that looks like it should have its own ghost story (it does). Sam told us about high schoolers sneaking up here at night. I tried to imagine it in the dark and decided daylight suited me better. The climb got real around then: 900 feet doesn’t sound like much until you’re doing it. My calves complained but honestly, the view from Pittock Mansion made up for every step. City skyline stretched out below with Mount Hood way off in the distance, half-hidden by cloud. We sat on the grass for snacks and water (bring your own bottle, Portland tap is weirdly good), just catching our breath.

I didn’t expect to end among roses: hundreds of them at the International Rose Test Garden if you come when they’re blooming (late May to October). The scent is almost too much after all that forest air. I found myself stopping to smell one after another. If you’re lucky with timing, you can wander past the Japanese Garden too, unless it’s Tuesday or they’ve closed randomly (which apparently happens). Sometimes Sam switches up the route if weather gets moody or if everyone agrees to finish with coffee on NW 23rd instead. That flexibility felt good: like walking with a friend who knows when to linger or move on.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided 5-mile hike through Forest Park with stops at Witch's Castle and Pittock Mansion for snacks and city views. Water is provided (though bringing your own bottle is encouraged), plus flexible endings at either the International Rose Test Garden or in Portland’s NW neighborhoods depending on season and weather conditions.

Options for this experience

2 options

Forest Park ExperienceGuide in English · 09:00We begin at Haven Coffee, 2772 NW Thurman, enter the park from the northwest, and finish at the rose garden in Washington Park.

From Goose Hollow into the ForestGuide in English · Available from 5 Mar 2027Starting from a coffee shop in Goose Hollow in southwest Portland, we walk into the park from the southeast and end at the Clearing Cafe near Macleay Park.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Around Portland Tours

Traveler reviews

4.83★★★★★★★★★★

86 verified traveler reviews

5 ★77

4 ★4

3 ★4

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How hard is the Forest Park urban hike?

The hike covers about 5 miles (8-10 km) with roughly 900 feet (300 meters) of elevation gain. Moderate fitness is recommended.

Does this tour include entry to the Japanese Garden?

No, admission to the Japanese Garden isn’t included. Morning tours may end nearby so you can visit on your own if open.

When are the roses in bloom at the International Rose Test Garden?

The roses usually bloom from late May through October. Outside these months, stops may be adjusted based on group preference.

Is water provided during the hike?

Yes, extra water is provided but guests are encouraged to bring their own bottle: Portland tap water is available and tasty.

Where does the hike start and end?

The classic morning hike starts in Northwest Portland and ends at either the Rose Garden or NW 23rd Avenue depending on season and weather.

Are there afternoon departures for this tour?

Yes, limited afternoon departures are available weekly starting from Goose Hollow and taking a slightly different route.

Can I bring my service animal?

Service animals are allowed on this hike.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near both starting points for easy access.