Washington Park Loop Hike

Overview

Washington Park is Portland's centerpiece of monuments, parklands, gardens, old reservoirs, and even a stretch of natural forest. This loop hike will begin at the monuments, take you through the landscape of the old zoo, then up to the Wildwood Trail, part of the Hoyt Arboretum (see the Hoyt Arboretum Loop Hike), the Portland Japanese Garden and, finally, Portland's world-renowned International Rose Test Garden. Although only four miles, the walk invites many stops and explorations, so you could spend an entire day investigating the various sights! As noted in Wild in the City, the first acreage for the park was purchased in 1871, at a time when Portland had a mere 8,000 residents. Since then, the park has expanded considerably and become the inner city's haven for both natural and manicured beauty. Note: Since September 2016, the City of Portland has been constructing an underground reservoir at Reservoir #3. Parking is not permitted at the Sacajawea Statue Trailhead but the trails are open. To access this loop, park at the International Rose Test Garden instead, and join the Mac Trail from there - it is just east (below) the Rose Garden; you can walk north to see the monuments described in the next paragraph. The reservoir project will be the second most expensive public works project in Portland's history after the Big Pipe. Final touches will not be completed until 2025. A reflecting pool will sit on top of buried Reservoir #3, while Reservoir #4 will be decommissioned and replaced by a reflecting pool. First, head up the grassy knoll past the Sacajawea Statue to the Lewis & Clark Column, under tall Douglas-firs, for a view down to the city. President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the column in a drenching Oregon downpour in May 1903. Heading back, pass the Chiming Fountain and cross the street. Historic Reservoir #3, constructed in 1894, is below. If the gate is open, you can go down the stairs (no dogs allowed) to walk next to the reservoir. (Note that the two reservoirs in Washington Park have been con

Trail Stats

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