Winter Trail Runs in Portland

The new year is a time for refreshing and reinvigorating your personal life. For many people, that means giving fitness goals some extra attention.

Fortunately for those who aspire to run more, Portland has a wealth of gorgeous trails of varying difficulty that make it easy to clock some miles, conquer your fitness goals and take in a lovely view.

Here are just a few favorites.

Marine Drive from Broughton Beach

Out and back for any distance you choose, up to about 25 miles round trip
Paved riverside trail

This is a paved path along the Columbia River that is moderately used by walkers, runners and bikers. It’s relatively flat with smooth pavement. You can follow the path all the way to Troutdale, with a few Marine Drive crossovers along the way. Expect to see herons and other birds swooping along the river.

There is limited parking along the path, so the parking lot at the Broughton Beach day use area for $5 is your best bet, unless you want to get creative and look for other spots.

Wildwood Trail

Loops of 2-3 miles, option to extend much further
Unpaved wild forest

You absolutely cannot talk about trail running in Portland without mentioning the Wildwood Trail! This beloved trail runs the entire length of Forest Park. Unless you’re running in the very early hours of the morning, the south end of the trail is heavily used every day of the week. We don’t recommend running there for that reason.

Instead, head north! The north end of Wildwood has many starting points. It’s lush, relatively quiet and you can make the route your own. One idea is to start from the Wildwood Trailhead parking lot on Germantown Road. Head north on the Wildwood Trail to the Newton Road Trail. Newton Road loops around and connects back up with Wildwood at three different points so you can choose your distance, from about 2-3 miles. Eager runners can extend further along Wildwood for an out and back of extra mileage.

Mount Tabor

1-5 mile loops
Mostly paved
Flat or steep

Mount Tabor is the perfect option when you want to get in a short, steep run. The reservoir loop is a flat half mile but head up the hill along the roads or stairs for a steep challenge. Wind through the network of roads and paths under the canopy of towering trees. The views are the reward! Take in sweeping city vistas as you catch your breath at the top.

If you live nearby Mount Tabor, that’s a bonus! Even just running from the residential streets to the park entrance is a workout.

Hoyt Arboretum

1-4 mile trail loops
A 12 mile trail network
Unpaved forest

Hoyt Arboretum is located just a few miles from downtown Portland, yet feels worlds away. The lush forested area is home to nearly 1,000 tree species. With all those trees cleaning the air, your lungs will thank you for the time you spend running there!

The trails are all moderately graded, meaning a bit of a workout for new runners. The surface is very well maintained, making for a good training ground for those who are uncomfortable on rooty, rocky and technical trail terrain, especially in the winter.

Portland Trail Tips

1. Remember that if you’re heading to a non-paved trail, the surface may be muddy and slippery. Even just a little bit of rain in the city can result in soupy, sloppy forest park trails. Come prepared! Wear trail running shoes with good grip and bring a change of socks and shoes for the drive home. You might even want to bring a tote bag to carry your dirty gear after the run.

2. Many trailheads have no water or toilets, so come prepared.

3. Keep your car as empty as you can. Even an empty tote bag on the front seat can be a temptation, and trailhead car break-ins are far too common to risk it.

4. Practice good trail etiquette. Some stretches of trail are too narrow for two people to pass at once. Trail users should always yield to the slower trail users. That means runners yield to hikers, and bikers yield to everyone. But for good measure, it’s a good idea to step to the side and yield if you aren’t sure what the other person is going to do.
   
   When approaching someone from behind, it’s a good idea to slow your pace and make sure you don’t startle them. This may mean gently saying “I’m passing on the left” or simply saying hello as you pass. The trail is a relaxed and serene place, so you can’t assume people will be aware that you are behind them, and it’s easy to spook someone who is (understandably) blissed out in the woods.

5. Running is very popular in Portland! Seek out a running group if you’re looking to improve your skills, be more social on the trail or if you just need the accountability.