Trails

Arboretum Trail Maps:

• Arboretum Trail Map (English)
• Mapa de Senderos del Arboretum (Español)

Additional maps:

• Howard Buford Recreation Area Trail Map
• David’s Chair Suggested Trails Map
• Trail Description Summaries (longer version found below)

Dozens of benches are located throughout the Arboretum, offering opportunities to pause during a visit. Below is a virtual map of our benches, compiled by Liza Holtz, then Master in Landscape Architecture Candidate at the University of Oregon. Click on each bench for photos of the bench and the view (updated 01/08/2024).

Trail descriptions were last updated on December 9, 2024. 

Please find information below on all trails at Mount Pisgah Arboretum, including a description of the trail and technical information on the surface, grade, etc. The trails are listed in alphabetical order. 

Usage of our trails are at each visitor’s discretion. Please note that our recommendations for trail use on the all terrain track chairs (David’s Chair) are based on feedback but the use of and exploration on this chair is at your own discretion as well. 

Horses and bikes are not allowed on our trails. Dogs are allowed but must be on-leash. As a kid-friendly area, there are often children throughout our trails. There is cell phone service with major carriers throughout the Arboretum, but this may not be the case if you leave the Arboretum boundaries. 

A note on seasonality: We receive consistent rain from November to April, and sometimes into May. You should expect all of our trails to have mud during this timeframe. Our wider, fully-gravel trails are less muddy but may have some puddles. Due to the heavy rain, portions of our trails may become overgrown in late May and June before the vegetation is managed. 

For a shorter, downloadable summary of our trails’ technical information, click here. (Last updated December 9, 2024)

Improved Access Loop:

• Trails included: Riverbank Trail, Meadow Road, part of Pond Lily Trail, outer loop of Water Garden Trails.
• Average Grade: 0-5%, with 5-10% just when entering or exiting Wildflower Garden.
• Distance: 1 mile.

Description: To help more people enjoy the Arboretum, the Improved Access Loop was constructed across multiple trails as a suggested route that is wider, full of regular resting spots, and has minimal elevation gain. It passes through riparian, wetlands, and oak savanna habitats. Whether it’s your first time to the Arboretum or your fiftieth, the Improved Access Loop is tried and true. This loop can bring visitors through our Wildflower Garden, past our historic barn, and the Wetlands Exhibit. 

 

“Barrier Free” Loop:

• Trails included: Creek Trails, Buford Trail, Incense-cedar Trail.
• Average Grade: 5-10% through Creek Trails and upper Buford Trail, 0-5% lower Burford Trail and Incense-cedar Trail, increases to 10-15% at Incense-cedar Trail lateral crossing near Jette Trail junction, increases to 5-10% on Pond Lily Trail after Adkison Bridge.
• Distance: 1.5 miles.

Description: Inspired by accepted trail accessibility standards, we created the “Barrier Free” Loop across multiple trails. This loop goes through a variety of habitats and has some gradual elevation gains and some sections of the trail may be narrow. This loop can bring visitors past our Tree Round, Oak Savanna Exhibit, and Incense-cedar Exhibit. 

 

Buford Trail:

Part of the Barrier Free Loop.

• Surface: Coarse gravel and bark mulch (begins at junction with Incense-cedar Trail)
• Width: 36” wide or wider.
• Average Grade: 0-5% on lower portion, increase to 15-20% at split-off uphill.
• Cross Slope: Minimal.
• Distance: 0.33 miles.
• Benches: One bench along lower portion, three benches at top of trail in the Oak Woodlands Exhibit.
• All terrain track chair: Recommended for lower parts of Buford Trail, along the Barrier Free Loop. Steepness increases significantly at the split-off uphill, which may be challenging. 

Description: The Buford Trail ascends the hillside at the Arboretum, skirting the large oak savanna before entering into the conifer forest. At the start of the trail, one can access the Tree Round Exhibit and the Oak Savanna Exhibit. At the top of the trail is the Oak Woodlands Exhibit. The Buford Trail begins on the far side of the White Oak Pavilion. The top of the Buford Trail connects with the Plateau Trails and the Jette Trail.

 

Creek Trails:

Part of the Barrier Free Loop.

