Portland has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to parks, with more than 500 found in the greater urban area. Here Owen Wozniak takes on the challenging task of selecting just over 100 of the most appealing parks across the city; those that offer excellent facilities, “hidden” neighborhood gems, intriguing history, unique features, exceptional beauty, and more! Residents and visitors alike can use this guide to explore different corners of the region, from close-in neighborhoods, to Hillsboro in the west, Wilsonville in the south, Gresham and Troutdale in the east, and even across the Columbia to Vancouver, Washington, and Clark County. Park listings include: Quick-reference icons: accessible, kid-friendly, dog-friendly, views, historic significance, public art, gardens, unpaved trails, paved trails, beach/waterfront, spray park/wading pool Major amenities: restrooms, shelters, playgrounds Public transportation, driving, parking, and biking directions Park history and size Easy add-on walks, bike rides, and nearby parks or attractions The easy-to-use and friendly approach, with colorful format, photos, and maps of larger parks, will keep families, walkers, dog-lovers, and kids of all ages busy with year-round exploration and fun.

The ultimate greatest hits guide to the best parks in and around the Rose City

Portland's Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world and the only city wilderness park in the United States. The park is home to hundreds of native plants and animals and offers more than eighty miles of trails-all within minutes of downtown Portland. This updated and expanded edition of One City's Wilderness provides directions to twenty-nine hikes of varying length, difficulty, and scenery, covering every trail within the 5,100-acre park. Marcy Houle shares the history of Forest Park, introduces the people who fought to preserve it, and explores the role stewards play today. She encourages people of all ages to take an "All Trails Challenge"-learning about the unique nature of the park by exploring every trail. Includes Full color trail maps for 29 hikes Fold-out color map of the entire park and its watersheds More than 80 color photographs of native plants and birds Park history, geology, watersheds, vegetation, and wildlife

Portland Hill Walks features twenty-four miniature adventures stocked with stunning views, hidden stairways, leafy byways, urban forests, and places to sit, eat, and soak in the local scene. The revised and updated edition offers five new walks in addition to the well-loved classics, with new contemporary and historical photos and easier-to-follow directions. Whether you feel like meandering through old streetcar neighborhoods or climbing a lava dome, there is a hill walk for every mood. New walks take you up to Willamette Stone State Park, across the St. Johns Bridge, down to the South Waterfront (with a ride on the aerial tram), along a stream in Gresham, and up Mounts Talbert and Scott. Portland is a walking city, and Portland Hill Walks will inspire you to enjoy it to its fullest!

Explore pastoral Sauvie Island, where great blue herons launch themselves heavily into flight. Take secret pleasure in Marshall Park, a glittering tree-covered treasure hidden between busy urban thoroughfares. These pockets of wilderness, and many others like them, aid your escape from the urban bustle. In Nature Walks In & Around Portland, long-time local park explorers Karen and Terry Whitehill present 37 of their favourite nature walks, ranging from one-half to six miles in length.

* More than 80 Oregon hikes for kids and adults, accessible from urban areas * Hikes range in length from less than a mile to nearly 6 miles, with optional turn-around points * Handy sidebars with information on animals, plants, geology, and fun activities for kids to do on the hike * Special emphasis on trail highlights with child appeal * Graphic, two-color layout provides key data at a glance Search for frogs and turtles in a pond, stay in a cabin, visit a nature center, see waterfalls, or discover abundant wildlife. These are just a few of the hikes in Best Hikes with Kids Oregon that families (and anyone looking for an easy outing) will enjoy. Each hike in this guidebook offers points of interest and opportunities for kids to learn about nature on the trail. The hikes are rated easy to difficult for children, and feature optional turn-around points for tired feet.