Hoyt Arboretum covers 190 acres on the slopes of Washington Park, holding over 6,000 specimens from more than 2,000 species. Twelve miles of trails wind through themed sections: the Holly Collection, the Bamboo Grove, the Magnolia Collection, and a long stretch of conifers including massive coast redwoods, dawn redwoods, and dawn cypress. It's a quiet, unhurried alternative to the more crowded Japanese Garden nearby.
The arboretum is free and open year-round, from dawn to dusk. The visitor centre at the top of the park has maps and botanical information. Autumn brings spectacular colour to the deciduous sections. The arboretum connects directly to Forest Park at its north end and to the Washington Park MAX station (a steep walk or shuttle ride south).