• Surface: Mostly bark mulch.
• Width: 36” wide or wider.
• Average Grade: 5-10%.
• Cross Slope: Minimal.
• Distance: 0.28 miles.
• Obstacle: Multiple wooden bridges with chicken wire lining the top.
• Benches: There are a number of picnic tables just after the junction that leads to the Arboretum office, including some that provide shade, and there two benches along the trail one after the picnic tables (44.00654, -122.97912) and one after the upper bridges (44.00668, -122.9781).
• All terrain track chair: Recommended for all Creek Trails.

Description: The Creek Trails travel along the Arboretum’s main seasonal creek, which usually runs from mid-November through early June. These are excellent trails for viewing wildflowers in the spring or observing birds. The route is a mix of sun and dappled shade.

The Creek Trails begin next to and behind the White Oak Pavilion, and adjacent to the picnic area, and travel along either side of the main creek, with options for bridge crossings that connect to each side. The Creek Trails allow access to the Service Road (the lower portion of Trail 35) and to the Zig-Zag Trail.

 

Hillside Trail:

• Surface: Compact dirt.
• Width: Some portions are below 36”, narrow near the tree stump and on a steep bank.
• Average Grade: 0-5%, however there is one steep section.
• Cross Slope: Generally minimal, however in the short steep section there is a severe cross slope. 
• Distance: 0.18 miles.
• Obstacle: There is a tree stump on the uphill side (near the Zig Zag Trail) and a steep bank.
• Benches: There are no benches.
• All terrain track chair: Due to the narrow portions of this trail (i.e., the tree stump), this trail is not recommended in the track chairs. 

Description: The Hillside Trail traverses a forested slope with a mix of conifers and hardwoods. It is well shaded. The trail is lined with water-loving plants and, oftentimes, woodpeckers can be spotted. This trail provides easy access to the Oak Woodlands exhibit and connects to both Zig-zag Trail and Buford Trail. 

 

Incense-cedar Trail:

Part of the “Barrier Free” Loop.

• Surface: Bark mulch.
• Width: 36” wide or wider for the majority of its length, narrowing for a few feet after passing through the Incense-cedar Exhibit.
• Average Grade: 0-5%, increases to 10-15% at lateral crossing near Jette Trail junction.
• Cross Slope: Minimal to the Incense-cedar Exhibit. Severe on the southern/uphill side of the Incense-cedar Exhibit. 
• Distance: 0.23 miles.
• Obstacle: On the east side (the upper side) of Incense-cedar Exhibit, there is a narrow spot with a root and steep hillside.
• Benches: There are four benches along this trail, one northern bench (44.00327, -122.97925), one just north of the junction with prior to the junction with the Buford Trail (44.00302, -122.97901), one at the Incense-cedar Exhibit (44.00264, -122.97798), and one closer to the junction with the Jette Trail (44.00211, -122.97721).
• All terrain track chair: Not recommended past the Incense-cedar Exhibit. On the east side of the Incense-cedar Exhibit, the trail becomes too narrow for the track chair to pass through. Recommended up until the Exhibit. 

Description: The Incense-cedar Trail traverses the hillside and passes through a grove of old incense-cedars. The trail is shaded, and offers nice views of spring wildflowers, including calypso orchids. The Incense-cedar Exhibit is accessed via this trail.

The Incense-cedar Trail forks off from the Buford Trail after a distance of about 625 ft. The trail is largely flat, with minimal cross-slope until after the Incense-cedar Exhibit when the trail gains elevation and also exhibits some cross-slope. The far end of the Incense-cedar Trail connects with the lower portion of the Jette Trail. 

 

Jette Trail:

• Surface: Mostly gravel.
• Width: 36” or wider.
• Average Grade: 5-10%.
• Cross Slope: Minimal.
• Distance: 0.29 miles.
• Obstacle: There are stairs at the south end of this trail.
• Benches: Two back-to-back benches along lower portion (44.00122, -122.97663), and one bench along upper portion (44.0015, -122.97608).
• All terrain track chair: Not recommended. The stairs on the south end of this trail are impassable on the all terrain track chair.

Description: The Jette Trail provides views of wildflower meadows and mixed forests along the lower portion of its length. The trail passes through conifer forest along its upper heights before connecting with the plateau. Most of the trail is at least partly shaded.

