Wildwood Traverse Hike

Overview

Note: The Wildwood Trail is closed between the Koenig and Creator Trails (miles 14.2 to 15.4). The detour uses these short trails to connect to Leif Erikson Drive. Which city in the United States boasts the longest soft-surface hiking trail within its urban boundary? Portland, of course! The Wildwood runs for just over 30 miles in the Tualatin Hills, mainly in Forest Park, with its southern segment in the Hoyt Arboretum and Washington Park. Not surprisingly, the route has been designated a National Recreation Trail. Doing the Wildwood in a single day is an aspiration of many, but unless you are an ultra marathoner or athlete of that ilk, it does require careful planning. You can do the trail as a car shuttle with a couple of buddies, dropping a vehicle off at one trailhead and then driving to another to begin your hike. Most solo hikers will want to begin at the Newberry Road Trailhead, getting an Uber driver, willing friend, or family member to drop them off early in the morning and arranging for a pickup near the Oregon Zoo or taking public transportation back from there. The Wildwood is an easy trail for its length, with many ups and downs but also sticking to a level contour for long stretches. The largest single elevation gain, if you are doing the trail from north to south (as described below) is the 640 feet between the Stone House on Balch Creek and Pittock Mansion, the high point of the hike. You probably won't want to attempt this hike unless you are able to walk at a steady pace of three miles an hour for 30 miles with mini-breaks along the way. Take a headlamp in case you are caught out after dark, and pay attention at the myriad trail junctions, which are generally well-signed. There are blue diamonds and quarter mile markers posted on trees. While the Wildwood can be hiked at any season, consider the condition of the tread and the day of the week. During the wet season, there will be numerous muddy patches that will slow you down. Dry summer conditions stir up dust, so bring changes of socks and

Trail Stats

Photos

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