Hiking in Forest Park

Last weekend, the mister and I went on a 2-mile hike into Forest Park, along Balch Creek. 

This map is from the directional signage at 30th and NW Thurman (in orange above). There are restrooms and lots of space for picnics. I think this is a filming location from Portlandia (cocao!). 

Most of the path is an easy incline and  the creek, so very nice for a hot summer day. There were kids and dogs on the path and it seems pretty well used.

The WPA stone hut is a nice point to turn uphill (narrower trail with steeper drop offs), go further into the park, or turn around to head back. We headed up and then took the first turn to the right to a small little meadow. We ended up in a neighborhood (also a nice little walk) and headed back to Thurman and the Co-op for a snack!

Overall hike rating: 8/10

Difficulty: 2/10

Wildlife: 2/10

Distance: 2 miles

Kid/Pet friendly: Yes

Picnic spot: Yes

Traffic: moderate

I think we'll be back for another visit this summer (with a puppy). You can read more about Balch Creek or about the hike in the book "Wild in the City"