A partially paved trail featuring trees and plants arranged by geographic region, with a stone circle viewpoint along the route. The paved segment is out-and-back, and is accessible to some mobility devices with areas of uneven grade from root intrusion and has a generally gentle grade.
The unpaved portion includes steeper grades and trails with packed dirt and gravel that connects with White Pine Trail near a wooden footbridge.
Bristlecone Pine Trail Accessibility Improvements Project
As of the summer of 2023, Portland Parks and Recreation has initiated the Bristlecone Pine Trail- ADA Accessibility Improvement Project! Learn more and get involved!
Quick Facts
Quick FactsSurface: Paved Asphalt
Grade: Under 5%
Length: 1/2 mile
Number of Benches: 5 + 2 accessible picnic tables
Accessing Bristlecone Pine Trail
The paved section of the Bristlecone Pine Trail is accessed from a trailhead at a small parking lot at 148 SW Fischer Lane (a small park road open to vehicle traffic). It is not currently connected by paved trails from the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center or the Washington Park Free Shuttle route.
To get there by car, head downhill from the Visitor Center on Fairview and turn at the first road on your left (Fischer Ln). The trailhead and parking will be on your left. There are two ADA parking spaces with an access aisle in between. Parking at this lot is free.
Known Obstacles and Usability
At the trailhead, there is a large sign with a map that outlines the Bristlecone Pine Trail in brown, along with the other 12 miles of trails at the Arboretum. The Bristlecone Pine Trail is paved up until a picnic area, about ½ mile one way.
In several areas, tree roots have intruded under the pavement, causing significant bumps. The path remains relatively flat throughout, though it can be winding in areas. As there are evergreen conifers and deciduous trees on this trail, you may also encounter pinecones and fallen leaves on the trail throughout late summer and fall.
There are five benches for resting along the trail, and two accessible picnic tables in a clearing near a grove of ginkgos.
Unlike most trails at Hoyt Arboretum, which are organized by taxonomy (plant family), the trees on this trail are arranged by geographic origins. Collections include trees from Chile and South America, China, Japan, Korea, Europe, and the Pacific Northwest, among others.
About halfway down the paved path from the trailhead the Stone Circle, a great place to stop and take in the forest surrounding you. This location is also available to be reserved for weddings and events.
Questions?
Please reach out to Hoyt Arboretum Friends for more information about trails including accessibility concerns.
[email protected]
503.865.8733