Even in the 1800's, when downtown Portland consisted of just a handful of blocks, the hills west of town were noted for their recreation potential. The Olmsted brothers of Brookline, Massachusetts, said in their comprehensive plan for the Portland parks that "no use to which the land could be put would begin to be as sensible or as profitable to the city as that of making it a public park or reservation . . ."

In the 1940's, citizens began taking an active interest in seeing a major city park plan come to fruition. In 1946, after overcoming rumors of oil existing in the hillsides of what is now Forest Park, a public meeting was held to discuss the project, and in 1948 Forest Park became a reality.

Links to Other Resources
(These open a new browser window.)

Maps

Map of Forest Park Trails

Multimedia

Assortment of Live SkyCams of Portland and Neighboring Mountains

Information

Bird Checklist of Portland, Oregon