Hoyt Arboretum is part of Washington Park, which also includes the Oregon Zoo, the Portland Children’s Museum, the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, the Portland Japanese Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Oregon Holocaust Memorial among its many attractions.

Twining through the arboretum’s 187 wooded acres are 12 miles of trails and tree collections organized by plant family and geography. The visitor center is open every day but Sunday; the grounds are open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Two miles of trails are wheelchair accessible. Dogs are allowed on leash.

I start this Intertwine experience at the Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center. From there, I follow the Oak Trail. Like other arboretum trails, this one features one tree genus—oaks in this case—planted with various species from all over the world. It leads me to the Wildwood Trail. After passing the Winter Garden, the trail is classic Washington Park: tall trees, shade and the sound of birds intertwined with a few lucky people’s houses. The path splits and takes me down to the Japanese Garden: people worshipping nature. The clean paths, raked gravel and formality inspire me to rest my mind and reflect on the beauty of the plants.

Backtracking to the Wildwood, I return to the urban forest. Yes, there’s ivy; yes, there are people jogging and yes, I can see bits of Southwest Knights Boulevard. Yet the fundamental experience of the Northwest forest is still here, and as Portlanders we are determined to protect this experience.

I like to wind past the archery meadow and take the Walnut Trail up through some Hawthorne trees. A grassy meadow at the top is perfect for a noon picnic with expansive views to the northeast. This walk finishes at the Arboretum Visitor Center, and takes about one hour plus time spent at the Japanese Garden and picnicking. Sandwiches, coffee and pastries are available nearby at Zupan’s and Peet’s on West Burnside at 23rd Avenue. </P>