Wild Cherry and Dogwood Trail Loop

This scenic loop is nestled within Forest Park in Portland, Oregon, offering a natural escape just a short distance from the city.

The loop can be accessed from the Leif Erickson Drive Trailhead. Parking is available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Public transport options via TriMet bus to NW 53rd Drive are also available, providing access to Forest Park.

Yes, dogs are permitted on this trail. Please ensure your canine companion is kept on a leash to respect wildlife and other hikers.

The trail features a varied terrain, including dirt single-tracks that wind through forest slopes, ridges, and ravines. A section of the route follows Leif Erikson Drive, which is closed to motor vehicles and transitions from an initially paved surface to dirt and gravel.

You'll hike through a verdant woodland with bigleaf maples, red alders, and towering Douglas firs. The understory is rich with licorice ferns and Oregon grapes. In spring, look for thimbleberry and trillium. Along Leif Erikson Drive, you might catch glimpses of Portland, the Willamette River, and even Mount Hood on clear days. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors from the maple trees.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring offers wildflowers like trillium, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage from the maple trees. Clear days can offer views of Mount Hood, making any season a good time to visit, weather permitting.

While the trail is primarily a forest immersion, sections along Leif Erikson Drive offer occasional glimpses of Portland and the Willamette River through the trees. On very clear days, you might even spot Mount Hood in the distance.

Yes, this route is excellent for creating various loop options as it intersects with other well-known paths. The loop itself utilizes sections of the Wildwood Trail, Wild Cherry Trail, Northwest Leif Erikson Drive, and Dogwood Trail. Trail junctions are clearly marked, making navigation straightforward.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access Forest Park or hike the Wild Cherry and Dogwood Trail Loop.

Given its 'easy' difficulty rating and relatively short distance, this loop is generally considered family-friendly. The varied terrain and natural scenery offer an engaging experience for younger hikers.

Many hikers find that starting with the steady downhill grade on the Wild Cherry Trail section and then enjoying a more gradual ascent along the Dogwood Trail makes for a comfortable experience.