Hoyt Arboretum, Portland

Located atop a ridge in the west hills of the city, this 187-acre (0.76 km2) reserve is much more than a woodsy park – it's a living museum of plants, with just under ten thousand shrubs and trees representing over 1,100 species from around the world, including dozens of species that are endangered in the wild. Most of these have labels identifying common and scientific names as well as region of origin; moreover, the trees – many of which are very large and clearly planted many years ago – are organized and grouped according to genus.

There are always seasonal highlights, from the magnificent magnolias in the spring to fiery-colored maples in the fall and witch hazels in mid-winter. Of special note are the giant Dawn Redwoods – rare deciduous conifers dating from the Jurassic period and thought to be extinct until specimens were discovered in a remote Chinese valley in the 1940s. These amazing trees bear soft, short needles and have a distinctive look in that the branches seem to push out from folds in the trunk.

Twelve miles (19 km) of hiking trails wind through the arboretum, including the Wildwood Trail that continues into Forest Park. If possible, plan your visit to coincide with a volunteer-led guided tour ($3/person donation suggested); check the Arboretum's events calendar for exact days/times. Although key trees and plants are labeled and free maps to well-marked walks ranging from ½ mile to 1.25 miles in length can be picked up at the Visitor Center or downloaded from the Arboretum’s website, the guided tour adds immeasurably to the experience.