Trail Running in Portland, OR

One of the most spectacular urban parks in the country, Forest Park has more than 5,000 acres of classic northwest forest and is located within Portland’s city limits. It is any urban trail runner’s dream. There are only a few long loop options, but the main trail runs 35 miles and is surrounded by smaller trails. Whether you want to stay closer to town and explore Balch Creek Canyon or loops around the Leif Erikson Trail, or continue to the north section of the Wildwood Trail, which is less visited, Forest Park will not disappoint.

One area in particular is evidence of Portland’s commitment to natural space preservation: the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, which was a sanitation landfill that was to become an industrial park before the City of Portland acquired it. This park not only provides views of wildlife along the route, but is also littered with wildflowers in the spring and beautiful skyline views along the way.

Additional Resources:

Races: Heel of the Northwest, Spring Fling Trail Run

Groups: Portland Trail Runners