Baxter Woods

Baxter Woods is an amazing little spot situated between Forest Ave and Stevens Ave that does a good job of keeping itself a secret.
Located across from the Fish Market on Forest Ave, it looks like a nice little park and some woods. From the Stevens Ave side, it looks like a trail in to some woods. Much like a Tardis, this park is bigger on the inside.
The trails wind and twist and turn and you discover that this little slice of nature is just want you need in this little busy town. There are additional access points from other side streets and neighborhoods as well.
Once in the trails, you will find mostly clear trails with the normal leaves and some roots and sticks covering them. You can take the side trails and make for a longer walk and you can do more than once circle.
Note: this is an off leash area for people to bring dogs so be aware of that if you are nervous around dogs. A furry pal might want to make your acquaintance but I have never encountered any issues. There is a small field where many people will let the dogs run with other dogs, other than that, you will just encounter a couple of people with dogs as you walk.
This is a great place to take a walk on a rainy day due to the canopy provided by the trees!

Baxter woods is a fairly unique forested park boxed between residential streets. You have to park on one of the nearby streets to enter. However, you quickly forget how close to houses you are in the dense vegetation. The loop around only takes a few minutes, but it’s perfect for a quick stroll or dog walk. There are also a ton of squirrels which is great or terrifying depending on how you look at squirrels.

Oak
ash
and
pine
Baxter Woods, or more formally known as the Major Baxter Woods, is a 32 acre woody area that remains the largest undisturbed track of land in Portland.
It was donated by Percival Baxter and is a lovely place to walk, bike, cross country ski, snow shoe or walk a dog. Lots of people use these woods and you will probably meet some friendly people along the paths no matter what time of the year you visit.
The main trail is very wide and easy and smaller, more rugged side trails run off from each side. Lots of signs, it’s pretty hard to get lost in here and all the trails either loop back to the main trail or just circle around themselves.
Lots of beautiful old trees in these woods, mature oaks, ash and pine give the area a lovely smell and the sound of a whole multitude of birds can be heard in the spring.
Not the place for a strenuous hike, most of the trails are pretty flat and the woods aren’t that large for a real workout. It is a nice place to find some nature, peace and beauty.

Great neighborhood spot for walking, running, biking and exploring. Nice to have some greenery so close to downtown.
There are trails throughout the woods. Field of trees on Stevens Ave is beautiful.
Bring your dog!