Forest Park (Wildwood Trail)

Forest Park is a 5,200-acre temperate forest within the city limits of Portland, making it one of the largest urban forests in the United States. The Wildwood Trail, the park's signature route, winds over 30 miles through the forest, but numerous shorter loops and out-and-back hikes make it accessible for families of all abilities.

The forest ecosystem is Pacific Northwest at its most characteristic. Towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock create a dense canopy. Bigleaf maple and red alder fill the understory. Sword ferns, Oregon grape, and salal carpet the forest floor. In spring (March-May), white trillium wildflowers bloom across the understory in spectacular displays.

For families, the lower Wildwood Trail from the NW Thurman Gate trailhead is the most popular starting point. The trail is well-maintained packed dirt -- gentle grades, clear signage, and a forested atmosphere that feels remote despite being minutes from downtown. A popular family destination is the Stone House (sometimes called the Witch's Castle), mossy ruins of an old restroom building about 1.

25 miles from the Thurman Gate. Kids love the mossy, fairy-tale appearance.

Leif Erikson Drive, a closed-to-cars unpaved road that parallels the Wildwood Trail, offers a wider, flatter alternative for families with strollers or very young walkers. The road runs 11 miles through the forest and can be accessed from multiple points.

Wildlife adds to the experience. Banana slugs (bright yellow, up to 10 inches long) are reliably found on the trail, especially after rain. Pileated woodpeckers (crow-sized with red crests) drum on dead trees. Black-tailed deer, coyotes, and various songbirds inhabit the forest. The wildlife spotting gives kids concrete goals during the hike.

Forest Park is free -- no entrance fee, no parking fee, no permits required. The park is managed by Portland Parks & Recreation and maintained by the Forest Park Conservancy volunteer organization. Trailhead parking can fill on sunny weekends; arrive before 10 AM or use nearby street parking.