Forest Park is a truly special place. I have spent innumerable hours hiking or running its beautiful trails since we moved to Portland in 2011. Before we moved to NE Portland last August, Forest Park was our backyard. I could jog from my apartment in Northwest and be on a trail in the woods that meanders along a delightful creek in just 10 minutes.
Forest Park - at nearly 5,200 acres - is the largest urban forest in the nation. I am so grateful for the work that the Forest Park Conservancy and City of Portland do to maintain and preserve such a precious natural place. One could spend years here and never explore all of the park's 80 miles of trails, fire lanes, and forest roads.
On President's Day my brother-in-law and his girlfriend suggested we hike from Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion. My sister was in town from Brooklyn and after a lazy morning at home we emphatically reply "Yes!"
Lower Macleay to Pittock Mansion is probably Forest Park's most popular hike - for good reason. A lovely creek, a few wooden bridges, small waterfalls, lush forest, beautiful trails, moss, moss, moss and views of Portland from Pittock Mansion. The out-and-back hike begins on the Lower Macleay Trail that follows Balch Creek. Within a few minutes of walking I feel as if I am miles outside the city. The light dusting of snow from last night has made this place even more magical.
After the iconic Stone House/Witches Castle, we turn on the Wildwood Trail and begin climbing out of Balch Creek Canyon. After a few minutes of heavy breathing we've reached Cornell Road and one of my favorite sections of trail in all of Forest Park.
We climb and climb and within a few miles have reached Pittock Mansion. We take in some views and make our way back to the car. Until next time, Forest Park.