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”Forest Park
Forest Park is a vast green space in the middle of one of America’s most livable cities. This park provides everything you could need for a day out, including a scenic waterway perfect for kayaking and cycling paths that lead to Portland’s breathtaking skyline. Forest Park also contains more than 80 miles of hiking trails, making it the perfect spot for a nature hike or trail run. If you’re looking to get out and explore Portland, Forest Park should be at the top of your list!
Portland’s Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US. It’s also one of the most accessible, with many different ways to explore its trails and waterways.
Forest Park offers an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to experience an actual Northwest forest without leaving the Portland city limits.
History of Forest Park
The Forest Park Conservancy was founded in 1986 to create an urban park for Portlanders to enjoy. “It’s a place where people can be outside. It’s also very different than other parks because you don’t have all these amenities that are there to make your life easier, like a golf course or a swimming pool,” said Lynn Newman, executive director of the Forest Park Conservancy.
Forest Park was born out of a need for more public green space in Portland. In the early 1900s, the city began buying up parcels of land to create Forest Park. The park wasn’t completed until 1948, and it’s been a popular spot for Portlanders ever since.
Facts About Forest Park
– Forest Park is more than 500 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the US.
– The park contains over 80 miles of hiking trails, as well as a scenic waterway for kayaking and cycling paths that lead to Portland’s skyline.
– Forest Park was born out of a need for more public green space in Portland, and it’s been a popular spot for locals ever since.
– The Forest Park Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the park for future generations.
– Dogs in Forest Park must be on a leash. Obeying leash laws keep the park safe and healthy for other people, other dogs and protect park land and wildlife. Off-leash dogs threaten wildlife and damage fragile habitats, like streams and native plants.
What to Do at Forest Park
There are endless things to do at Forest Park, but here are some of the favorites:
Hiking: With over 80 miles of trails, there’s something for everyone in Forest Park. Whether you’re looking for a short walk or you want to go on an all-day hiking adventure, Forest Park has it all.
Kayaking: One of the best things about Forest Park is its location along the Willamette River. This waterway provides fantastic views and offers endless opportunities for kayaking in Portland.
Cycling: If your idea of a great day in Portland is getting out and biking along the Willamette River, you’ve come to the right place. Forest Park offers endless views of downtown Portland as well as a scenic waterway perfect for cycling!
Picnic: One of the best things about Forest Park is an open space park. This means you can pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in nature without having to leave the city.
Bird Watching: With over 200 species, Forest Park is a great place to observe the local wildlife. If you’re an avid birdwatcher or just looking for something new and different in Portland, check out some of these fantastic trails:
- Take a break and relax in one of Forest Park’s many meadows.
- Stroll through some of the park’s historic gardens.
- Catch a glimpse of Portland’s skyline from one of the park’s high points.
Activities and Events at Forest Park
Forest Park hosts several events throughout the year, including:
Wildlife Day: Every September, Forest Park is home to a fantastic wildlife day where you can learn about some of Portland’s most exciting animals. This event is free and open to everyone!
West Coast Blues Festival: If you love blues music, be sure not to miss the West Coast Blues Festival in Forest Park. This festival features some of the biggest names in blues music and is a can’t-miss event for Portlanders!
Portland Marathon: The Portland Marathon winds through Forest Park, making this one of the most scenic races in the country. If you’re looking for a challenge, sign up for the marathon and enjoy running through some of Oregon’s most beautiful scenery.
There are endless things to do at Forest Park, and we hope you get a chance to check out this fantastic park soon!
If you want a quick trip out into nature, we recommend spending an hour or two in Forest Park. However, if you want to take advantage of all the park has to offer, we suggest spending the entire day!
What Not to Do at Forest Park
- Forest Park is a nature reserve, so please leave your pets at home.
- The park closes at night, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
- Do not litter in Forest Park – this is strictly prohibited and could lead to fines.
What to Bring to Forest Park
- If you’re biking, be sure to wear a helmet!
- Be prepared for the weather
- Forest Park is home to some of Portland’s most extreme changes in temperature. Come prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water!
- If you’re going on a hike, bring snacks and wear comfortable shoes.
Forest Park has it all – great views of the city, a beautiful waterway for biking, and plenty of activities and events throughout the year! If you’re looking for something new to do in Portland, be sure to check out Forest Park. You won’t be disappointed!
How to Get to Forest Park
Forest Park is located in the northwest section of Portland. The easiest way to get there is by car, but it’s also accessible by bus and train.
Bus: Bus #15 runs from downtown Portland to Forest Park and stops at several locations in the park. For more information, visit trimet.org.
Train: The closest train station is Northwest Portland at NW 23rd Ave and Upshur St.
Address: 5000 NW St Helens Rd, Portland, OR 97231
Hours: Forest Park is open from sunrise to sunset. The park closes at night, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Contact: For more information about Forest Park, visit portlandoregon.gov/parks/forestpark or call 503-221-PARK (207).
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