1. Mount Tabor
Park
Mount Tabor has everything a city park should: places for picnics, playgrounds, an off-leash dog area, hiking trails, and an incredible view at the top. There are several routes to the top of Mount Tabor. Check out the Mount Tabor Trail map at the Parks & Recreation website to choose your route.
Location + Parking
The Park is located at SE 60th and Salmon Street. There's an entrance there, or you can also park on SE Lincoln Street (near 51st).
2. Hoyt Arboretum
ParkThe beautiful Hoyt Arboretum offers miles of trails, where you can learn about tress and plants along the way. The visitor's center provides maps of the trails, or you can download them from the Hoyt Arboretum website.
Location + Parking
Park at the visitor center located at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd. It's about two miles west of downtown.
3. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
ParkThe Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a gem, and it's almost never crowded. Birdwatchers will find a huge variety of feathered friends, including blue herons, hawks and mallards.
Location + Parking
Enter via Sellwood park (at SE Miller/7th) if you want to hike top to bottom, or from the parking lot at SE Milwaukie and Mitchell if you want to hike up first. I like to make this a loop by walking through the Westmoreland neighborhood.
4. Lower Macleay
ParkWhile this trail is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the trendyness of NW 23rd Avenue, it only takes a few minutes to immerse yourself in the woods and completely forget about shopping, $5 lattes, and parallel parking. The Lower Macleay trail is part of Forest Park, and is a popular place for trail runners.
Location + Parking
There's a small parking area at NW 29th Ave & Upshur St. Start your journey here.
5. Marquam Nature Park
ParkThere's a gorgeous hike on the Marquam Trail up to Council Crest, where you can catch spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains. Highly recommended! Location + Parking
Location + Parking
The entrance to the park is located at SW Marquam St & Sam Jackson Park Rd. If you're not familiar with this part of town, it can be confusing. Get detailed directions.
6. Powell Butte
ParkThis outer SE park is an extinct volcano, and offers a mix of trails, through open-air fields and through thick forest. Bikes and horse trails offer additional opportunities for recreation. Get printable trail maps online.
Location + Parking
The park is located at SE 162nd & Powell Blvd
7. Tryon Creek State Park
ParkTrails in this state park include the Trillium trail, which is fully accessible for those with mobility issues. The park also holds lots of events including fitness walks and educational programs for kids. Get details from the Friends of Tryon Creek.
Location + Parking
The parking lot is just off SW Terwilliger Boulevard, about 2.4 miles south of I-5.
