In such a green and easy-on-the-eye city, there are plenty of scenic places to explore on foot whether it’s an urban area lined with vintage boutiques, by the river, a gorgeous park, a lush garden, or around a wooded trail. I like nothing better than taking a wander around the city and if you’re looking for some of the most interesting spots, here are my favorite tried and tested best and most beautiful walks in and around Portland, Oregon…
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Located in Downtown Portland, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is an amusement park covering an area of 36.85 acres.
Nestled on the bank of the Willamette River, Tom McCall Waterfront Park is one of the most frequented urban spaces in Portland that attracts both locals and visitors. I’d recommend heading there mid-March to early April to see the beautiful cherry blossoms that line the park’s path.
It has many walkways and trails well-suited for dog walking, cycling, and running.
As you saunter across the park, you get to relish the exquisite views of the Willamette River and the vegetation skirting the main walkway. The trail that runs beside the river is relatively flat which makes it ideal for dog-walking.
Pros
Breathtaking Willamette River views
Ideal for dog-walking and running
Attracts both locals and visitors
Stunning cherry blossoms in the spring
Nearby Attractions
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar
Willamette River
Hotel deLuxe
Must Do Things
Stroll along the river promenade
Enjoy a picnic by the scenic Willamette River
Facilities
Nearby gaming arcade
Dine in at various popular restaurants
Downtown Waterfront Loop Walk
The Downtown Waterfront Loop Walk is a beautiful trail that runs along the Willamette River. While hiking this trail, you get to take in the spectacular views of Portland’s bridges and Downtown skyline. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Eastbank Esplanade, and the
Steel and Hawthorne bridges are some of the most prominent landmarks that you can see while strolling on this trail.
The trail starts from Salmon Streets Springs which is easily accessible by Trimet buses, a bus line serving Downtown Portland. The hike itself is mostly flat with a few slopes connecting to the floating walkway and Hawthorne Bridge.
Pros
Scenic river views
Iconic bridge sightseeing
Convenient access from Trimet
Easy flat terrain
Dog Friendly (on a leash)
Cons
Limited shade on hot days
Occasional crowds
Minor slopes on route
Nearby Attractions
Brooklyn Park
River's Edge Hotel Portland
Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Jack in the Box
Must Do Things
Stroll along the river
enjoying skyline views
Explore Tom McCall Waterfront Park's greenery
Facilities
Scenic Views
Pedestrian Bridges
Around International Rose Test Garden
Portland has always been famous as ‘the city of roses’ because it has ideal weather conditions for growing roses.
Located in Southeast Portland, Rose Test Garden is Portland’s oldest rose garden housing more than 10,000 roses including 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, multiflora roses, Mr Lincoln, and many other rose species.
Though the park does not have any defined hiking trails, it has several walkways that help you explore every corner of the garden and this is definitely up there as being one of my favorite places to take a stroll.
The best time to visit the Rose Test Garden is between February to June as this period is marked by rose blooms. As you stroll across the garden, you get to indulge in the mesmerizing views of Mount Hood and Downtown Portland.
Pros
Ideal for flower enthusiasts
Located in scenic Washington Park
Stunning rose varieties collection
Perfect for summer vibes
Cons
Some flowers are only seasonal
Crowded during peak season
Nearby Attractions
Washington Park Amphitheater
Portland Japanese Garden
John Reed Bench
Must Do Things
Take a peaceful stroll among the flowers
Learn about different flowers
Facilities
Offers kid-friendly hikes
Picnics tables and a tennis court
Blue Loop Trail, Mount Tabor Park
Located inside Mount Tabor Park, Blue Loop Trail is a highly trafficked trail that is best used for running, bird-watching, and hiking.
The trail connects with several other trails that run along Mount Tabor Park. The best time to hike the Blue Loop Trail is between April and September. While you are allowed to walk your dogs on the trail, you will have to keep them on a leash.
With an elevation gain of 76 meters, Blue Loop Trail is a small part of Mount Tabor Hike, an extensive trail that starts from Lincoln Street and ends at Mount Tabor Summit.
