Fresh Air Family Time: Portland

At happyly, it is our goal to support your family's innate desire to remain healthy and happy, while still having fun. In this period of social distancing, there are ways to safely supplement your creative time at home with fresh air activities. They should be deliberate outdoor plans that respect and honor our community initiative to eliminate the threat of this virus through our united efforts.

Every family has to make their own choice when it comes to entering public spaces, so following an honest assessment of previous personal exposure and potential signs of questionable health, we feel that hiking in nature is an ideal way to keep an active family moving.

Obviously, taking precautions and paying careful attention to maintaining a respectful distance has never been more important. We have put together a list of some of our favorite hikes, and we highly suggest using alltrails.com as your secondary source for additional walks off the beaten path.

Please explore some of our recent blogs COVID-19 daily schedule for pre-school and grade school and Keeping kids active while protecting them, yourself and the community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) for more information and creative ways to stay positive during this very anxious time. There will be much more to come, so keep an eye out for new content, stay healthy and honor our elders through respectful caution.

Hoyt Arboretum

Go hiking with the family without even leaving the city of Portland!

Forest Park is by far one of the finest additions to Portland’s urban landscape.  With 5,000 acres and 80 miles of trail, Forest Park is the perfect destination for trail running, hiking, mid-day strolls, sightseeing, and learning about different tree species!  The hustle and bustle of the city are easy to get sucked into but have no fear, there is solace right within city limits. Hoyt Arboretum in Forest Park offers miles of winding hiking trails and an informative visitor’s center.

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife-rich trails lie within this floodplain wetland region along the east bank of the Willamette River. It is one of the last remaining and provides a rich habitat for several species of birds, fish, small mammals, and amphibians, some of which are threatened. Oaks Bottom was once a landfill but was acquired by the City of Portland in 1969 to prohibit its development, highlighting one of the many ways that Portland communities rallied together to protect a fragile and vital ecosystem. Enjoy this rare opportunity to explore a wetland habitat within the Portland city limits with your family.

Oaks Bottom comprises 163 acres of meadow, wetland and wooded areas bisected by well-maintained and well-marked natural and paved trails. Explore Oaks Bottom by taking a hike on the natural single track Bluff trail through the forest and meadows with stellar views of the pond and wetlands.

The trail requires you to walk a few moderate hills to and from the wetlands, but once you get down to the wetlands the trail becomes flat. Take a break and look for wildlife at one of the vistas along the trail. It is not uncommon to spot several species of birds and even some interesting amphibians and reptiles. The north end of the Bluff trail and the Springwater Corridor are paved paths ideal for strollers and bikes. It’s possible to experience the wetlands from these trails, but the best views are from the natural trail. 

Leashed dogs are permitted on all trails. There are two main trailheads: Sellwood Park at the south end and SE Mitchell and SE Milwaukie at the north end. The distance from one entrance to the other is about 2 miles making it a 4-mile out-and-back.

You can also create a loop by incorporating the paved Springwater Corridor trail (stay on the far right and watch for the bikes whizzing by!) or by looping back through the Sellwood neighborhood for an urban hike adventure. If you choose the latter, consider grabbing a bite to eat or a coffee to sip on on SE Milwaukie or SE 13th Ave as you head back to your destination.  

There are no true restrooms at the trailheads, but occasionally there are port-a-potties at the north parking lot. On sunny days, bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and hiking shoes. During the rainier months, bring rain gear and shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. There are no changing rooms but local businesses and the library in the Sellwood neighborhood are nearby.

Sandy River Delta Park: National Scenic Area 25 Minutes from Portland

Sandy River Delta Park is a perfect nature retreat that is close to town and a haven offering kids a way to enjoy the outdoors. It has an extensive trail system ideal for hiking and biking. Kids of all ages can enjoy this park. It serves as a wonderful nature getaway for older kids to practice riding their mountain bike, design their own hikes, explore the different types of plants and small wildlife while playing in the Sandy River. It’s also perfect for younger kids and babies in carriers to take a break from more stimulating activities and observe the shuddering leaves and the shadows they cast on the trail, the swaying grasses, tall shrubs and the twinkling water in the sun.

All trails except one (Confluence Trail) are available for well-behaved off-leash dogs, however, this “leash only” rule for the Confluence trail is rarely followed. The trails vary in size and material, but in general, they are either small-pebbled gravel or dirt and are wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side comfortably.

The trails offer a wonderful mix of shade through groves of trees, sunny grassy meadows, and high shrubs. If you must bring a stroller for your kiddos, use a durable stroller that can tolerate some bumps and stick to the larger trails. There are five official trails that are connected so multiple combinations of loops are available for all types of hikes. This is definitely a “choose-your-own-adventure” type of place, so get the kids involved in designing their own routes.

