If it was possible to “one up” San Francisco’s big city proximity to Nature, Portland is hands down the city to do so. While it is still growing to be a big city, its natural playgrounds are plenty and super accessible. On a fine summer afternoon in Portland, I decided to venture out with the pup to Pittock Mansion. More fun than driving to the top was of course hiking to the top!

We parked the car at the Macleay Park, and got ready to hike. The lower Macleay trail is gentle and winds through Oregon urban forests to the Wildwood trail. The Wildwood trail is much steeper than the Macleay trail, but extremely pretty. The shades of green on this urban hike were stunning and as soon as we set foot on it, we could hear all kinds of birds and animal sounds. That was probably my favorite part.
Here is a link from Alltrails.com to access the trail:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/lower-macleay-park-to-pittock-mansion

I walked around the Pittock Mansion area with the pup. I was not sure if dogs were allowed in the mansion, so we walked around the outside of the mansion. The views of Portland and the Columbia River Gorge are stunning. On a clear day, you can apparently see Mt. Rainer, Mt Adams, Mt Hood and Mt. Jefferson! Side note, Oregon is VERY cool.

The full hike was around 5 miles, including walking around Pittock mansion. Here is what I recommend you carry:

1. Small backpack with water for you and pup
2. Sun hat
3. Sun glasses (although I didn’t need them much but it could be a sunnier day)
4. Sun screen
5. Running shoes are good enough for the hike
6. Comfy clothes
7. Snack

Another one of SF's hidden gems, the San Bruno Mountain Hike starts right in the middle of the Silicon Valley and transports you to the ideal urban wilderness with breathtaking views of the entire bay area and the Pacific Ocean. 

I was hiking solo on this day, so I chose this particular hike for a short 4-5 mile trail that goes around the mountain. There is a way to continue this hike for some stunning views along a ridgeline to make it an even 8 miles. I'll have to try this another day.

To start this hike, park at the San Bruno Mountain State Park, which is home to lovely picnic grounds and several short and long hikes. The entrance fees is $5 so bring cash! You can grab the envelopes at the park entrance ranger station, fill them out and add the $5 to this and deposit them at the entrance. Then you're all set for the hike!

Here's what I recommend bringing for this quick hike:

1. Small Backpack
2. Sun Hat
3. Sunglasses
4. Sun Screen
5. 2 litres of water
6. Snacks (I took granola bars)
7. Wind jacket (down jacket if its cold)
8. Appropriate cold weather clothes

You can find the hike on AllTrails.com however, I did a longer version of it. You can  find the full map here: 

Hope you choose to do this hike and enjoy it as much as I did! =)