Pros
Urban nature escape
Handy loop trail
Great for running
Bird watching opportunity
Well-connected trail system
Cons
Limited hiking season
Some elevation
Nearby Attractions
The Observatory
The Zymoglyphic Museum
Movie Madness Video
Must Do Things
Enjoy bird watching in the tranquil park setting
Take a camera and capture the nature
Facilities
Scenic Hiking
Bird Watching
Dog-Friendly
Marquam Nature Park
Nestled in the Tualatin Mountains, Marquam Nature Park is the place to relish solitude. Though the place does not offer any mesmerizing views, it offers a pleasant wooded walk full of quiet ambiance.
Located in Southwest Portland, Marquam Nature Park has several walking trails that take you to some of the most beautiful parts of the West Hills.
Marquam Trail starts in the park and connects to a 40-mile loop trail that ends at Willamette Park after passing over Council Crest.
While walking across the park, you get to see plenty of native plant species including Douglas fir, bigleaf maples, red cedar, and western cedar. There is a plethora of bigleaf maples at the beginning of the trail which makes it an ideal spot for nature photography.
Pros
Serene woodland walk
Access to beautiful West Hills
Abundance of Native plant species
Ideal for nature photography and wildlife spotting
Cons
Remote location for some
Weather-dependent activities
Nearby Attractions
7-Eleven
Oregon Health & Science University
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Must Do Things
Spots birds and wildlife
Capture nature's beauty with photography
Facilities
Hiking trails
Nature photography opportunities
Historic Kerns Walk
Located in the Kerns neighborhood of Portland, Historic Kerns Walk is a 2.7-mile 2.7-mile-long trail that offers enchanting views of all major landmarks in the area.
The trail is completely flat with several sidewalks and corners without any curb cuts.
Historic Kerns Walk starts from Oregon Park and is easily accessible by 12-Sandy and 19-Glisan buses. The trail is best used between March to April.
Pros
Scenic and historic neighborhood
Convenient access via public transport
Flat and easy terrain
Ideal for March to April visits
Cons
Limited accessibility for wheelchairs
Much better in fine weather
Nearby Attractions
Chris Kelleher. Me
Rose VL Deli
ABC Seafood Company
Must Do Things
Explore Oregon Park's natural beauty
Stroll through Kern Neighborhood for a blend of history and modernity
Facilities
Scenic Walking Trail
Public Transportation Access
Eastbank Esplanade Loop Trail
Located beside McCall Waterfront Park, Eastbank Esplanade Loop Trail is a 2.6-mile-long loop trail that is well suited for strolling, bird watching, dog walking, biking, and running.
It is a wheelchair-friendly and kid-friendly trail that is mostly flat. With an elevation gain of 32 meters, Eastbank Esplanade is paved smoothly with asphalt.
The trail is highly trafficked and accessible throughout the year. The trail can also be accessed by vans through striped aisles. It has only one designated accessible space at its southeast end.
While most of the trail is flat, it has some steeper sections where hikers using mobility equipment for wheelchairs may need assistance.
Pros
Suitable for all fitness levels
Wheelchair-friendly
Year-round accessibility
Family and pet-friendly
Cons
Limited designated accessible parking
Steeper sections may require assistance
Nearby Attractions
Shake Shack West End Portland
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade and Bar
Must Do Things
Explore the trail on two wheels
which is great for cyclists
Enjoy a leisurely walk with river views
Facilities
Wheelchair-friendly trail
Suitable for strolling
biking
and running
Hoyt Arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum is a part of Washington Park, one of the most visited tourist sites in Portland. Hoyt Arboretum covers about 189 acres of the total area of Washington Park.
As you stroll around the park, you get to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Tualatin Mountains.
There are several trails that you can use to walk around the park. Here is what we recommend; Fir Trail is a flat loop trail that starts near the Stevens Pavilion, runs along the hedges surrounding the park, and ends at the Pavillion.
If you want to explore the southeast part of the Arboretum, you should stroll on the Overlook Trails, a 2-hour loop trail that passes through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The trail has varying elevations and is skirted with deciduous trees.
