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An eight-mile loop route that's popular with local trail-seekers.


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Map Key

8.1

Miles

13.1

KM

92%

Runnable

940' 286 m

High

322' 98 m

Low

1,071' 326 m

Up

1,063' 324 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

22%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek

Overview

A good introduction to trail navigation in Forest Park, this route features portions of the super popular NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail and Wildwood Trail - National Recreation Trail. Along the way, you'll find a couple of fun ascents and descents all of which are connected by smooth single- and doubletrack.

Runner Notes

Parking at the trailhead gets tight, as it's a neighborhood. In the morning, runners and cyclists frequent the Clearing Cafe down the hill on Thurman for post-run coffee and pastries. Tuesday evenings at 6:30 a group run uses this route as the longer of two options. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Description

Begin at the Thurman Road trailhead, and head for the NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail. Leif is a wide lane through the woods, with a steep slope up to a ridge on the lefthand side when headed north. The trail surface on is mostly gravel. White mile markers are present every quarter mile, which will help you make your way up Leif for about three miles. Then turn left onto the Nature Trail.

This portion of the route is the most idyllic. The Nature Trail meanders along and crisscrosses a stream briefly before heading up a steep hill to dead end at the Wildwood Trail - National Recreation Trail. At the intersection you'll find a clearing with a picnic table.

You'll work along the Wildwood Trail - National Recreation Trail another four-plus miles, then take a left onto Wild Cherry Trail. Wildwood and Wild Cherry are both singletrack trails through dense woods. Trees fallen across these trails are not uncommon.

Wild Cherry will bring you back to Leif at the portapotty about a quarter mile from where you started; take a right and continue on back to the gate.

Contacts

Shared By:

Todd Johnson

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 12 votes

#2

in Forest Park

#2777

Overall
  4.1 from 12 votes
5 Star
42%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Forest Park

#77

in Oregon

#2,777

Overall
67 Views Last Month
5,518 Since Feb 12, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

15%
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69%
8%
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Photos

A woman takes some time at lunch to run the Dogwood Trail. Photo by Bill Cunningham
Aug 27, 2015 near West Haven, OR
A runner makes his way up the Keil Trail. Bill Cunningham Photo
Aug 27, 2015 near West Haven, OR
Wild Cherry Trail
Jul 19, 2019 near West Haven, OR
Descending Nature Trail by the stream
Dec 18, 2019 near West Haven, OR
A hiker out for some evening exercise checks out the early fall colors along Rocking Chair Creek on the Nature Trail. Bill Cunningham Photo
Sep 4, 2015 near West Haven, OR
A woman hikes the Wildwood Trail at the point it intersects with Fir Lane 1, which can be seen in the upper right. The are is very family-friendly as it has easy excess to a wide clearing with picnic tables.
Nov 19, 2015 near West Haven, OR
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