NW 23rd to Forest Out-and-Back
Begin your visit along NW 23rd Avenue, one of Portland’s most vibrant neighborhood streets, where you can shop, grab lunch, or enjoy a coffee before heading into the Park. From there, make your way to the Burnside Entrance of Washington Park and step quickly from city energy into a cooler, shaded forest environment.
Follow the Stearns Canyon Trail and Cloud Forest Walk through lush, mossy terrain, then continue on to the Chief Multnomah statue (also known as “The Coming of the White Man”), one of the Park’s historic monuments. From there, descend toward the Washington Park Reservoir, where open space and skyline views offer a striking contrast to the enclosed forest paths.
Complete the hike by heading back via Stearns Canyon Road, gradually returning to where forest meets city. This itinerary offers a dynamic shift in scenery—blending neighborhood culture, quiet trails, historic landmarks, and sweeping views into one continuous experience.