The Jette Trail switchbacks from the Quarry Road (Trail 5), connecting with the Plateau Trails at the top of the hill. The Jette Trail connects with the Incense-cedar trail along the lower portion of its length. From the junction of the Incense-cedar Trail to the junction with the Quarry Road, the Jette Trail is 36” or wider with an even, moderate slope. Where the Jette Trail connects with the Quarry Road, access to the Pond Lily Trail is immediately adjacent.

 

Lower Plateau Trail:

• Surface: Bark mulch.
• Width: 36” across the entire way. 
• Average Grade: 0-5%. At the junction of Buford’s Trail, it does get briefly steeper. 
• Cross Slope: Minimal.
• Distance: 0.42 miles.
• Obstacle: There are some roots that protrude into the trail. At the junction of Buford’s Trail, it does get briefly steeper. 
• Benches: One bench on the southern end of trail (44.00378, -122.97709).
• All terrain track chair: Accessible by the track chair, though steep trails must be used to reach it.

Description: The Lower Plateau Trail is a wide, relatively flat trail that meanders through a variety of habitats, including grassland, coniferous forest, and oak woodland. The southern section of this trail, near the Oak Woodlands Exhibit, showcases the beautiful oak woodland habitat at the Arboretum. Towards the northern end of the trail, a small, rocky creek provides wildflower viewing in the spring. 

The Lower Plateau Trail connects to the Upper Plateau Trail, Jette Trail, Oak Savanna Trail, and Trail 35. The Oak Woodlands Exhibit is just past the southern end of this trail. 

 

Meadow Road:

Part of the Improved Access Loop.

• Surface: Gravel, though some sections are loose gravel.
• Width: Road-width.
• Average Grade: 0-5%.
• Cross Slope: Minimal.
• Distance: 1.10 miles.
• Obstacle: May have potholes after heavy rains.
• Benches: One bench; though this trail is wide enough to easily move aside for a break
• All terrain track chair: Recommended for all parts of Meadow Road.

Description: The Meadow Road is a main route through the lowlands of the Arboretum, passing through a large oak savanna before curving along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River after passing a historic barn. The road continues outside of the Arboretum boundary and into the South Bottomlands zone of the Howard Buford Recreation Area. There is little shade along this route, and it can be hot during the summer. This route is utilized by service vehicles.

The Meadow Road (part of Trail 5 until it forks at the barn) begins at the lower entrance to the Arboretum, adjacent to the public restrooms and the White Oak Pavilion. There is a steady, gradual slope from the White Oak Pavilion until the road passes the barn, where it becomes mostly level. 

 

Oak Savanna Trail:

• Surface: Compact gravel, compact dirt, and wood chips.
• Width: Generally 36”, though the corners of the switchbacks slightly narrow. 
• Average Grade: 10-15%.
• Cross Slope: Moderate, though severe in the switchbacks. 
• Distance: 0.30 miles.
• Obstacle: There are multiple bridges which may present an obstacle in the transition from trail-to-bridge due to gaps and bumps between the two. The bridges themselves have a moderate cross slope. 
• Benches: There are two benches, one is halfway through this trail (44.0092, -122.97544) and the other is at the junction with Trail #35 and the Lower Plateau Trail (44.00782, -122.97493).
• All terrain track chair: The Arboretum and visitors using the track chairs are still gathering information and feedback on using the chairs on this trail. 

Description: The Oak Savanna Trail travels through a grassy and oak-filled landscape and traverses multiple seasonal streams. This is a good place to find lizards in the summertime and wildflowers in the spring. This trail is generally sunny. 

This trail connects the Creek Trail Areas to the Summit Trail (Trail 1). 

 

Pond Lily Trail:

Part of the Improved Access Loop.

Part of Barrier Free Loop.

Changeover between Improved Access Loop and Barrier Free Loop occurs at Adkison Bridge.

• Surface: Fine bark mulch and packed gravel.
• Width: 36”.
• Average Grade: 0-5%, increases to 5-10% after Adkison Bridge.
• Cross Slope: Minimal. 
• Distance: 0.16 miles.
• Obstacle: Large stump on trail just past the entrance of the Pond Lily Trail via Meadow Road, which may be passable if moving slowly.
• Benches: No benches; one pull out.
• All terrain track chair: Recommended if moving slowly to get past single stump on trail.

Description: The Pond Lily Trail follows the north-eastern portion of the wetland, providing some views into the water. The trailsides are full of wildflowers in the spring, and the route is largely shaded.

