The 8-mile-long, 5121-acre Forest Park, a Portland park system crown jewel, became a functioning park in 1948. One of the largest city parks anywhere, it includes the largest piece of dedicated wilderness, broken only by trails, within an urban boundary. How many other cities claim an Urban Forest Plan or even need one? Although the Douglas Fir are second-growth, most of the flora and fauna are as described by William Clark in 1806, with an estimated 112 species of birds and mammals inhabiting the park. A notable exception is the invasive English Ivy. The Clark & Wilson Natural Area (conserving an example of western Oregon timber) and the Holman Property (once owned by the creator of the appellation ‘City of Roses’) are additions to this ark of preservation.

It also holds some appeal by enabling you to disappear into a dense forest, leaving urbania behind for a time, yet still be home in time for dinner if you so wish.

Environmental Tours of Forest Park are given mid-February through mid-November on Saturdays at 10am for $2 per person. The tour group meets at the intersection of NW 25th & Raleigh in Wallace Park. Information: 503/823-5132.

There are over 74-miles of hiking, bicycling, and equestrian trails. Friends of Forest Park has maps to download (rain-proof versions and guides can also be obtained through them). The 23-mile Wildwood Trail section of the 40 Mile Loop (Map) passes through the park. (Conceived in 1903 as a trail to interconnect Portland greenspaces, the Loop will be 170 miles when complete.) Expectations of spending solitary time on trails are not unreasonable.

Besides being huge, Forest Park is far from flat, with steep inclines cresting a sizeable hill. Because of the terrain much of it isn’t recommended for the casual walker. Leif Erickson Drive winds through the forest, making a nice drive if you just want to taste the park. You can make brief stops to explore the surrounding forest fringing the parking areas scattered throughout the park.

Nearby Attractions:
Just outside the park (3229 NW Pittock Drive) is beautiful 22-room Pittock Mansion now a museum and park. Forest Park’s southern end abuts the treasure chest of other parks, memorials, museums, and gardens within Washington Park.

Contacts
Portland Parks: 503-823-PLAY or 503-823-2223v/tt, pkweb@ci.portland.or.us

Make sure you have your camera ready for a picture of Mill Ends Park. Measuring only two feet, Guinness has recognized it as the world's smallest city park. At one time, it was just a pole hole but an enterprising Portland resident lobbied to have it turned into a park and it now features a plaque that makes it official. I had one heck of a time finding this park and even the few residents I asked weren't quite sure. When you see the park, you'll understand why it's not easy to locate. It sits in the middle of the road, at the end of a traffic median on S.W. Naito Parkway but somehow people manage to hold weddings and other celebrations here. It is supposedly looked after by a resident leprechaun who seems to be doing a good job.

Although you can't stroll through Mill Ends (one step and you're out of the park), Portland has lots of other parks to enjoy. The three level International Rose Test Garden showcases hundreds of varieties of roses throughout the spring and summer and the Japanese Garden is one of the most authentic ones outside of Japan. Both these parks are on the MAX transit line at the Washington Park stop.