This walking path is pure magic! Stretching from People's Bridge to Sellwood Bridge, it winds beautifully along the Columbia River, showcasing scenic cracks and stunning views. It's long enough for a great workout but so gorgeous it never feels like a chore. Just a heads up-avoid it at night unless you're up for a creepy, dark adventure. My absolute favorite path, hands down! read more

Springwater Corridor - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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My go-to trail for cycling. I've only done a portion of it, but one day, it'd be an amazing accomplishment to complete the entire 40-mile loop. It's a lovely, scenic (and paved) route for bikers, runners, and walkers. I prefer biking on paths meant for pedestrians as biking on the roads alongside cars isn't something I'm 100% comfortable with yet. My favorite part of the trail is when the path is adjacent to the Willamette and you're blessed with gorgeous riverside views. Can't help but feel in awe when you're surrounded by nature. This trail does get a little crowded, especially during the weekends. So if you want to crank up the speed with fewer people getting in the way, I would opt for an early morning ride. read more

Springwater Corridor - Bike Path - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Simply lovely. Perfect for all ages. Start by the Sellwood Bridge and head north and watch Portland unfold before your eyes. It is like a Hallmark commercial - the trail is filled with athletes, couples in love, parents pushing strollers and older couples. So beautiful that my kids biked a 10-mile loop to Riverplace and back with nary a complaint. There was so much to distract them that they didn't notice the distance. The Willamette River, bridges, wildlife, ponds and artwork. There are many places to pull over to stop and relax when you need a break. Portland never ceases to take my breath away. read more

Purge the "trail trash" (both people and debris) and this would be a great trail again. My 3-star rating accounts for the homeless problem, not the trail itself. Their stubborn presence makes it a risky venture during good weather (winter tends to subdue or scatter them). They're constantly trying to sneak their filthy camps back in when the police leave. A common sight (especially since summer 2016) is groups of seedy people blocking the trail as they huddle over some drug deal or stolen bike parts. I've seen them do it on purpose, acting like they should charge cyclists a toll if not politely asked to break the gauntlet. When you ride up to these scumbags you have to make strategic decisions for your safety. I usually don't slow down if they leave a decent opening, but it can get tense. Some smaller guys and women must be intimidated and skip that whole area. But it's been bad much further east at times. Once, in 2016, someone strung a line between trail marker posts and cyclists could have been easily injured at night. These urine-soaked tramps take an ownership attitude just because they live out there. In August 2018, a blue sign at the front of a semi-hidden camp read "No Snitches...." with profanity following it. They've also cut down some of the tall No Trespassing posts, and vandalized educational markers. There's no way to stop them from skulking around and destroying property. And they wonder why they're not respected by the public? When not blocking the trail in a loud, smelly mob, they leave their carts and debris on or near it. What is it with the homeless and scattered litter? They could probably scrounge up bins or bags for most of it. One can pity some of them, but not the dangerous druggies who put people at physical risk on this otherwise scenic trail. Someone nicknamed it "Avenue of Terror" for good reason. There's far too much tolerance of their erratic behavior and stench. The police need to step-up evictions, especially in the sections near 82nd and 92nd Avenues. read more

Springwater Corridor - You see stuff like this too often on the trail, distracting from greenery and scenery. Use your imagination for that brown substance. - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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The best stretch of Springwater Corridor is from Oaks Park going north to the Opera House. Along here, you get to be by the river and do not have to cross any intersections. This weekend we discovered a new chunk of the trail. An excellent starting point for this particular stretch is the trailhead parking lot and restrooms just off Johnson Creek Blvd. We jogged east, appreciating the generous width of the trail. Only minus on this stretch is that you do have to cross a few major intersections. But in a way, that is OK, because that does give you a moment to catch your breath as you wait for the light to turn green. read more

Perfect path to run and bike on! I love that Portland has such a great running/biking environment, and this is a big part of that! read more

