The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Forest Park

Forest Park offers 13 dedicated dog-friendly hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging moderate hikes. This guide features 8 easy routes and 5 moderate routes, ensuring options for various fitness levels for you and your dog.

The dog-friendly trails in Forest Park primarily feature shaded forest paths through dense canopies of Douglas fir, big-leaf maple, western red cedar, and western hemlock. You'll find picturesque creek-side ravines and some patches of old-growth trees. The terrain can vary from wide service roads like Leif Erikson Drive to narrower, winding forest trails.

Yes, for an easy and relatively short loop, consider the Wild Cherry and Dogwood Trail Loop. It's just over 4 kilometers long with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing with your dog.

Many trails offer opportunities to see notable landmarks. For instance, the Lower Macleay Trail to Pittock Mansion leads to the historic Stone House (also known as the 'Witch's Castle') and eventually to Pittock Mansion, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Portland and the Cascade Range peaks. You can also find a View of Saint Johns Bridge from certain points.

Absolutely. For a more extended and moderate challenge, the Wildwood and Leif Erikson Loop is an excellent choice. This route covers nearly 14.2 kilometers and incorporates parts of the famous Wildwood Trail, offering a good workout for both you and your canine companion.

The dog-friendly trails in Forest Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.69 out of 5 stars from 188 ratings. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of trails, the serene natural environment, and the accessibility of such a vast urban forest for walks with their dogs.

For small dogs or beginners, the Lower Macleay Trail is a great option. It's an easy 2.9-kilometer path along Balch Creek, offering lush forest scenery without significant elevation changes. An ADA-accessible segment is also available from the Lower Macleay Trailhead.

Forest Park is enjoyable year-round. The dense canopy provides shade during warmer months, making it pleasant even on hot days. Spring brings lush greenery and flowing creeks, while fall offers beautiful foliage. Winters are generally mild, but trails can become muddy, so appropriate footwear for both you and your dog is recommended.

Yes, Forest Park is known for its numerous loop options. Beyond the Wild Cherry and Dogwood Trail Loop, you can explore the Lower Macleay to Pittock Sanctuary Loop, which offers a moderate 5.8-kilometer journey through varied forest landscapes.

Parking is available at various trailheads around Forest Park. The Lower Macleay Trailhead is a popular starting point, and the Germantown Road Trailhead also provides access to the park's extensive network of trails.

Forest Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 112 bird species and 62 mammal species. While hiking with your dog, you might spot various birds, squirrels, and other small mammals. Keeping your dog on a leash helps protect both your pet and the local wildlife.