The recent wind and snow conditions from earlier this week have had impacts on all Portland parks. Downed trees and branches, snowy/slushy trail conditions, and road closures due to downed trees and power lines may limit your access to Forest Park.
Below we have listed current closures, however, you can always visit this page from Portland Parks and Recreation for the most recent updates. Be aware that more snow and wind are in the forecast, so conditions may change.
Portland Parks and Recreation is working diligently to restore park access, starting with the most hazardous trees in the most frequently used areas. However, it takes a lot of staff time to clear everything, so please be patient if your favorite trailheads are not reopened immediately.
Areas to Avoid in Forest Park:
- Pittock Mansion area – trails between NW Cornell Rd and W Burnside St. There are a lot of trees down and road closures in this area. Fallen trees have caused significant damage to a section of Wildwood Trail just north of Pittock Mansion. The path around the western Cornell Tunnel is also closed.
- Western Cornell Tunnel – Downed power lines are blocking the foot and bike path around the western tunnel on NW Cornell Rd. The path is closed to all users.
Trail Closures:
Trailheads on NW Germantown Rd, NW Skyline Blvd, NW Cornell Rd, and SW Fairview Blvd. West Burnside St is also closed.
Please stay away from these areas at this time. Keeping them clear allows staff to work more quickly and safely to restore park access.
If you do choose to still access other trailheads, remember that after any amount of snow you should be wary of broken branches and keep an ear out for any creaking or crashing noises coming from the canopy. Look up and around you during gusts of wind. It is also easiest to notice these warning signs without earphones in.
How you can help:
- FPC’s Rapid Response Program: Forest Park Conservancy’s Rapid Response Team is made up of volunteers who each adopt a hiking route and collectively survey all 47 miles of soft-surface trail in Forest Park following a big storm. Rapid Responders will be called out to patrol the park in order to document downed trees and remove branches and small-diameter downed trees when safe to do so. For more information on joining the Rapid Response Team, check our Events Calendar for upcoming trainings, email us at info@forestparkconservancy.org, or sign up for our e-Newsletter to get regular updates from FPC in your inbox.
- Report Downed Trees: If you see a downed tree in Forest Park, you can either report it to us at info@forestparkconservancy.org or parktrails@portlandoregon.gov. When you report a tree, be sure to include the tree’s location, approximate tree diameter, and any other details that might be pertinent. If you include photos, all the better!
- Become a Member: The support of our members helps us organize the efforts of our trail staff and Rapid Responders to monitor and steward Forest Park. Become an FPC member today.