Hoyt Arboretum
A 190-acre living museum of trees with 12 miles of trails, featuring redwoods and global species.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and fewer people
Hoyt Arboretum
Best Time
Peaceful and fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 190-acre living museum of trees with 12 miles of trails, featuring redwoods and global species.
"Truly felt like I was in the redwoods at times! What an incredible series of trails and trees!"
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
Trails range from flat to steep. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
🚗 Free shuttle available
A free shuttle stops at Hoyt Arboretum, making access easy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Redwood Grove
Washington Park
Walk among towering redwoods and Sequoias, a surprising natural wonder close to the city.
Redwood Observation Deck
Redwood Trail
A fairytale-like spot nestled among redwoods, perfect for quiet reflection or even intimate weddings.
Maple Trail
Hoyt Arboretum
Vibrant fall colors make this trail a must-see, especially in early November.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Redwood Grove Magic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
Trails range from flat to steep. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
🚗 Free shuttle available
A free shuttle stops at Hoyt Arboretum, making access easy.
🗺️ Grab a trail map
Visitor Center has maps, but trails are generally well-marked.
🌳 Respect nature
Pack out all trash and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfy shoes!
Trails range from flat to steep. Good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
🚗 Free shuttle available
A free shuttle stops at Hoyt Arboretum, making access easy.
🗺️ Grab a trail map
Visitor Center has maps, but trails are generally well-marked.
🌳 Respect nature
Pack out all trash and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
📸 Foggy days are magical
Mist around the redwoods creates a unique, beautiful scene.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hoyt Arboretum's stunning redwood grove and extensive trail network, calling it a peaceful escape within the city. Many appreciate the free admission and accessibility, though some note that certain trails can be challenging. The Redwood Observation Deck is a highlight for its unique beauty and suitability for events.
"Beautiful area to walk one or multiple trails. The Redwoods were beautiful. They have a small gift shop & 2 unisex bathrooms outside the gift shop, with a sink. The free shuttle has a drop off location at Hoyt. One short trail gives a beautiful view on a clear day of Mt Rainer & Mt St Helen. I had a great visit! Hoyt Arboretum is free and has no entrance gate."
Kathy
"This was my first time going to Hoyt Arboretum but it definitely won't be my last. Such a beautiful place to reconnect with nature. I went early in the morning on a weekday and I couldn't have picked a better time. It was so peaceful and had many of the trails to myself. I stuck to the flatter trails, as my shoes were more for strolling than hiking.I can't wait to explore more of the area and bring my sneakers to check out some of the slightly steeper trails. It's a great place for beginners like me! 🌳🚶♀️🌲"
Kaelen Olson
"From the moment I saw a photo of the Redwood Observation Deck on Pinterest, I knew this was where I wanted to get married. There was something dreamlike about the tall Redwoods towering over the deck, and the light filtering through the trees. It looked like it belonged in a fairytale. Seeing it in person on our wedding day was even more breathtaking than I imagined.
Booking the venue was a unique experience. Portland Parks & Rec operates on a lottery system, so we had to line up outside their office early in the morning to get our permit. It felt a little old-school, but it also made the process kind of special and exciting. Once we secured our date, everything else fell into place.
The day-of experience was flawless. While a few of our out-of-town guests had a bit of trouble finding the entrance to Bray Lane (where the trailhead begins), once they arrived, it was only a short, easy walk to the deck. Despite being in a public park, the area felt incredibly private. The few joggers we passed were respectful, and there were no interruptions or background noise — just the quiet, calming presence of the forest.
We were lucky to have a beautiful August afternoon. The weather was warm and golden, and the light filtering through the canopy and our chuppah created this soft, ethereal glow. Guests couldn't stop talking about how magical the space felt. It was serene, intimate, and completely unforgettable.
If you're dreaming of a natural, woodsy wedding that feels tucked away from the world (while still being in Portland!), I can't recommend the Redwood Observation Deck enough. It’s already a popular choice for a reason, and after our experience, I understand why. Truly a hidden gem in the heart of the city."
Lauren Ginther-Reboja
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hoyt Arboretum is located in Washington Park, Portland. You can drive and park, or utilize the free shuttle service that has a drop-off location within the arboretum.
Yes, there is parking available. The Visitor Center also has a drop-off location for the free shuttle.
While it's only a couple of miles from downtown, it's a significant walk. Public transport or driving is generally recommended for most visitors.
Yes, the free shuttle service stops at Hoyt Arboretum, making it accessible via public transit connections.
The Redwood Observation Deck is accessible via the Redwood Trail. Some visitors mention a short, easy walk from the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hoyt Arboretum is free to enter and explore. There is no admission gate.
The arboretum is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM. The Visitor Center operates from 10 AM to 4 PM.
No tickets are required for general entry. However, if you plan to have an event like a wedding, booking through Portland Parks & Rec's lottery system is necessary.
Yes, the Visitor Center is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM and provides trail maps and information.
Yes, the Redwood Observation Deck is a popular wedding venue. Booking involves a lottery system operated by Portland Parks & Rec.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
Trails vary in difficulty. Some are flat and suitable for beginners, while others are steeper. A 9-year-old can manage some trails, but younger children might need to be carried.
The Redwood Trail is generally considered an easy walk, with a short distance to the observation deck. Many visitors enjoy a 2-hour hike exploring various trails.
Hoyt Arboretum features over 2,300 species from six continents, including native, global, and endangered trees like redwoods and Sequoias.
Yes, there are two unisex restrooms located outside the gift shop near the Visitor Center.
On a clear day, one short trail offers a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens.
📸 📸 Photography
The Redwood Grove and Redwood Observation Deck are highly photogenic, especially on foggy days or when light filters through the trees.
Absolutely! The Maple Trail is particularly stunning in early November with peak fall colors.
Professional photography and filming may require permits, especially for events. Check with Portland Parks & Rec for details.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful, soft light filtering through the trees. Foggy mornings create a dramatic, ethereal effect.
The Redwood Observation Deck provides a unique perspective among the towering trees.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Beginners
📸 Nature Photographers
The Redwood Observation Deck provides an excellent framing opportunity. For seasonal shots, the Maple Trail in early November is a must for vibrant fall foliage. Early mornings and late afternoons often yield the best light for capturing the arboretum's serene and majestic landscapes. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
For those seeking a longer adventure, the arboretum connects to other popular Portland trails. For instance, you can take the Wildwood Trail from Hoyt Arboretum up to Pittock Mansion via the scenic Barbara Walker Crossing, offering panoramic city views.
The Enchanting Redwood Grove
The Redwood Observation Deck is a particularly special spot within this grove, offering a serene vantage point and a fairytale-like setting that has even inspired weddings. Visitors often describe the experience of walking among these giants as peaceful and awe-inspiring, with the trees seeming to encourage a hushed reverence.
It's a remarkable natural escape that feels worlds away from the urban bustle, yet it's conveniently located just a short distance from downtown Portland. Seasonal Beauty and Photography
For photographers, the arboretum is a dream. The Redwood Grove is particularly photogenic, with the towering trees creating dramatic silhouettes and the filtered light casting an ethereal glow.
Foggy mornings can enhance the mystical ambiance, while clear days offer opportunities to capture the grandeur of the trees against a blue sky. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit