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A beautiful multi-use gem just outside the city.


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Map Key

11.6

Miles

18.6

KM

99%

Runnable

722' 220 m

High

299' 91 m

Low

379' 116 m

Up

718' 219 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding

Runner Notes

The trail surface is smooth and very runnable, with no major climbs/descents to speak of, though there's a fair amount of elevation change if you cover the whole trail.

Just be aware that traffic is high during peak times and on weekends.

Description

This trail is often described as remarkably remote feeling, despite its proximity to Portland. It's one of the more popular trails in Forest Park, and is open to all types of trail users. As mapped, you'll start out at Germantown Road on the north end of the trail, and should you choose to go the entire distance, you'll turn around at NW Thurman Rd. However, that would be quite a long run, so the best advice is to just start at either end and go as far as you want, then turn around.

Enjoy the peace and quiet along the way - it's easy to zone out as you take in the sounds and sights of the forest, and forget how close you are to the city.

The trail surface is generally smooth and wide, so there's room for the many bikes you'll likely see along the way. It can and does get a bit muddy. There are white concrete mile markers the whole way, and it's nearly impossible to get lost.

Flora & Fauna

The trail is mostly in deep-feeling forest, with maple trees and alder, and of course, evergreens and ferns. And with that comes plenty of birds, whose chirping drowns out any noise you might otherwise hear from industrial zones across the river.

Shared By:

Forest Park Conservancy

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#9

in Forest Park

#8343

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
80%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#9

in Forest Park

#240

in Oregon

#8,343

Overall
68 Views Last Month
25,823 Since Aug 24, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

43%
0%
57%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

A runner comes to the lower end of Fire Lane 3.
Nov 15, 2015 near West Haven, OR
A runner pauses with his dog on Fire Lane 2.
Nov 15, 2015 near West Haven, OR
A woman takes some time at lunch to run the Dogwood Trail. Photo by Bill Cunningham
Aug 27, 2015 near West Haven, OR
A bicyclist stops to check out the site remains of the former homestead on the Erikson Trail. Bill Cunningham Photo
Sep 1, 2015 near West Haven, OR
Descending Nature Trail by the stream
Dec 18, 2019 near West Haven, OR
A woman finishes a Leif Erikson walk with her dog. The trail is lined with evidence of old-growth logging as well as standing mid-growth conifers and hardwoods.
Sep 7, 2015 near Cedar Mill, OR
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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