The Pond Lily Trail begins next to the junction of the Meadow Road and the Quarry Road (Trail 5), just past the barn. The other end of the Pond Lily Trail reconnects to the Quarry Road after passing by the Adkison Bridge. Most people connect to the Pond Lily Trail after crossing the Adkison Bridge from the Wetlands Trails. From this point, turning right on the Pond Lily Trail provides access to the Quarry Road (Trail 5) via a relatively steep section with uneven cross-slope. Turning left on the Pond Lily Trail from the Adkison Bridge provides a flat section of trail with some rolling dips and minimal cross-slope. This trail is at least 36” wide in most sections, and surfaced with fine bark mulch or packed gravel. There are not any benches, but there is a pullout. Portions of the trail occasionally flood during periods of heavy rain.

 

Quarry Road (Trail 5):

• Surface: Compact gravel. 
• Width: Road width. 
• Average Grade: 0-5%.
• Cross Slope: Minimal through the Arboretum boundary. Outside of the boundary it may be moderate. 
• Distance: 1.67 miles (leaves Arboretum property).
• Obstacle: None. 
• Benches: There is one bench south of the barn, near the junction with Meadow Road (44.00282, -122.98031).
• All terrain track chair: This trail is recommended for the track chair, though this trail does leave Arboretum boundaries.

Description: Quarry Road (Trail 5) is a popular trail to stroll through oak savanna habitats and passes by our historic barn. It is wide and can be used to explore the southern and eastern sections of HBRA. This trail does leave the Arboretum and may be used as a service road. 

 

Riverbank Trail:

Part of the Improved Access Loop.

• Surface: Packed gravel and fine mulch.
• Width: 36” and wider.
• Average Grade: 0-5%, with 5-10% when entering or exiting Wildflower Garden.
• Cross Slope: Minimal. 
• Distance: 0.22 miles.
• Obstacle: None on trail, but the slope entering and exiting the Wildflower Garden (near the bathrooms) is moderate. 
• Benches: There are four benches spaced throughout the Riverbank Trail, the first is near the bathrooms (44.00599, -122.98104), the south end of the Patricia Baker Wildflower Garden (44.0053, -122.98139), just north of the junction with Meadow Road (44.00412, -122.98116), and one just south of the junction with Meadow Road, close to the barn (44.00364, -122.98088).
• All terrain track chair: This trail is recommended for the track chair.

Description: The Riverbank Trail passes through the Patricia Baker Wildflower Garden and travels along the Coast Fork of the Willamette River, providing occasional views of the river and of the adjacent oak savanna. The trail is largely shaded and stays cooler in the summer, making it one of our most popular trails.

The Riverbank Trail begins near the lower entrance to the Arboretum, adjacent to the public restrooms. The steepest slope on this trail is at the beginning as it descends into the Patricia Baker Wildflower Garden. Once entering the garden, the trail is level with a packed gravel surface. The trail gently drops again as it nears the river, and here the surface is mainly fine mulch. The remainder of the trail is largely flat, with some occasional rolling dips. The trail bed is 36” or wider throughout with minimal cross-slope. There are four benches along the path. Portions of this trail can become muddy following heavy rains.

 

Summit Trail (Trail 1):

• Surface: Packed gravel.
• Width: Road width.
• Average Grade: 10-15% until junction with Creek Trails, 15-20% through Arboretum boundary (just after Oak Savanna Trail junction).
• Cross Slope: Moderate through our boundary. 
• Distance: 1.45 miles (exits Arboretum boundary).
• Obstacle: Gravel may be loose, trail gets steeper. Our most heavily used trail. Most of the trail is exposed. There is also a gate you must cross to enter the trail. 
• Benches: There is one trail near the junction with the Oak Savanna Trail and the edge of the Arboretum boundary (44.00906, -122.97741).
• All terrain track chair: At this time, the Summit Trail is not recommended in the track chair due to the distance all the way to the Mount Pisgah summit and steepness.

Description: This steep, gravel road provides access to the Mount Pisgah summit, though it leaves the Arboretum boundaries. While it is shady to begin with, it quickly changes to be in the full sun. The gravel may be loose and slippery. From this trail you can also access Theodore Trail (Trail 17), the Creek Trails, and Oak Savanna Trail. 

