Pittock Mansion Hike Has Everything You want in a Hike

I had the pleasure of wandering around Portland while my Frenchman was performing with Cirque Du Soleil’s Corteo. While he was off doing his circus thing I was busy trying to find a hike I could get to with public transit. Every week we are in a new city without a car so we become very good at finding ALL the things to do by foot or by public transit within the city limits.

I’m sure I don’t have to say it but Portland is a very active city, ranking in the top 10 fittest cities in the US by USnews.com. And with all of their gorgeous nature around, I knew I could find a worthwhile hike to work off the two ginormous voodoo doughnuts I ate. #NoRegrets.

My mission: Find a hike in Portland I could get to by public transit. [We were staying at the Courtyard Marriott Portland City Center.]

My answer: Pittock Mansion Hike

One of the very first sights you see on the hike. It’s freakin’ beautiful. It didn’t feel real. 

What is so special about Pittock Mansion?

The Pittock Mansion is the endpoint, starting point, or midway point in this beautiful nature-filled hike. It is a historical house, now a museum, that was built in 1914 for Pioneer Newspaper Publisher and entrepreneur Henry Pittock. It housed Henry Pittock, his wife Georgiana, and nine of their family members. The Pittocks were one of Portland’s most influential families. Now, it is a landmark in Portland. A place where you can explore its interior filled with stunning architecture, technological innovations from the early 20th century, and historical interior design. From the grounds of Pittock Mansion, it is also an amazing place to see panoramic views of Portland and often what visitors come for.

NOTE: Bring a couple of sandwiches and drinks and have yourself a little picnic. There are lots of picnic tables available with panoramic views of the city.

Pittock Mansion.

The Panoramic view from Pittock Mansion.

What Makes Up the Pittock Mansion Hike?

The “Pittock Mansion Hike” is a collection of trails that connect to finish at Pittock Mansion.

Starting in Forest Park: Take Lower Macleay Trail–to Wildwood Trail–to Pittock Mansion.

Alternative Return Route: Wildwood Trail–to Upper Macleay Trail–back to Wildwood Trail–to Lower Macleay Trail.

Things to know: Highly trafficked & can be very muddy.

How to get to the Pittock Mansion Hike?

You will start the hike at the Lower Macleay Trailhead in Forest Park. There is a parking lot here but it only has about 8 parking spots. Alternatively, you can park on the streets surrounding the park, or up on Thurman Street near the bridge. There are some colorful stairs on the east end of the bridge that you can take down to the start of the trail.

The colorful stairs 🙂

I found the trail very easily by taking the TriMet Public bus to any bus stop near the Adidas Employee Store in Portland.

You can take:

LINE 15 to STOP: SW Alder & 6th

LINE 77 to STOP: NW Everett & Broadway

From these bus stops it is a short 3 to 7 minute walk to the trailhead.

Is it Worth it?

Absolutely. It’s a common hike for the locals and their dogs so you’ll have plenty of company along the route. As you start off the hike from Forest Park, you’ll be taken through a wild oasis set right next to a beautiful flowing creek. It’s a fairy tale of old Douglas-fir and Red Ceder trees for as far as the eye can see. Each tree is blanketed in a bright green moss that is nothing other than nature’s candy for the eyes. There’s also a great stop along the hike, Witch’s Castle, or better known on trail markers as the Stone House. Witch’s Castle is the ruins of an old building that has been overtaken by moss and ferns and of late, very colorful graffiti.

Witch’s Castle AKA Stone House and the trail nearby

The hike is a great accessible trail if you do not have a vehicle to venture further outside of the city. Speaking to locals, it’s one of their favorites. Considered the “go-to hike for when the fam comes to visit”.

Witch’s Castle or Stone House

FAQs of Pittock Mansion Hike

How long does it take to hike Pittock Mansion?

1 hr 30 min to Mansion, 2 hr 35 min to complete loop.

How many miles is the Pittock Mansion Hike loop?

5-mile round trip.

How hard is the Pittock Mansion Hike?

Moderate (steep climb to the Pittock Mansion).

Can you walk around Pittock Mansion?

Yes, the grounds are a public park open daily until 9 PM.

Is there parking at Pittock Mansion?

Yes, there is a parking lot. $2 per hour or $8 daily rate.