Pros
Diverse Tree Collection
12 Miles of Hiking Trails
Stunning Tualatin Mountain Views
Part of Popular Washington Park
Cons
Limited amenities
Seasonal weather limitations
Nearby Attractions
Portland Japanese Garden
Thai Chili Jam Restaurant and Full Bar
Must Do Things
Explore the Fir Trail Loop for scenic walks amid diverse trees
Hike the Overlook Trail to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Enjoy breathtaking Tualatin Mountain views during your visit
Facilities
Hiking trails (12 miles)
Thousands of native
global
and endangered trees to explore
Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard
Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard is a bustling street offering plenty of amazing things to do.
The street spans 43 blocks of vintage shops, indie boutiques, cozy coffee shops, small bookstores, and ritzy eateries.
With a vibrant ambiance, the street is a perfect place for casual walks. The street is one of the most frequented spots in the Southeast neighborhood of Portland.
Pros
Vintage shops and boutiques
Cozy coffee shops
Vibrant ambiance
Hip area ideal for casual walks
Cons
Limited parking availability
Higher-end eateries may be pricey
Nearby Attractions
Bluebird Guesthouse
TarBoush Lebanese Bistro & Bar
Must Do Things
Shop for unique finds in vintage boutiques
Savor artisanal coffee at cozy cafés
Facilities
Eclectic boutiques
Quaint coffee shops
The Wildwood Trail
The Wildwood Trail is a moderately trafficked 30.2-mile-long trail that starts at the Vietnam Memorial and enters Forest Park after passing through West Burnside St.
After walking three miles from the southeast end of the Vietnam Memorial, you enter an urban wilderness that houses a wide range of animals including 62 species of mammals and 112 birds.
The Wildwood Trail is the most accessible route to Forest Park.
The trail is well-suited for running, hiking, strolling, and dog walking. Both starting and ending points of the trail lie outside the park.
However, you can explore every corner of the park while walking on The Wildwood Trail.
Pros
Family-friendly urban trail
Ideal for dog walkers
Accessible entry point at Vietnam Memorial
Urban wilderness with diverse wildlife
Cons
Long trail may not suit everyone
Limited amenities
Nearby Attractions
Heroes Cafe
St. Johns Bridge
Skyline Restaurant
Must Do Things
Take a leisurely walk on The Wildwood Trail and immerse yourself in a 30-mile urban wilderness adventure
Explore diverse wildlife with 62 mammal and 112 bird species
Facilities
Hiking and running trail
Dog-friendly walking path
Reed College
If you want to explore the natural gems of inner Southeast Portland, you can use the Reed College trails to get to them. There is a short looping trail located on the north side of the campus that starts at the Crystal Springs Canyon.
Whether you are seeking solitude or scenery, you can use this trail to relax and relish the captivating beauty of Crystal Springs Lake and other landmarks surrounding Reed College.
You will have to walk two miles before you enter the gravel path that surrounds the soccer field. The gravel path is not an easy hike.
Located on a grassy hillside, the trail is mostly flat with several uphill/downhill sections which make it well-suited for walking and jogging.
Pros
Scenic nature walk
Reed College landmarks
Tranquil lake views
Varied terrain for fitness
Cons
Lengthy initial walk
Gravel path challenging for some
Nearby Attractions
Trinity United Methodist Church
7-Eleven
Eastmoreland Golf Course
Must Do Things
Walk along the scenic trails
starting at Crystal Springs canyon
to enjoy the serene beauty of Crystal Springs Lake
Take in the beauty of Reed College's impressive buildings while strolling through the campus
Facilities
Scenic Nature Walks
Access to Reed College's Beautiful Buildings
Pittock Bird Sanctuary Nature Trail
Located outside the borderline of Forest Park, Pittock Bird Sanctuary Nature Trail is a 4 miles long path that surrounds Pittock Bird Sanctuary.
It is a moderately trafficked trail that is well suited for bird-watching, strolling, dog-walking, and running.
The trail is part of a network of several well-maintained trails that pass through three zones, namely The Uhtoff, The Collins, and The Pittock Sanctuaries.
The trail features educational plant identification placards so you may want to hike the trail with your kids. It also has many resting spots.