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For biking or walking, this is the ULTIMATE trail. Beginning at the Waterfront park downtown, this paved bike trail is separated from the road and runs alongside the Willamette all the way to Sellwood then on to the Columbia river! It's a very flat, paved trail (older pavement in some areas, but still fine for road bikes), and good for all experience levels. Pro Tip: The entrance to the trail can be tricky to find if you're not already on the Eastbank Esplanade. Look for OMSI, the trail runs between it and the river with a detour past the old ballet center and around a gravel factory. There are signs the whole way, so don't fret if you think you're heading into a factory, you're not! Once cruising on the trail you'll pass Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge where it is common to see Great Blue Herons (good to know: that's the official bird of PDX!) and you'll pass between fields of wildflowers and the river. Families, joggers, and bikers all love this trail, and this area is the busiest segment. The trail leads directly into Sellwood, where you can follow the white bike signs printed on the pavement to find the new connecting trail. After zipping through the charming little neighborhoods of Sellwood, you cross a brand new pedestrian suspension bridge, then drop into light woods and zig zag along next to a stream. All of this is less than an hour ride from the starting point downtown! If you want to continue, the trail runs in a breathtaking 40 mile loop up through Gresham to the Columbia river and back to PDX. The area through Gresham has a lot of road crossings, but most have good signs and the major roads have crossing signs. This area of the trail is popular with equestrians, so be on the lookout for big horse droppings which you REALLY don't want in your bike spokes. Pro Tip: Be careful at the smaller intersections, cars don't always stop at the small stop signs and aren't always aware of bikers. Once through the heart of Gresham you get back into open land with few houses and small farms. Who could imagine that just a two hour bike ride from downtown will have you looking at sheep on a hillside?! It's amazing. Continue the loop, or turn back, or if you're really tuckered out, you can catch the Max back to town. This trail and park is one of my top 10 reasons to live in Portland! read more

Well hot diggity, I'm glad I discovered this trail just as spring and summer are on their way. From downtown, Springwater provides a long trail for biking or running all along the Willamette River from OMSI down toward Sellwood & beyond. I love to run long distances...but usually where it is flat - so this is a nice alternative to the Forest Park trail system. This is a great, well-used (thus, safe) trail for bikers, runners, and those just out for a slow stroll. You'll find some benches along the way for just sitting and taking in views of the river. read more

Springwater just destroyed me. This trail is awesome for running, walking, and biking. I have biked the section form sellwood to OMSI, and also the section from 82nd to Boring and back (the section that just kicked my butt!). Nice and flat, plenty of pastoral scenery to take in, little traffic noise, and on a weekday, nice and quiet. I can't believe I have lived in this town near 8 years and have just now made it out this trail. If you want a nice short ride/run, its very accommodating, or if you need to go on a way longer bike ride than you should, it can do that for you too! It's nice and flat, with some extremely gradual inclines here and there. It's best if you are coming from downtown, because the incline is on the way out, and the decline is on the way back in! There are lots of little shaded benches for resting, lounging, or just hanging out watching the world go by. Plenty to see and do. There are few amenities along the trail, so make sure and bring your water and any foodstuffs you may need. The trail is nice and well paved all the way to within about 3 miles of Boring, at which point it turns to gravel (for as far as I could see... I was on a road bike and couldn't check it out). There are offshoots to Powell Butte and other parks along the way. You will cross some roads here and there, but for the most part, you can pretend you are out in nature, far from the city. The section down by the river and through Oaks Bottom is also a great little stretch. Good for an afternoon stroll or as a connector from the East Bank Esplanade to the eastbound trail. The trail goes south from the Esplanade along the river and turns east at the Sellwood bridge. I can only imagine this trail is PACKED on the weekends. So, the next time you find yourself off of work on a sunny day like today (low 80's - PERFECT!), get your butt out from in front of the computer and on the Springwater trail!!! read more

