Pdxguide

A 5,000 acre wilderness preserve located in the hills (Tualatin Mountains) of Northwest Portland, Forest Park is America’s largest forested urban wilderness. Over 70 miles of trails and fire lanes guarantees that you can spend days here exploring the wonders of the outdoors. While all the paths are hike-able,(there is a handicap-accessible trail at the Lower Macleay Trailhead, 2960 NW Upshur) only on the Leif Erickson trail (and some firelanes) are you legally allowed to ride a bicycle. (Mountain bikes are best suited for this route.) It’s one of those places that, once you’re inside surrounded by towering Doug Firs, you’ll say to yourself, “I can’t believe I’m still in a city!” (And dude, you are!) If there’s a “Top Ten Reasons Why To Live in Portland” list, I’m sure Forest Park would be on it. (Maybe I should write one…) There are several ways to enter the park but the easier options are either via the Wildwood Trail (see separate entry), the Leif Erickson Trailhead at NW Thurman St. west of NW 31st Ave, or the Balch Creek Trailhead at NW Upshur St and NW 28th Ave