George Himes Park Trail

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.