First, let me say that I am very glad Portland offers a car-free multi-use path and I bike it almost every weekend. Having moved here from San Antonio, TX, I definitely appreciate Portland's bike-friendly culture (and Summer weather). All that being said, allow me to post a wish list of rules for those sharing the corridor: 1. If you are going to empty out your gypsy caravan (kids, livestock, scooters, bikes, and strollers) and go for a sojourn, please consider another location...it can be hard for others to navigate a scrum of people and animals while trying to move along the trail. 2. When a biker coming up behind you says "on your left," it means ON YOUR LEFT. Don't know what left is? Make an "L" with your index finger and thumb, and the one viewed from behind that does not look backwards is YOUR LEFT HAND. Why this is confusing I'll never know. 3. Keep your goddamned dogs on leashes. I love dogs, I have two of them, and I keep them leashed. Your dog is not a wild animal, it is not "born free," and it does not need to roam around so that it can attack any runner, biker, or rollerblader that it sees fit. 4. Speaking of dogs -- why do dog owners have to pick up their pet's poop, but horse riders are allowed to leave mountains of manure on the trail? 5. Finally, for those walking (or biking) in larger groups -- do not travel multiple people abreast like you're the Magnificent Seven or the guys from Reservoir Dogs...have some consideration for the traffic flow. It's simple, just like driving -- you stay on the right side of the road. Let me also add, that I concur with previous posters who bemoan the poor quality of the trail after Sellwood and before Gresham. The surface is quite bumpy and there are multiple major street crossings. Come on Portland, how embarrassing is it that Gresham has a much nicer part of the corridor than the "Bike Capital of the USA?" Once you get out to the Gresham part of the trail, it is smooth and runs beautifully along Johnson creek. It is true that the last 2 or so miles to Boring are unpaved, but you don't have to do this part of the trail. Overall, this trail and Forest Park combine for two great places to mostly get away from traffic and have a great experience getting in a nice walk or ride. read more

The Springwater is a dream of a trail for bicycle and pedestrian use. Perfectly paved, it connects the inner southeast industrial area near OMSI to residential and quaint Sellwood to the south, cutting through the scenic and quiet nature are of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge alongside the Wilamette River. Bike rides don't get better than this! The trail is well maintained and marked with mile markers and the scenery is pleasant. Expect to see tons of birds--even hawks and herons. Also keep your eye out for the awesome and adorable family of black cats that have grown up on the old railroad tracks that run parallel to the trail. They're the cutest strays in town! Although I most love the initial four miles that cuts through Oaks Bottom, the trail continues all the way to Boring and is part of the 40 mile loop, connecting with the 205 trail. So, get your bike and get out there! read more

One of these days I'm going to do the whole 40-mile loop of the Springwater Corridor. It's on my bucket list. For now, I will review the section I've done a few times: the stretch between OMSI and Sellwood. The path is paved, wide and well maintained. It's popular with cyclists, runners, walkers, parents with baby strollers and casual bike riders like me. I'm a huge fan of riding my bike without pesky cars around. It allows me to blare music from my travel speakers (I'm THAT girl) and possibly even enjoy a cocktail on the ride (don't tell my sponsor*). I love all there is to see on the path, I love that you can get to Oaks Park without driving, I love the view of the water and I love that I can ride my bike to Sock Dreams, the best store on the planet. I haven't been on all the bike paths in Portland (see: bucket list) but thus far the Springwater Corridor is my favorite. *I joke, I joke! I don't have a sponsor. I love drinking! read more

Now THIS is what I'm talking about! I am madly in love with Portland, in no small part due to the amazing parks and bike trails, and this one is a classic fave. This nice, smooth walking/bike trail goes on for mi-i-i-i-l-es, with ever-changing scenery from the OMSI waterfront, past Oaks Park, to Sellwood, and beyond. One day, on my heavy vintage Schwinn, I actually pumped my tired legs all the way to Gresham (I just couldn't stop, it was too much fun!). Then, I hopped on the MAX train and rode all the way back home, wheeee! From the City of Portland: "The Springwater Corridor is the major southeast segment of the 40-Mile Loop which was inspired by the 1903 Olmsted plan of a parkway and boulevard loop to connect park sites. The route is a scenic one, encompassing wetlands, buttes, agricultural fields and pastures, residential and industrial neighborhoods." I'll see you on the trail this spring! read more

Nice! My parents live really close to the Springwater (near Lents) so this path was common to me. So near and dear that I remember when it actually was train tracks, and we would sneak on the tracks with a radio to watch movies for free from the Foster drive in movie theater. I have ridden from Oaks Park to Boring and it is some trip! It's mostly flat though it does gain slight elevation once you get past Gresham. It goes through many city parks (Oaks Bottom, Powell Butte, Beggers Tick, Johnson Creek overflow -not a park) Gresham City Park, etc. I see a ton of wildlife out here, and a ton of homeless. I really don't recommend a lone female biker on this path, especially as you head east. I have definetly felt uneasy passing a group of 10-15 homeless men after darks hours saying nasty things..but I suppose that can't be helped. Lot's of hobo camps too, which is another type of wildlife viewing, I guess. Overall it's great and fun. read more

