Event, Transportation

Free Express Shuttle to Forest & Washington Park Pilot

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) launched a pilot express shuttle service this summer to help people from all over the city reach Forest Park and Washington Park. Shuttle buses operate on a regular Friday and Saturday schedule with stops extending into neighborhoods within East, North, and Northeast Portland. Park officials hope this program will allow more people to connect with the vast park resources on the west side of the City.

A circular water feature with cascading edges, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone building in the background.
Washington Park reflecting pool 3

The Forest Park and Washington Park Express Shuttle began service on June 12th and will operate until the end of the pilot program on August 22nd. Regional private transportation provider EcoShuttle is operating buses for the program, making regular stops between select neighborhoods and the two popular city parks. The free buses provide access to the unique park resources of Forest Park and Washington Park, as well as planned activities. Shuttle schedules to the parks and back to boarding points vary, and interested riders should consult the program’s website before making plans. Additionally, pets are not allowed on the shuttle, but service animals are allowed to accompany their people.

Map showing the shuttle routes and stops for Forest Park, including East Line, Express Park Loop, North Line, and Northeast Line.
Forest & Washington Park Express Shuttle Map Courtesy PP&R

Montavilla and East Portland residents can access the shuttle at the Gateway Transit Center on NE 99th Avenue or the entrance to Floyd Light Middle School at 826 SE 108th Avenue. Riders can find a timetable on a sign near the stop by looking for the Express Shuttle logo. Restrooms and other facilities at the adjacent community center are available to people waiting for the shuttle during center operating hours. The park terminus is located at the traffic circle at the Lower Macleay Trailhead, which features picnic tables, a covered picnic pavilion,  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible restrooms, and a short, paved, ADA-accessible trail.

Schedule for the Forest & Washington Park Express Shuttle covering Fridays and Saturdays from June 12 to August 22, 2026, including routes for Express Park Loop, North Line, Northeast Line, and East Line with departure times.
Forest & Washington Park Express Shuttle schedule Courtesy PP&R

Within the parks, a connecting shuttle takes riders to Washington Park, Oregon Zoo (Stop A), Pittock Mansion (Stop B), Upper Macleay Trailhead (Stop C), Lower Macleay Trailhead (Stop D), and Leif Erikson Drive Trailhead at Germantown Road (Stop E). PP&R collaborated with community partners who offer programming that includes guided hikes, events, and activities in Forest and Washington Parks.

TriMet transit options remain a good way to access Forest Park and Washington Park. However, this express shuttle eliminates travel costs and speeds up the journey across the city. Organizers hope this program will help people enjoy Portland’s largest parks during these warm summer days, when people are looking to get outdoors. Interested residents have until August 22nd to take advantage of this free express shuttle service.

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Jacob Loeb

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