Pros
Serene bird-watching paradise
Tranquil natural terrain
Family-friendly with educational signs
Extensive network of trails
Cons
Limited facilities
Seasonal weather variations
Nearby Attractions
Witch's Castle
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Portland-NW Downtown
an IHG Hotel
Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
Must Do Things
Explore the 4-mile trail through scenic bird sanctuaries
Observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat
Facilities
Educational plant identification placards
Bird-watching opportunities
Concordia Neighborhood Greenways Walk
The Greenway network is a series of walkways in the Concordia neighborhood of Portland. These walkways constitute a 3.3-mile-long trail that is moderately trafficked.
The path starts at Fernhill Park and is mostly flat. It does not have any sidewalks or curb cuts which makes it well-suited for strolling, biking, and cycling.
As you walk through the Greenway network, you get to explore every corner of the Concordia Neighborhood. The network comprises lower-traffic residential streets with a serene ambiance.
Pros
Convenient 3.3-mile trail
Scenic urban neighborhood exploration
Tranquil and lower-traffic streets
Convenient starting point at Fernhill Park
Cons
No curb cuts for accessibility
Moderate traffic at times
Can get busy with cyclists
Nearby Attractions
Wilshire Park
Tin Shed Garden Cafe
Thomas J. Autzen House
Must Do Things
Stroll through Fernhill Park
Explore the peaceful streets of Concordia Neighborhood
Facilities
Scenic biking and strolling path
Easy access to Concordia Neighborhood exploration
Pearl District to Pittock Mansion
If you want to test your abilities as a walker, you should take this long walk from the Pearl District to Pittock Mansion. It starts from the flatlands of the Pearl and passes through West Hills to Pittock Mansion, a chateau built in Portland in 1914.
The walk also comprises many walkways constituting up to 300 steps.
The path is about 5.6 miles long and takes 2 to 3 hours to cover. However, there are many resting places along the path.
Pros
Scenic city views with landmarks
Challenging and satisfying hike
Historic Pittock Mansion visit
Ample resting spots
Cons
Long walk for some
Steep sections
Requires physical stamina
Nearby Attractions
Barbara Walker Crossing
Hillside Community Center
Must Do Things
Hike to Pittock Mansion for panoramic city views
Explore the historic architecture and beautiful gardens at Pittock Mansion
Facilities
Scenic Overlook
Resting Areas
Laurelhurst Park to Lone Fir Walk
If you want to explore every corner of Laurelhurst, you should take this loop trail around the neighborhood. The neighborhood features vintage homes, busy streets, amusement parks, and beautiful gardens.
You can explore many major landmarks of Laurelhurst as you walk around the neighborhood.
As you travel around the neighborhood, you will come across a lot of tourists as Laurelhurst houses many prominent tourist sites.
Though many bus lines offer tours around the neighborhood, you get to explore more by walking.
This walk allows you to explore the entire neighborhood of Laurelhurst in only 2 hours. It’s a 3.5-mile long walk with no climbs.
Pros
Scenic neighborhood exploration
Rich in historic landmarks
Ideal for leisurely strolls with a loop
Easily accessible on foot
Cons
Potential crowded with tourists
Limited amusement park access
No significant elevation changes
Nearby Attractions
Jersey Mike's Subs
Rose City Futsal EAST
Must Do Things
Walk through historic neighborhoods
Enjoy bird watching and serene gardens
Experience the local culture on foot
Facilities
Hiking trails
Bird watching opportunities
Scenic garden views
Washington Park
There are so many well-maintained trails around Washington Park. You can walk on any of these trails to explore all areas of the park.
While several trails run along the park, you can stroll around the park through a loop trail.
The most prominent landmarks that you come across while strolling around the garden include the World Forestry Center, Portland Children’s Museum, Rose Test Garden, and Japanese Garden.
You also get to see archery ranges, memorials, soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, public art, and the beautiful vegetation of the park.
Cons
Some areas may get crowded
Weather-dependent activities
Nearby Attractions
Park Lane Suites & Inn
Elephants Delicatessen
Providence Park
Must Do Things
Explore the Rose Test Garden for stunning floral displays
Visit the Japanese Garden for a tranquil
cultural experience.