This trail keeps getting better and better. Now that it's repaved, I slide down the trail with the rolling resistance of a jack-knifed semi-truck on ice! Now if only Portland Parks and Police could keep the homeless camps and smell of human feces down to a minimum around 92nd...... read more

Well-paved bike path and beautiful views...it's perfect! Now if only my bike wasn't all janky and broken making clacky sounds everytime I have to pedal even slightly uphill...it would be so much more awesome. It was a little difficult to find the entrance coming from Clinton St, but we figured it out eventually. Lots of places along the path to sit down at a table and have a little picnic, or you can stop at Oaks Wildlife Refuge, Oaks Amusement Park, or Sellwood Waterfront Park. There's even a little food stand that sells Voodoo Doughnuts right at the Sellwood Waterfront Park (3.5 mile mark)! read more

I had the joy of exploring this trail last summer...by walking a five-mile stretch each weekend. The trail starts near OMSI, and meanders south and east past Oaks Park, through Sellwood and beyond...clear out to Boring. My friend and I would stage a car at one point then drive to another spot about 5 miles along and walk back. Each five mile stretch offered different vistas and points of interest as well as some parts that I absolutely dispised (specifically from 102nd through Milwaukie - too many intersections and busy roads to cross). There are even a few spots that I would not recommend walking alone. And even if with a partner, one of you should probably carry pepper spray. Some of it is very remote with no one in sight as far as the eye can see. The trail itself is quite wide and paved to offer good footing. Most of the terrain is fairly flat though there are some areas that offer a bit of an incline. Beware as a walker that the trail is used heavily by bikers. Most are quite curteous, offering up a "bike on the left" as they near. But others bust on by leaving only your hair blowing up as an indication that you are not alone. There are lots of park areas along the route so I think it's a great opportunity to throw a little snack in the backpack and head out for some cardio and a meal while enjoying a little bit of nature in the middle of mostly residential area. read more

I'm embarrassed that I never spent more than 5 minutes on the trail before last week. Previously I had only pedaled from greater Sellwood past Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. But the other day I went the other way, East toward 82nd. I haven't done the 40m loop, probably never will. But there is one precious gem of a spot even my short stretch that I must mention. Johnson Creek Watershed. There is a boardwalk out onto part of the wetland. There is a short side trail that goes down onto the creek. You hear frogs, birds, mini rapids. So lovely. And then you're sweaty. Thats the part I like least. I pant, I go slow. I make stops to take in the 'scenery'. And fortunately I live right on the super confusing-lose-the-trail-in-Sellwood portion. So I'm never confused. Do it. read more

If you want a few miles of uninterupted biking/walking/jogging goodness, this is where to go. Beautiful views of downtown and the river. There's even Oaks Park to tempt you. It's one of my favorite stretches of asphalt anywhere. Can you even imagine what it would have been like for the earliest settlers to walk along the river and catch their first glimpse of the tall buildings of the Portland skyline? Incredible! read more

This is a GREAT running/biking path! In my trips to PDX, I've been totally impressed by how bike friendly it is and the safe running options are amazing. From the downtown core, I can do a quick loop using the Steel and Hawthorne bridges and there are great views all the way. It was long run for me this morning so I decided to go further and down the Springwater Corridor from the Eastbank esplanade - it's perfect. It's not too busy but there's enough people around to feel safe. There's mile markers every 0.5 miles so you can easily track your distance, and its length runs about 40 miles according to the sign. My only complaint was that the entrance wasn't that easy to find until I was right there, but that's probably just me being a tourist. read more

If you live in southeast Portland this trail allows excellent access to Powell Butte. For mountain bikers and cross bikers this is the SHIT!!! read more

Springwater Corridor - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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One of my favorite easy bike rides along the Willamette River in Portland with access to downtown, the urban hip Pearl district, Sellwood, Johnson Creek out to Cartlandia food carts (8145 SE 82nd Ave) and so on. Better than some other great bike trails, like along the Snake river, Boise, Idaho, and the river trail in Redding, CA., Deschutes River in Bend, OR., or Austin, TX. read more

Love this path. Drove up from Eugene to ride the entire 42 miles round trip. There are turn outs to stop & buy food plus there is a lunch wagon park famous for some great dishes. They only take cash. read more

