In the Portland area it can often feel like our neighborhoods and wilderness areas are one and the same. Upon arrival at a view point in Portland, you’ll mostly see trees with the occasional house or building peeking through. Upon arrival at such a view point it might occur to you “gosh, there must be some sweet trail networks around here”, and if you thought that, you would be right.
Some of Portland’s trail networks have a legitimate backcountry feel while others are urban and suburban paved paths, and there a plenty in between. Best of all, compared to other metros Portland isn’t very big and its even easier to get around on the weekends, so your encounter with nature is probably just a few minutes away.
Here are some trails you need to know about. This isn’t all of them, so if you want to talk about your favorite trail let me know what it is.
The Natural Escapes
When you want to completely forget you are in the middle of a major metropolitan area, these expansive forested parks offer a true backcountry feel.
· Forest Park: This is the biggie. With over 80 miles of trails, including the Wildwood Trail upon which you can walk the 30 miles from the zoo to NW Newberry Road. This urban forest provides abundant elevation change and canopy cover. It is a fantastic lifestyle draw for Northwest Portland and a perfect spot for your trail run or weekend stroll. o Learn more: https://www.portland.gov/parks/forest-park
· Tryon Creek State Natural Area: 658 acres of nature separates SW Portland and Lake Oswego, this forested escape feels worlds away from the surrounding neighborhoods. With over eight miles of forested trails for hiking and jogging, plus a paved cycling path that runs the length of the park, it’s one of the best options if you want to be in a forest asap.
o Learn more: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=103
· Lake Oswego's Hunt Club to Springbrook Park: You’ll feel like a Lake Oswego native if you take this route. Ascending up from the 1930’s era Lake Oswego Hunt Club, you climb your way into the Uplands neighborhood and connect almost immediately to Springbrook Park. At 52 acres, this park is the largest natural area completely within the city of Lake Oswego, you’ll find 52 acres of native wetlands and two miles of trails under a peaceful canopy. o Learn more: https://www.springbrookpark.org/
· Marquam Nature Park & Trails: Located in the Southwest Hills around the area of the OHSU campus, this web of paths is interwoven through the neighborhoods. These hillside trails are generally in excellent condition and are under a heavy mixed canopy of trees as you top out at Council Crest park. o Learn more: https://www.portland.gov/parks/marquam-nature-park
The Urban-Nature Blend
If you prefer your nature mixed with city views, architecture, and a bit of Portland history, these routes offer a perfect hybrid experience.
· The 4T Trail System: Nothing says Portland like the 4T Trail system. The four Ts stand for Trail, Tram, Trolley, and Train. You walk from South Waterfront through Marquam Nature Park up to Council Crest (the highest point in the city), continue on trails north to downtown, have lunch in NW Portland, and then hop on the Portland Streetcar to loop back to Sout Waterfront. o Learn more: https://www.travelportland.com/culture/4t-trail/
· Mt. Tabor Park: A dormant volcanic cinder cone right in the heart of Southeast Portland. This web of trails, paved paths, parks, and open water reservoirs will make you want to get all your steps done on a regular basis. o Learn more: https://www.portland.gov/parks/mt-tabor-park
Suburban Greenways & Paths
For long weekend bike rides, stroller-friendly walks, or flat runs, the suburbs south and west of the city are connected by fantastic multi-use greenways.
· Tualatin's Paved Path Network & The Tualatin River Greenway: The City of Tualatin has done a phenomenal job prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist accessibility, actively funding and expanding an incredible interconnected system of flat, paved, multi-use paths. One of the best stretches is the Tualatin River Greenway Trail, a paved path that runs alongside the river. The city's continuous network makes it easy to enjoy an evening walk, a family bike ride, or carless access between local parks. o Learn more: https://parks.tualatinoregon.gov/parks-trails/
· Fanno Creek Trail: This paved path acts as an artery connecting Tigard, Tualatin, and Beaverton. It cuts through wetlands, parks, and residential neighborhoods, offering a fantastic, flat, continuous route for cyclists and joggers looking to avoid traffic. o Learn more: https://www.tualatinhillsparks.org/396/Fanno-Creek-Trail
Right now is prime outdoor season in the Portland area, the weather is usually good and the sun is up almost 15 hours every day. This time frame gives you plenty of time and more reasons to get out and enjoy where we live. If you go somewhere new, let me know how you like it
