PLAN YOUR VISIT
Accessibility at Washington Park
Washington Park is committed to making its attractions, paths, and services as accessible as possible for visitors of all abilities. Here you’ll find accessibility information including mobility considerations, shuttle access, and terrain notes to help you plan your visit with confidence. Because accessibility can vary by location, season, and route, we encourage you to review the details below and choose the options that best meet your needs.
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Getting Here
All MAX trains and stations meet ADA standards. Washington Park Station features:
Elevators from platform to street level
Level boarding between platform and train
Space for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers
Audio and visual announcements
All TriMet buses have ramps or lifts and designated seating for riders with disabilities.
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Getting Around
Once you’re here, our Free Shuttle Loop connects every major attraction in Washington Park on a continuous free ride. Use this service to explore multiple destinations in one visit—without the hassle of parking or navigation. All shuttles feature:
Ramps or lifts
Space for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers
Audio and visual announcements
Accessible Parking
ADA-accessible parking spaces are available throughout the Park. Use the map to find their exact locations.
Accessibility Information for Each Park Destination
Hoyt Arboretum Trails
Hoyt Arboretum includes a mix of paved, packed dirt, and gravel trails. Some routes feature stairs, steeper grades, or exposed roots, but three fully paved trails offer the most consistent access:
Overlook Trail: ½ mile, paved (one-way). Elevated views above the Visitor Center, with vistas of Mount St. Helens and Mt. Rainier on clear days.
Bristlecone Pine Trail: ½ mile, paved (one-way). A quieter route highlighting tree collections arranged by geographic region.
Visitor Center Loop: 1/10 mile, paved. A short, shaded loop near the Visitor Center and alpine garden.
Detailed trail accessibility information is listed below, including surface types, grades, widths, and potential obstacles. Conditions may vary by season and weather.
More Washington Park Trails
Three more miles of hiking trails exist outside the Hoyt Arboretum boundary. Trail accessibility varies by route, and trail conditions can change with weather, fallen leaves, or seasonal maintenance.
MAC Trail segments near the Rose Garden offer the smoothest surfaces and gentler grades
Cloud Forest includes short paved sections with moderate slopes
Stearns Canyon and Madison Trail are narrower, steeper, and more rugged, with uneven surfaces and limited resting areas
Visitors using mobility devices may prefer starting near garden plazas, TriMet stops, or visitor centers to access the most direct and manageable paths.