 

Theodore Trail (Trail 17):

• Surface: Compact dirt and gravel. 
• Width: 36”.
• Average Grade: 10-15% through Arboretum boundary.
• Cross Slope: Moderate. 
• Distance: 0.20 miles (exits Arboretum boundary).
• Obstacle: Rock and boulders at the entrance to this trail. It also leaves Arboretum boundaries and may have additional obstacles outside of our boundary. 
• Benches: There is one bench towards the end of the Arboretum boundary (44.00957, -122.98015).
• All terrain track chair: Due to the steepness of this trail, this is not recommended for the track chair.

Description: Theodore Trail (Trail 17) travels up the hillside immediately above the entrance to the park and passes grassy and oak forested areas before exiting the Arboretum boundary. It provides an excellent view of the valley floor a quarter-mile up the trail and beyond. Generally exposed to full sun. 

 

Trail 35:

• Surface: Compact dirt.
• Width: Narrow, under 36”. 
• Average Grade: 0-5% for lower portion, 10-15% for upper portion, past Oak Savanna Trail, through the Arboretum boundary.
• Cross Slope: Severe. 
• Distance: 0.68 miles (to Arboretum boundary).
• Obstacle: Steep, heavily worn sections. Boulders and roots cross the trail, including boulders that must be used to cross a creek. Leaves the Arboretum boundary. 
• Benches: There is one bench towards the top of this trail (44.00876, -122.97391).
• All terrain track chair: Not recommended due to boulders, roots, and narrow trail conditions. 

Description: Trail 35 is a steep and rocky trail that goes through grass and scrub oaks. It also crosses a small, rocky seasonal stream and, throughout the trail, visitors must navigate boulder and root crossings. It is in the full sun and is our steepest trail. Trail 35 leaves the Arboretum boundary.

 

Upper Plateau Trail:

• Surface: Bark mulch.
• Width: 36”, though the bridge is more narrow.
• Average Grade: 0-5% on lateral section, 10-15% near the switchback on the southern section.
• Cross Slope: Moderate. 
• Distance: 0.20 miles.
• Obstacle: A bridge and tree that impedes the trail is more narrow. 
• Benches: Two benches, one right after the sharp corner (44.00318, -122.97542) and one on the northern end (44.0043, -122.97604).
• All terrain track chair: Eastern end not recommended due to narrow bridge and section of trail. The switchback is also likely impassable on the chair. 

Description: The Upper Plateau Trail provides great views of the grasslands stretching across the plateau. It traverses at the edge of the forest and is generally flat, although the southern end’s switchback is steep. There is a bench on the branch-off from this trail that provides wonderful views. 

 

Water Gardens Trails:

• Surface: Bark mulch. 
• Width: 36” or slightly wider. Entering the Wetlands Exhibit is more narrow. 
• Average Grade: 0-5%.
• Cross Slope: Minimal.
• Distance: 0.43 miles.
• Obstacle: None. 
• Benches: Two benches on trail, additional benches in Wetlands Exhibit.
• All terrain track chair: Recommended on Water Garden Trails, but not into the Wetlands Exhibit. 

Description: The Water Garden Trail meanders through a moist forest filled with wildflowers in the spring and offers views of the wetland from the Wetlands Exhibit and the Adkison Bridge. The majority of these trails are shaded.

The Wetland Trails begin from the Meadow Road, not long after passing the barn. The Wetland Trails are largely flat, with some rolling dips. Entrance to the Wetlands Exhibit is on a trail with some slope at the beginning, and a narrow portion. 

 

Zig-zag Trail:

• Surface: Compact dirt. 
• Width: Generally 36”, but upper section and switchbacks narrow. 
• Average Grade: 10-15%.
• Cross Slope: Moderate to severe. 
• Distance: 0.21 miles.
• Obstacle: Multiple roots and rocky, steep switchbacks. 
• Benches: Two benches, southern end closer to Upper and Lower Plateau junctions (44.00539, -122.97662) and northern end (44.00599, -122.97726).
• All terrain track chair: Due to its sharp turns and narrow width, this trail is likely impassable in the all terrain track chair.

Description: Zig-zag Trail travels through coniferous and mixed forest and crosses multiple bridges. It provides excellent native plant viewing, as well as wildflower viewing in the spring. It connects to Hillside Trail, Creek Trails, and the Plateau Trails.