Several river access points along the trails allow for a break to play or swim in the Sandy River, which, as its name suggests, is amazingly soft and sandy in most areas. Bring an inflatable raft and gear to play within the water and sand, just be prepared to hike about a mile in with it. There are some parts of the river that do have a small current so keep a close eye on the smaller children and those who are not yet strong swimmers. The water is generally shallow with a gradual decline to deeper areas but could quickly become too deep for smaller kids. 

The trails on the east end of the park are clearly marked with trail names; however, the west side of the park lacks trail names and signs. Despite the poor signage, the trails are obvious, heavily trafficked and lead to one of the largest and sandiest river access points. The signs that do exist in this area direct you to the river access, so don’t hesitate to explore this part of the park!

There is a generous parking lot with spaces available for vehicles with trailers. Be mindful not to park your car in one of these oversized spots because you will likely get a ticket! For overflow, there is parking along the access road that has a large dirt shoulder to safely park on.

There are two composting toilets on-site, but no running water or changing tables. Bring your hand sanitizer and travel diaper changing pads. Summer weekends can get busy but the park is so large that it’s still possible to have that nature getaway experience, especially in parts of the park that are not near the river.

Mt Tabor Park

This large urban park on top of a dormant volcanic cinder cone in southeast Portland. You can spend anywhere from one hour to the entire day exploring the trails, riding your bike, playing on the playgrounds and creating the perfect picnic experience with a view of downtown Portland and southeast neighborhoods. It’s not uncommon to see potlucks and young families congregating with their hammocks and blankets in the several picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Amenities include a playground, off-leash dog park, several picnic areas, tennis courts and a basketball court. 

Mt. Tabor boasts a large shaded playground and pavilion for events nestled in groves of large pines. While there are several places to park, there is a large parking lot next to the playground that is accessible by a sidewalk. Kids can enjoy several slides, monkey bars, swings, and a tiny rock wall. Large, beautiful pines offer ample shade, so it’s alright if you forget the hats and sunscreen at home. If parents want a quick workout, or way to show off, while the kids play, they can try out the larger monkey bars on the periphery of the playground. There are two basic bathrooms in the park. They have flushing toilets and running water but no soap, paper towels or changing tables, so make sure to bring your hand sanitizer and travel changing pad.   

In addition to the playground, enjoy the many trails that wind through Mt. Tabor. Bring your hiking shoes, baby carrier and stroller and enjoy the tall pines, two reservoirs that once held the city’s water, and view of downtown Portland from the top. Trails vary in incline and material so there are options for everyone. For a more gradual and casual experience, opt for the paved roads that gently wind their way to the top. Gates close off the last half of the road to cars so pedestrians and cyclists have the paved road to themselves after this point. All gates are closed to cars on Wednesday, however, so bikes and pedestrians have full access to the roads without worrying about car traffic. For a more natural experience, use the several well-maintained dirt trails, most of which are jogging-stroller friendly (don’t use your car seat buggy here). Some are also open to mountain bikes, so just make sure to read the trail signs and be aware of others around you.  

For those interested in the history of Mt. Tabor, check out the visitor’s center next to the playground parking lot. It’s operated by a group of volunteer stewards of the park, Friends of Mt. Tabor Park, and open every day from 8:30 am-5 pm. Learn about Mt. Tabor’s volcanic history and how the reservoirs once supplied the city’s water. 

Powell Butte Nature Park

Powell Butte Nature Park offers over nine miles of well-marked and maintained trails and is perfect for kids of all ages. With a combination of paved, gravel and natural surfaces, this park has something to offer everyone, but be prepared for some hills! The paved and gravel trails allow you to create several types of loops and are ideal for stroller walking or jogging. Take the Mountain View trail up to the top of the butte for spectacular views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and even Mt. Rainier on clear days. This paved trail is about 0.9 miles from the parking lot and offers a gradual, long switchback incline.

Bring a picnic lunch, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses and eat at the summit at the mountain finder, a structure that points out the visible summits and lists their elevations and distances. Most natural trails are single track and are best used for hiking, horse-back riding, baby carrying and biking. The natural trails involve some hills that dip down into the shaded forest, bright green moss and carpets of ferns. If you’re not into some additional hill-climbing, stick to the gravel and paved paths that wind around the summit. Some trails are not open to bikes and equestrians so take note of the trail markers which clearly indicate which trails are open to these activities. 

An entry gate and wide paved road at the main entrance winds partially up the butte and leads to three tiers of parking lots. These can get full on a sunny weekend so be prepared to potentially make some circles or consider parking in the neighborhoods near other trail access points. If you have a larger vehicle or trailer, parking can be found just before the three-tiered standard parking lots. There are two restrooms located in the visitor center at the main entrance with flushing toilets, running water and a dryer; however, they are only open when the visitor center is open, Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm. Make sure to bring soap or hand sanitizer and a travel changing pad. 

