Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
475.00 ft (144.78 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
1.75 mi (2.82 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The George Himes Park Trail is a pleasant 1.75 mile trail that forms a semi-loop through the forested slopes of George Himes Park.

Hidden in a ravine nook of southwest Portland, the trail begins in an unassuming neighborhood just below I-5, but quickly climbs a gravel single track to a couple switchbacks climbing beneath the canopy of Douglas fir trees. The park's 35.97 acre area occupies a shady eastern slope in the Hillsdale neighborhood, and is more popular as a place for nearby residents to bring their dogs for a walk than a destination hike in the city. However this area also sees far fewer users than the busier forested park trails in the city.

There is parking at the bottom of the trail, as well as off Terwilliger Trail at the top. While only a couple hundred feet of elevation gain separates the highest and lowest points of the trail, we enjoy starting the hike at the bottom to ensure a long downhill stridge at the end of our walk.

The trail is easy to follow, and has signage at the different trailheads. Always one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path walks in Portland, the George Himes Park Trail packs a lot of punch into its relatively short distance.

George Himes Park does not have any amenities aside from a few picnic tables at the upper trailhead. The park is open daily from 5am until midnight.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Street Parking

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Centrally located. Forested paths.

Cons

Traffic noise.

Trailhead Elevation

115.00 ft (35.05 m)

Highest point

470.00 ft (143.26 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Wildlife
Big vistas
Family friendly
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.