Yesterday, I paid a visit to the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon, and I want to share my experience and a few photos with you because I discovered that whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or a city dweller, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Hoyt Arboretum.

Foliage at Portland's Hoyt Arboretum
Foliage at Portland’s Hoyt Arboretum. Credit: Amanda Tai
After stopping by the visitor center to grab a map, I was ready to hit the trails. I started out on the Redwood Trail, which features rich groves of redwoods and sequoias.
After stopping by the visitor center to grab a map, I was ready to hit the trails. I started out on the Redwood Trail, which features rich groves of redwoods and sequoias. Credit: Amanda Tai
From the Redwood Deck, I was able to get a 360-degree view of these gigantic trees. It’s quite a peaceful and humbling experience.
From the Redwood Deck, I was able to get a 360-degree view of these gigantic trees. It’s quite a peaceful and humbling experience. Credit: Amanda Tai
From the Redwood Trail, I veered off onto the Bristlecone Pine Trail, where I saw something I later found out is called the Chilean Monkey Puzzle Tree. Its name comes from the unique structure of its leaves and branches, which would present a challenge to a monkey trying to climb it. As you can see in the picture above, it has an unusual spiky appearance that looks like aloe vera leaves.
From the Redwood Trail, I veered off onto the Bristlecone Pine Trail, where I saw something I later found out is called the Chilean Monkey Puzzle Tree. Its name comes from the unique structure of its leaves and branches, which would present a challenge to a monkey trying to climb it. As you can see in the picture above, it has an unusual spiky appearance that looks like aloe vera leaves. Credit: Amanda Tai