Hoyt Arboretum is a museum of trees, with "exhibits" containing more than 2300 species of trees and shrubs, many of which are helpfully labeled.
Many of the trails are named for the species they highlight.
In addition to Beech and Oak, you can find trails for Spruce, Fir, Redwood, Maple, Hawthorn, Walnut, Magnolia, Bristlecone Pine, White Pine, and Hemlock as well as a Holly Loop.
Other plantings are marked on the map, like the this bamboo grove, also the site of one of the park's art installations, Basket of Air by Ivan McLean.
Technically, the arboretum is not part of the park. That appears to be mainly a matter of history. That land that "is" Washington Park was designated as a park from the time of its purchase in 1871. The Arboretum land served as the Multnomah County Poor Farm, Hillside Farm, from 1889 to 1922, and did not become the arboretum until 1930, with the WPA contributing to its development.
There should never be any doubt about the derivation of the "hillside" name: slopes are steep and you can go down a long way with still farther to go.
There are spots where you can see the forest for the trees.
As much as the preservation of endangered species does play a role, and as much as you can certainly learn about trees, the area is largely used for hiking, with twelve miles of trails.
There is the occasional stopping place, but mainly you just keep walking.
There are event spaces. While Stevens Pavilion is the most familiar (in close proximity to the ride, and visually striking), you can also do shorter reservations at Wedding Meadow or Stone Circle. You can also find opportunities for classes and tours through the web site.
Accessibility: Two of the twelve miles of trails are wheelchair accessible. That includes access to the Visitor Center, the Overlook Trail, and the Bristlecone Pine Trail, with its picnic area. Even so, some parts clearly are not accessible. Plan accordingly.
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