I enjoy planning “dates” and I wanted to share my favorites with you —so I started a section called Portland date ideas.

Preparations necessary? Get ready to walk. Wear layers. Bring water and light snacks. Prepare for possible rain. Bring a flashlight if you’re planning to be there after the sun sets, but keep in mind that the park closes at 10pm.

Forest Park is the largest wooded city park in the U.S. With its close proximity to downtown and green, lush beauty, it would be silly not to visit. But with over 5100 acres including 70 miles of recreational trails to explore, it can be overwhelming to pick where to start. Below is a list of some recommended trailheads that I like to visit.

• Washington Park Trailhead  - off of Highway 26, the second exit west of the city.
• Macleay Park Trailhead - at NW 29th Avenue and NW Upshur Street.
• Leif Erikson Drive - If you start from the trailhead at the end of NW Thurman Street—about 1.5 miles west of NW 23rd Avenue—you can take Leif Erikson Drive in a northwesterly direction for 1 to 11 miles.
• Wildwood Trailhead - I park around 2010 NW Aspen Ave. I take Wildwood Trailhead up the hill and then am able to take Birch Trailhead and Holman Trailhead back down the hill. I think this loop is around 3 miles.
• Aspen Trailhead - NW Franklin Court and NW Aspen Ave. This takes you to Rocking Chair Dam.