Hike to Pittock Mansion via Lower Macleay Trail

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