Paddling the Tualatin River EXPLORE TUALATIN VALLEY Pittock Mansion Hike With its 5,172 acres of urban wilderness, Forest Park is a refuge for adventure seekers of all kinds, including runners, hikers, mountain bikers, dog walkers and equestrians. But with nearly 80 miles of trails winding through the park, choosing a starting point for a quick jaunt can prove to be a challenge for first-timers. Thankfully, one of the most easily accessible routes — the in-town hike from Northwest Portland to the historic Pittock Mansion — is also one of the most scenic. Start this moderate, 5-mile round-trip trek at Lower Macleay Park, located at the west end of Northwest Upshur Street just past 29th Avenue. Walk under the Thurman Street Bridge toward a red sculpture, where the Lower Macleay Trail begins. Follow this path, which traces Balch Creek, for nearly a mile until it connects with the Wildwood Trail. An abandoned, moss-covered structure, referred to as the Stone House, marks the intersection. Pause here for a moment to stretch your legs before continuing straight on the Wildwood Trail for the ascent to Upper Macleay Park. For the final segment, cross Northwest Cornell Road and continue uphill on the meandering Wildwood Trail. The trail zigzags for a half-mile among towering conifers until it reaches Pittock Mansion, perched nearly 1,000 feet above the city and offering panoramic views of Portland’s skyline. If you have time, linger for a moment in the immaculate gardens or take a tour of this 100-year-old home of newspaper tycoon Henry Pittock. Wildwood Trail Wildwood Trail NW UPSHUR NW THURMAN NW 29TH NW CORNELL Balch Creek Stone House Pittock Mansion Wildwood Trail Lower Macleay Park Lower Macleay Trail Thrill seekers will find whitewater within an hour’s drive of Portland. The Sandy River offers rapids and stunning scenery, while the Clackamas River provides fun for those who want to take it a little slower. Challenge the mighty Columbia River in the city of Hood River, the windsurfing and kiteboarding capital of the world. On windless days, the waterfront park is packed with standup paddleboarders enjoying glassy conditions. Popular spots near the city for DIY paddles include the many coves and inlets around Sauvie Island, the gentle Tualatin River Water Trail, the wildlife-rich Columbia Slough Watershed and the 146-mile Lower Columbia River Water Trail. SNOW SPORTS Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest peak, towers over Portland in the distance, beckoning snow lovers for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The mountain is a mere 60 miles from the city and has five distinct ski areas, including the only lift-served year-round skiing in North America at Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark erected as a New Deal-era Works Progress Administration project. More than 2 million snow lovers flock to the lodge every year for snow sports — as well as the Cascade Dining Room, which arguably has one of the finest selections of Oregon wine anywhere. In addition to Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows and Mt. Hood Skibowl are the top areas on the mountain for serious skiing and snowboarding; Skibowl has the most night-skiing terrain in the country, according to Ski magazine. Meanwhile, beginners and families with young kids love Timberline Summit Pass and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort. Beyond downhill snow sports, trails crisscross Mt. Hood National Forest for snowshoeing/cross-country skiing, and you’ll also find a handful of prime public spots ideal for sledding/tubing and snowmobiling. 37 PortlandUncovered.com
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