Out-of-towners often forget that Portland, Ore. is surrounded and all-but-consumed by evergreen forests. We revere our tall pines and muddy hikes, foggy mornings gripped by woodland mystique. You enter into these spaces for adventure, solace, or perhaps just a bit of fresh air. Whatever reason you find yourself on a Pacific Northwest forest excursion, it’s likely to transform your state of mind and stir up the desire to keep coming back to this awe inspiring natural place.
The Wildwood Trail is a scant 31 mile hike in the 5,200 acre Forest Park nature reserve on the northwest side of Portland’s city limits. The trail begins near the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial and ends, after many switchbacks and elevation gains and losses, at NW Newberry Rd. Unless you’re a pro attacking the trail in the morning for a full day endeavor, the Wildwood Trail is meant to be conquered in parts. Spring’s arrival is the perfect time to visit and explore.
A popular first leg of the trail is one which ascends to Pittock mansion, a 1914 built estate that formerly housed Oregonian newspaper publisher Henry Pittock. The mansion boasts a beautiful view of the city with Mt. Hood in center frame. On the hike you will encounter the very same trillium flowers, sword ferns, and douglas fir cones you can also discover on our chocolate bars and caramels.
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