Facilities
Well-maintained trails
Landmarks and gardens
Oak Island Loop Hike
Oak Island Loop Hike is a 2.8-mile-long trail that runs beside Sturgeon Lake on Sauvie Island. It is a moderately trafficked loop trail that starts at Oak Island Trailhead Road and ends at Sturgeon Lake Narrows.
With an elevation pitch of 10 feet, Oak Island Loop Hike is well-suited for hikers and walkers. The best time to use the trail is between April and September.
The trail can also be used for strolling. It is one of the best ways to explore Oak Island. As you walk across Oak Island on this trail, you get to indulge in the beauty of the island’s lush green vegetation which includes oak trees, willows, and ash trees.
Pros
Scenic island location
Ideal for hiking and strolling
Picturesque Oak Island views
Suitable for all levels of hikers
Cons
Can be crowded in peak seasons
Seasonal trail restrictions
Nearby Attractions
Burger King
Rosebud Cafe
Must Do Things
Take a leisurely walk through Oak Island's lush green vegetation
Explore the 2.8-mile trail along Sturgeon Lake.
Facilities
Scenic stroll along Sturgeon Lake
Hike the 2.8-mile Oak Island Loop trail
Enjoy the lush island vegetation.
Newton Road to Newberry Road
Newton Road to Newberry Road is a 4.5-mile-long trail that begins at the Newton Road Trailhead and ends at the Newberry Road Trailhead.
The trail comes with short loops and has an elevation gain of 2190 feet.
It is an easy walk that takes you through secondary forests featuring alder, maple, and conifers. It is a moderately trafficked trail that is accessible throughout the year.
Pros
Scenic forest views
Easy
accessible walk
Year-round availability
Varied tree species
Cons
A bit remote for some
Moderately trafficked trail
Nearby Attractions
Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar
Kingsley Community Garden
Must Do Things
Enjoy a leisurely forest stroll
Experience the changing seasons through lush foliage.
Facilities
Ample trailhead parking for hikers' vehicles
Interpretive signs and benches along the route for resting and learning
Restrooms at both trailheads for convenience.
Kelley Point Park
Located at the convergence point of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Kelley Point Park is an amusement park with well-maintained and paved trails that run along the beautiful rivers.
As you walk along these trails, you get to experience the serenity of the water of these rivers. The main trail that travels through the park is 1.7 miles long.
The park is bordered by Columbia Slough on the south, the Columbia River on the north, and the Willamette River on the west.
Pros
Scenic riverfront trails
Serene river convergence views
1.7-mile main trail
Unique river borders and some beaches
Cons
Limited amenities
Crowded during peak times
Minimal recreational facilities.
Nearby Attractions
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
St. Johns Bridge
St. Johns Inn
Must Do Things
Take in the meeting point of Willamette and Columbia Rivers
Enjoy a serene stroll along paved riverside trails.
Facilities
Paved riverfront trails
Riverside picnic areas
Alameda Ridge
Alameda Ridge is one of the most visited tourist sites in Portland. It constitutes more than a thousand public stairs constructed in the 20th century and passes through six neighborhoods in Northeast Portland.
The staircases rise 250 feet to the West Hills and Downtown Portland. There are 11 staircases tucked among small houses, bungalows, and cottages. Each staircase has 30 to 127 steps.
The scenery-packed, calf-blasting route explores an intriguing network of public staircases tucked among bungalows, cottages, and stately manors. As you walk up these stairwells, you get to see the civilized landscapes of Portland.
Pros
Unique urban stairway experience
Stunning cityscape views
Historic neighborhoods exploration
Iconic Portland attraction
Easy 3-mile walk
Cons
Stair climbing can be tiring
Limited amenities on the route.
Nearby Attractions
Portland's White House
Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden
Wilshire Park
Must Do Things
Climb the Alameda Ridge staircases for stunning city views
Explore the historic neighborhoods along the stairwell route.
Facilities
Visit the Portland Art Museum
Public staircase network
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Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
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