365PDX#82: Explore Hoyt Arboretum

Posted May 25, 2010

Hoyt Arboretum in Washington Park  has 21 trails covering over 12 miles . Many of the trails lead to some of Portlands  most well known attractions (and future 365PDX destinations) including The Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center and Pittock Mansion.  Some of the trails just lead you on a beautiful hike where you’ll find over 8000 tree specimens,many of which are rare or endangered.

Many of the trails in the Arboretums 185 acres are named after the types of trees you will find on them. For more details about the trails  stop in at the visitors center to pick up a hiking map or to learn about the history of  the Arboretum.

Back in the 1990′s I owned a dog walking service in NW (called City Dog) and for almost six years I walked the trails at the Arboretum with my dogs nearly everyday. I can say from my vast experience on these trails, that no matter what time of year you go or what the weather is like, you will always find something beautiful at the Arboretum.

365PDX#82: Magnolia Trail at Hoyt Arboretum

This is My favorite section of the Arboretum- The Magnolia Trail (from the top of Upper Cascade Drive to Lower Cascade Drive).

Beautiful Madrone tree on the Overlook Trail. I love how smooth the bark is. Please refrain from carving on this majestic tree.

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View some of the beautiful homes for sale near the Hoyt Arboretum here