In July, Host2Host members were offered the opportunity to explore Hoyt Arboretum with a local, expert guide. Host2Host Charter member and former Board Member, David Boe, wrote the book on the natural beauty and historic significance of Hoyt Arboretum in Walk With Me: Discover Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon.

During a 90-minute walk designed as a “best of” overview of some of the many amazing sites and stories of the park, hosts were delighted to discover what makes the Hoyt Arboretum one of the Crown Jewels of Portland’s park system. 

Attendees enjoyed interesting anecdotes that David has collected over 25 years of living in the neighborhood and marveled at the changing tree canopy. Some were surprised by how quickly the group moved from a typically European forest to western Oregon forest and finally a predominantly California forest in a short amount of time. Under David's expert guidance, the differences between them became obvious and dramatic.

The group even had the good fortune to happen upon a bride and groom enjoying a photoshoot along the Redwood Trail. With picture perfect light from the golden-hour forest glow of a midsummer afternoon, it was as if they (and we) had stepped into a fairy tale.

With best wishes to the happy couple, it was the perfect end to a magical visit to one of Portland’s best places.