Washington Park and Flor Wines
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Looking for a day in the woods without all the driving? Check out this low-stress day trip itinerary that allows you to leave the car behind and still get out in nature.
Rhododendrons bloom at the International Rose Test Garden
Route overview:
This hike uses the Wildwood trail to reach the best sights in Washington Park, including the Hoyt Arboretum, International Rose Test Garden, and Japanese Garden. It then continues into Forest Park for a visit at Pittock Mansion. Afterwards, head downtown for plentiful food and drink options needed to refuel you. No need to refuel the car!
Trip highlights:
Overlook views of downtown Portland
Mountain sightings on clear days
Walk through the formal gardens at the International Rose Test Gardens
Trails through the Hoyt Arboretum, a living musem of trees
Memorials, statues, and local history
Great playground for kiddos
No driving!
View of downtown Portland from the West Hills
Know before you go:
You can purchase a Trimet day pass good for both bus and Max light rail. Adult fares are $5 for the day.
This trip still works if you take a car. Transit is just our suggestion. Some of the sights we mention have metered parking, so be aware there may be some additional fees, generally $2/hour.
This is a good hike for kids - there is even a playground on the route!
Dogs are welcome on the Washington Park and Forest Park trails.
Restrooms are easily available. They are at the Hoyt Arboretum visitor’s center, the Rose Garden, and at Pittock Mansion. There is theoretically one at the beginning of the route as well at the Max station, although it was out of order when we visited.
The hike will be about 5 miles but may vary if you add some nearby attractions. There is also the option for shorter hikes by leaving off some of our stops, or if you use the Washington Park shuttle.
Crossing the Willamette River on the Max
Getting there:
Take the Red or Blue line Max light rail train to the Washington Park stop. Look for the sign indicating the direction for the Oregon Zoo and Hoyt Arboretum. Head up the elevator to reach street level. You will exit outside of the Oregon Zoo. Head north up the parking lot away from the zoo to reach the Wildwood trail.
Washington Park Max stop
On the trail:
From the Max station, head away from the zoo and pass the World Forestry Center. Before you reach the Wildwood trail, you will pass the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which honors the Oregonians who died or went missing in the Vietnam War. The memorial is a tranquil space, and we made a stop there before beginning the Wilwood trail.
This route would be a maze if it weren’t for the plentiful signs along the way. There are many trail junctions that connect to the various loops of the Hoyt Arboretum. Feel free to try out any of the loops if you’re looking for extra distance or a more in-depth introduction to the trees of the area. The loops are organized by type of tree, such as the maple or fir loops, so you can get pretty specific with your tree of interest. Otherwise, stick to the Wildwood trail and watch for the markers at each trail junction. You may want to make a short (0.3-mile roundtrip) detour to the Hoyt Arboretum visitor’s center, which has public restrooms and picnic tables,
Follow the Wildwood trail through grassy fields perfect for a spring picnic and into the forests of Washington Park. Shortly after the beginning of the trail, there will be an overlook with a peek-a-boo view of distant mountains on a clear day. Farther on, you’ll pass an archery field surrounded by forest. Then, cross Kingston Blvd to reach small glen perfect for picnicking, and continue across the railroad tracks.
From here, look for directions to the Rose Garden on the trail junction markers. Just before the gardens, you will pass a pretty rad playground. We suspect some hikers may find it more interesting than the rose garden ahead.
International Rose Test Garden
Follow the signs for the Rose Garden and continue until you reach the sprawling formal gardens. We were too early for roses when we went, but they are coming soon! Look for blooms from late May through October. There are other flowers blooming now, such as wisteria and rhododendrons.
Visiting the Rose Garden:
There are over 600 types of roses, and the garden’s main purpose is to test out new rose varieties.
It’s free to visit!
There is metered parking available for $2/hour.
There’s a free shuttle stop that connects the Rose Garden to other Washington Park attractions. It runs year-round although hours vary based on season. Check it out if you’re looking to see everything without as much walking.
There are a couple of restrooms. One is in a surprisingly pretty cottage-like building.
There is a cart on site with snacks to purchase.
A gift shop sells rose-related goods and souvenirs.
There are glimpses of downtown Portland through the trees.
The gardens are very photogenic with sculptures, secluded enclaves, and flowers galore. Don’t be surprised to see some pretty serious photo shoots happening.
The Rose Garden also connects to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, which is a poignant place of reflection commemorating relatives of Oregon and SW Washington residents who died in concentration camps during WWII. There will be signs directing the way from the Rose Garden. Return to Rose Garden after your visit to continue the hike.
Outside the Portland Japanese garden
After you are finished at the Rose Garden, head past the Japanese Garden entrance and look for a wooden staircase, which will be on your left. This staircase will lead you back to the Wildwood trail to continue the hike. Alternatively, you can stop to see the Japanese Garden, which has a cafe, gift shop, and art exhibit on site in addition to the gardens. Adult tickets are about $19.
Rabbit on the Wildwood trail
Continue the hike among ferns, fir trees, and swanky West Hills homes - we are still in the city after all. Cross Fairview Blvd and proceed to the Redwood Deck, where there are benches perfect for taking in the forest calm before the uphill march to come.
Wildwood Trail
Traverse the wacky and delightful Barbara Walker Crossing over Burnside St. You are now leaving Washington Park and entering Forest Park to reach Pittock Mansion.
Barbara Walker Crossing
Full disclosure, this next stretch will be a bit of an uphill slog - but worth it! Finish the last mile up switchbacks through a pine forest, following signs for the Wildwood Trail and Pittock Mansion.
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion:
Take a minute to stroll around the striking exterior of entrepreneur Henry Pittock’s home, which was completed in 1914 and served as a residence for his family. The home is now owned by Portland Parks & Rec and is open to the public.
Make sure to head around back for an incredible view of downtown Portland, the Willamette River, and (on a clear day) Mount Hood in the distance.
It is free to tour the grounds and there are public restrooms on site. There is a fee to enter the house.
View of Portland from Pittock Mansion
One of the bonuses of hiking in Portland is the easy access to great bars and restaurants after the hike.
To reach downtown you can either:
Head back down the Wildwood Trail through Hoyt Arboretum to return to the Max station (about 2 miles). Take the Red or Blue line towards downtown.
Head down the road from Pittock Mansion to Burnside St. and take the 20 bus (about 0.5 miles).
From here, it is easy to get pretty much anywhere downtown using Trimet. We visited the cozy wine bar Flor Wines, which is a short 5-minute walk from Union Station.
Flor Wines
Flor Wines is a bottle shop that offers glass pours as well as bottle purchases to go, or to drink on site without a corkage fee. Wines by the glass rotate often and with a sense of spontaneity. There is great local art on display and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Bottles offer a little bit of everything, with prices ranging from under $20 to well over $100.
In keeping with our day’s low carbon theme, we tried out an Oregon wine, the 2019 Wild Red Pinot Noir. Besides helping to benefit the Oregon Zoo where we began our journey, we loved this classic Oregon Pinot. It is light and fresh with a floral aroma and hints of tart cherry and blackberry. Go ahead and have a second glass, no one needs to drive home today.
Ready for dinner? Head to Andina for Peruvian tapas if you’re feeling fancy or check out the rooftop deck at 10 Barrel Brewing for pub fare. Both are a 5-minute walk from the wine shop.
Happy exploring and cheers to your next adventure!
With love,
Emma
Looking for more to do in the area?
Check out our suggestions for local excursions that get you out into nature, but not out of town.
