In 2011, Portland-based lead singer for The Decemberists, Colin Meloy, wrote an epic young-adult fantasy novel set in a fantastical version of Portland’s Forest Park, along the Wildwood Trail. The whimsical world of “Wildwood” — illustrated by Meloy’s wife, Carson Ellis — has been a best-seller since then but now takes on a new life with the release of the stop-motion animated film, “Wildwood,” by Hillsboro-based LAIKA Studios.
Set for release on Oct. 23, 2026, the film showcases beloved Portland iconography like the St. Johns Bridge, Portland Saturday Market, Tom McCall Waterfront Park‘s cherry blossoms, downtown’s Benson Bubblers and other Stumptown landmarks.
The film promises 132 minutes of nonstop adventure, setting a record for the longest stop-motion animated film by runtime. Here’s how to enjoy your own Wildwood adventure in Portland.
View this post on Instagram
Follow the Crow Trail
Start by following the crows, which feature a large role in the book and movie. Thirty 6-foot, artfully hand-painted crow sculptures are displayed throughout the city on a free public art trail through Nov. 1, 2026. You can find them at locations including the International Rose Test Garden, Pittock Mansion and the Bird Alliance of Oregon, as well as throughout downtown. Download the app or get a free printed map at the Portland Visitor Center.
‘Wildwood’ Public Events to Enjoy
- Sept. 19, Crow Painting with Mike Bennett — Join this playful Portland artist at his Northeast Portland studio in a community painting session to help raise funds for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
- Oct. 1, Crow lecture at OMSI — Join Dr. Kaeli Swift, an avian behavioral ecologist, at this ticketed evening event to hear about the remarkable intelligence, behavior and social lives of crows.
- Oct. 23, “Wildwood” movie opens nationwide
- Oct. 31-Nov. 1, Wildwood: Follow the Crows Farewell Weekend —Free and open to all, this will be a gathering of the flock at Darcelle XV Plaza before the crows head to auction. Artists will be available for autographs; crow costumes encouraged.
- Nov. 15, Wildwood: Follow the Crows Auction — Join this ticketed event for an opportunity to bid on an original crow sculpture to support OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Follow the Oregon Film Trail
How can you find the real-life film locations featured in the “Wildwood” film? Follow the Oregon Film Trail markers, set to be installed in October 2026 near Pittock Mansion (along the Wildwood Trail) and another location, to be announced soon.
Follow the Wildwood Trail
Want to take your own magical journey along the Wildwood Trail? The 30-mile National Recreation Trail is best tackled in small chunks, or one epic day hike or trail run if you’re extremely adventurous and prepared for the challenge. (No biking or camping is allowed.)
The trail is all natural surface, and is marked by blue diamonds every quarter mile. Find the southern point on West Burnside and the northern point at Northwest Newberry Road.
The trail is more rugged and less populated at the north end. At the south it can often be crowded with hikers enjoying popular sites including Balch Creek Canyon, the Stone House/Witch’s Castle and Pittock Mansion.
The Wildwood Trail was dreamed up in the early 1980s by a group of volunteers and city staff. Portland Parks & Recreation collaborated with the Friends of Forest Park (now Forest Park Conservancy) and the trail was completed in 1999, just after Forest Park’s 50th anniversary. In all, Forest Park is known as the nation’s largest urban park, at 8 miles long and 1 mile wide, encompassing nearly 5,200 acres.
Nature lovers head to Forest Park all year-round to enjoy the canopy of Douglas fir, big leaf maple, grand fir, red alder, Western red cedar and Western hemlock. Plant lovers will be able to spot a variety of plant life including the sword fern, maidenhair fern, vine maple, Oregon grape and trillium.
The forest, creeks and terrain (including Balch Creek, Saltzman Creek and Miller Creek) provide habitat to over 100 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and 400 species of invertebrates.
Top notes for visitors to Forest Park:
- Be sure to obey leash laws to protect wildlife and the fragile habitats
- Stay on designated trails
- Always pack out all trash, especially pet waste.
