Visitor Center Loop

Visitor Center Loop

A short, shaded loop around the Visitor Center with a generally flat, paved surface and one bench for resting. The loop passes under the shady Beech and Oak collections and an alpine garden in the Visitor Center courtyard where additional seating, restrooms, and water fountains are available.

 

A wooden trail marker post at the corner of a trail above a sloping grassy hillside with "Visitor Center Loop" labeled at the top outlined in gray with the Hoyt Arboretum Friends and Portland Parks and Recreation logos underneath. A mix of tall broadleaf and conifer trees are in the background against a blue sky.Quick Facts

Surface: Paved Asphalt

Grade: Under 5%

Elevation Gain/Loss: None

Length: 1/10 mile

Number of Benches: 1

Minimum Trail Width: 74 inches

Other Things to Note: There is a drop-off of varying steepness along the trailside.

 

Access the Visitor Center Loop

Start the Visitor Center Loop from the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd. You can grab a free trail map, or come inside for visitor support from staff and volunteers.

A concrete path around a rocky garden leads to a small building with a green roof. Glass front doors of the Visitor Center with a person standing outside at a brochure rack taking a trail map.

There are two all user bathrooms (one wheelchair accessible bathroom) and water fountains in the courtyard, and an assortment of snacks, cold drinks, and gifts available for purchase inside.

Two, closed bathroom doors are shown in the center of the frame with blue signs on them. The door on the left says "All User Restroom" with a white toilet icon, and the door on the right says "All User Restroom" with a toilet and wheelchair icon in white. There are water fountains shown to the left of the bathroom doors, and the front doors to the Visitor Center are shown on the right. A woman stands behind a counter and provides instructions to 2 visitors on the other side of the counter by pointing to the trail map.

The northwest side of the Visitor Center Courtyard connects to the trailhead of the Visitor Center Loop.

Trailhead of the Visitor Center Loop with a Trail Marker post in the foreground, showing the paved path and greenery along the trailsides. The east side of the Visitor Center Courtyard that leads to the trailhead of the Visitor Center Loop.

There is a hard-surface path that connects to the trail closer to the building around the gravel section at the front of the Courtyard. There is a large rock protruding from the gravel near the wall of the courtyard to look out for.

 

Transportation and Parking

There are 2 pay-to-park lots adjacent to the building with 3 ADA parking spaces available. Pay for parking at the meters or with the Parking Kitty app. There is limited, free street parking available along Fairview Blvd near the Visitor Center.

2 ADA parking spaces on the north corner of the Visitor Center Parking lot leading to a ramp that leads to the Visitor Center courtyard. A parking lot path and crosswalk leading to a parking meter labeled "Pay to Park" with beech trees in the background.

 

Washington Park Free Shuttle

The front of the Visitor Center showing the Washington Park Free Shuttle stop.The Washington Park Free Shuttle loops around the whole park and stops in front of the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center. Shuttles run every 15 to 30 minutes from 9:30 am – 7 pm April through September, and 10am – 4pm October through March. All Washington Park Shuttles are wheelchair accessible.

Track the shuttle in real time.

 

Known Obstacles and Usability

The Visitor Center Loop is entirely paved and generally flat, though you may encounter some minor root intrusions and trail drop-offs along the path.

Minor cracks in the path from roots intrusion at the first curve of the loop near the trailhead.

The trail is 74 inches across with a drop-off on the side opposite of the Visitor Center, which is an especially steep drop-off about midway down the trail, near the bench.

Minor cracks and a slight upslope in the path at the end of the loop leading back to the ramp down to the Visitor Center Courtyard.

The path is mostly cool and shady thanks to douglas-firs, oak, and beech trees, with some small patches of sunlight. In the winter, the trail can get mossy and slightly slippery, so it’s good to mind your step.

Resting Spots

There is one bench for resting along the loop where the path wraps around toward the Arboretum’s greenhouses. The bench overlooks a view of Mt Hood in a clear day and offers views of the Oak and Beech Collections. 

A wooden bench with armrests on a paved path outcropping overlooks a grassy hillside with beech trees and oaks in the background.

The Visitor Center Loop ends back in the courtyard where you started, where there are more areas for sitting.

Visitor Center Loop Trail Preview

 

Questions?

Please reach out to Hoyt Arboretum Friends for more information about trails including accessibility concerns.

[email protected]
503.865.8733

 

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