This park truly has something for everyone in the family. Take the older kids out on the mountain bike trails to get them ready for the longer rides in the future. Bundle your baby up in a carrier and let her observe the leaves and listen to the birds while you get a weighted hill workout. Take a picnic with your toddler and teach him about the several mountain peaks that can be seen during a clear day. Powell Butte truly offers the perfect nature escape without having to wander too far from home. 

Tryon Creek State Park

Tryon Creek State Park is another wonderful hiking option that is located just minutes from Portland. You truly don’t have to travel far to enjoy hiking amongst tall trees, bright green moss, blankets of ferns and interesting wildlife. As its name suggests, the park is situated along Tryon Creek, giving hikers direct access to the unique ecosystem it provides. There are 8 miles of hiking trails, 3.5 miles of equestrian trail and 3 miles of paved trail so this park has something to offer every family. 

Several bridges (eight, to be exact!) and a wetland boardwalk allows hikers to really explore the habitats and observe the creatures that live there. The nature center located adjacent to the main parking lot offers loads of information and interpretive exhibits focused on the flora and fauna of the area. The trails are short with many create-your-own loop options, allowing you to hike as much or as little as you’d like. If you’re craving for a longer less populated hike, head for the longer trails along the periphery of the park. These gorgeous trails allow you to get some miles in without compromising on scenery. 

Tryon Creek State Park was designed with families and communities in mind. There is a large picnic shelter next to the nature center for families to enjoy a midday snack or lunch. Restrooms have at least one large stall bathroom with a changing table, warm running water and soap. There are water fountains adjacent to the restrooms. For stroller-bound babes and cyclists, check out the 3 miles of paved paths. For the toddlers and young ones, check out the nature center and the beaver bridge that crosses Tryon Creek, only about 0.7 miles from the nature center. For the older explorers and babes in packs, create a longer loop to explore more of the park without the crowd. The park’s hours vary by the month so make sure to check the hours before you depart. Just think of the park closing when the sun goes down -- earlier in the winter and later in the summer. 

Tryon Creek State Park is another example of the magnificent outdoor hiking opportunities that are available in the Portland metro area. Tryon Creek is the perfect place to spend a day hiking with the family, meeting up with friends and learning about the beautiful plants and creatures that live amongst us. 

Laurelhurst Park 

This gem truly has everything an urban park can offer and is fantastic for kids to get outdoors whatever their speed, age and interest. It's complete with paved paths long enough to get some exercise, green space for sun-bathing and picnicking, a pond for duck watching and an off-leash dog park for those with energetic pups.

Before it was a city park, the land that is now Laurelhurst Park was the site of one of the most prestigious stock farms in the west. The current pond at Laurelhurst Park served as a spring-fed watering hole for cattle and a place to take a cool dip. Laurelhurst Park was officially born in 1911 when The City of Portland purchased the land and in 2001 it was the first city park ever to be named to the National Register of Historic Places. 

Laurelhurst provides a nice environment for those interested in stroller running, biking, or rollerblading with its smooth paved paths wide enough for two-way traffic. An outer path that goes around the periphery of the park plus several paths that cut through the center allows you to create multiple loops and mix up your running scenery.

There are a few restrooms onsite with minimal amenities and no changing tables, so make sure to bring your changing pads and hand sanitizer. Don’t forget your water bottles.

Street parking is readily available in the surrounding neighborhood.

Please let us know how we can best help you, or if you have specific recommendation requests based on your kids’ ages. Also, we welcome any additional ideas to share with the happyly community. We appreciate your advice and thoughts and always love to hear from you! 

Team@happyly.com 

For more information about coping with the necessary school closures and maintaining a spirit of community during this period of social distancing, we encourage you to check out the following articles.

Yes, You Actually Can Do Something About the Coronavirus

By Anne Helen Petersen

This Can Be Our Finest Hour -- But We Need All Of You.

By Gretchen Schmelzer

Schools Are Closing for Coronavirus. Now What?

By Marisa Porges

Please check out the blog for more inspiration from a list of March Weeknight Meals, or join us as we Disconnect to Reconnect with more time at home as a result of necessary social distancing. If you are looking for family team-building at home, we recommend 100 Things: A Rewarding and Fun Family Activity.

Take a moment to explore suggestions from the happyly team aboutKeeping Kids Active while Protecting Them, Yourself and the Community from the Coronavirus as well as our Daily Schedule For Pre-School and Grade School. As always, we welcome your family's highlights! Tag us on Instagram @gethappyly!

If you are enjoying our active lifestyle content, please take a moment to download the happyly app for fast access to all of our weekend roundups, frequent blog content, and favorite activities, both locally and in many communities and travel destinations across the country. 

Parents can now get more time back in their days with the country’s only mobile-first family activity planning app. Happyly provides scores of carefully-reviewed activities for parents, grandparents, and caregivers who are looking to spend less time planning and more time happily exploring with their kiddos.