From River Zen to Hilltop Smugness

This walk begins at the Willamette River, where everything is calm, flat, and quietly conspiring to make you think this is just a gentle riverside stroll.

We then head uphill through southwest Portland using a carefully curated mix of quiet streets, staircases, and green connectors that feel like they were discovered accidentally and never fully explained. Views appear at suspiciously convenient moments, as if the city is actively managing our emotional well-being.

Roughly halfway through, we make a strategic stop at Starbucks for a quick caffeinated pick-me-up. This stop also includes bathrooms, which feels important enough to mention twice, but I will restrain myself.

We slip into a forested canyon hiding beneath I-5, which sounds impossible and yet is somehow leafy, peaceful, and extremely on brand for Portland. Along the way we make a stop at Butterfly Park, a very small park with a very ambitious name. It feels like a secret you are now morally obligated to keep.

The route eventually reaches Terwilliger Boulevard, then relaxes into pleasant neighborhoods and the Fulton Community Garden, which exists largely to make you feel virtuous and extremely pleased with your life choices.

This is a moderate urban hike that is scenic, clever, and far more entertaining than a walk has any right to be. You will get views, coffee, bathrooms, and a solid sense of accomplishment.

The Stats:
Trail name: Willamette Park to Terwilliger Loop
Meeting Point: Willamette Park Comfort Station next to boat launch
Meeting Point GPS: 45.47532271264823, -122.66921918810955
Map of our route
Distance: Approximately 4.25 miles total
Elevation gain: 627 feet
Estimated time on trail: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trail type: Loop
Parking: Plentiful Metered Parking at Williamette Park
Bathroom at the Williamette Park Trailhead
Starbucks Bathroom & Coffee stop half way through the hike

Portland shows off. You walk it. Everyone wins.