Springwater Corridor - Boat houses - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Would be a great trail if it weren't for the spandex nazis trying to run my kids over. "Watch your babies!" yells a biker peddling as fast as can be with no thought to slow down for my three year old who I luckily grabbed out of harms way just in time. Isn't it a pedestrian AND a biker trail? It's certainly not a road. Slow the "F" down and watch out for others. read more

I have been on a fair stretch of the trail, but just recently biked between Sellwood Bridge and OMSI. It is a beautiful (and flat) trail that follows the water and there are some amazing art installations along this part. I highly recommend coming here on a slightly overcast day, when the birds are out and there are fewer people - because it gets crazy in the summer! read more

I was all excited to take my first long bike ride Monday. And then I got on the trail...I mean off the trail. This things starts and stops and spits you out on city streets with no indication of which way to go. I spent a good while just trying to figure out where the damned thing was. I did actually enjoy the ride when I was on the trail...until it got super bumpy (mile 5-ish, i think). I stuck with it for a mile or so to see if it would smooth out again. It didn't. It would be fine on a more comfortable bike, but my aluminum road bike with it's hard seat wasn't doing it. Maybe someday I'll start a bit farther down, I hear it's really nice once you get out in the boonies. read more

This is why we live in Portland, for parks and useful trails like this one. I was a little ambitious as I wanted to ride from mile marker 5 to 19 and back. Although it's a flat ride virtually the entire way, I unfortunately took a little bit of a detour and I ended up riding over Mt. Scott (not recommended). I live south of Portland, so I had to drive out to Milwaukie and parked on the street at SE Linn and SE 19th; there is plenty of curb space available so parking is not much of an issue. Caught the trail right there which is mile marker 5. Now here's where I made my critical error: between marker 7 & 8 the trial comes to an intersection of Johnson Creek Blvd and Bell Ave. and the trail continues in a NE direction (basically diagonally across the intersection) but if you don't pay attention, which I did not you can end up riding on John Creek Blvd. This is funny, because I knew the trail was flat from previous reviews etc. and when I started climbing up Johnson Creek following some ridiculous bicycle lane detour signs, I never stopped to think that I was off the trail. I figured there was a closure and I was taking a detour. So I keep going in the bike lane all the way up and over Mt. Scott. This pleasant leisurely ride just turned into the 17th stage of the Tour De France and believe me, I am no Lance Armstrong...I paid the price. Somehow, I found my way down the mountain and picked up the trail again at 92nd but by then, I just wanted to go home and rest so I headed back in the direction I came. I will try again to go all the way to the end someday, but I will definitely stay on the trail. read more

My horse is stabled steps from the Springwater Trail. It has been a fabulous experience training her to walk along it without reacting negatively to all the bikes, pedestrians and dogs. We can ride right into Powell Butte's equestrian trails too. I highly recommend it. You can park a horse trailer at Powell Butte and ride down to the Springwater Trail. Most cyclists slow down and call out when they are coming up behind us. Transients popping out of the thick brush along the trail are more scary. We do always go back and remove manure...you can't carry a shovel while you are riding.. read more

Springwater Corridor - Wetlands just west of 122nd, it was alive with birds. - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This bike trail is nice, but not as great as the Banks-Vernonia Trail. It is a very busy trail, but nice to ride along the waterfront and check out the events happening especially during the summertime. Ride with caution though especially when your sharing the trail with runners, joggers, walkers plus strollers and avid cyclists speeding by. Also, when crossing the streets. some parts gets busy with cars passing by and having to stop at traffic lights. Parts of the trails have nice sceneries, but you will be passing by homeless camps and there is a lot of littering and the smell of feces in that area. The area doesn't seem safe when it gets near dawn, but we did ride to Cartlandia and back and it was a nice place to stop for lunch or a quick snack and then ride back. I have yet to ride the entire 40 mile, but will return to do so one day. read more

I run this corridor when I come to visit my Aunt in Sellwood. It's right down the street and there's plenty of runners and bicyclists to accompany you. Straight route with lots of views on the way--Canoers heave-ho-ing, green trees, Oaks Parks' fun attractions, and water's beautiful reflection. People are hiking on the outside of the corridor, making their way around the old railroad tracks with their dogs nearby. Such a perfect place to run if you enjoy a pretty calm breeze and no distractions. Just be sure to remember to stay to your right and pass on the left. A motto that will repeat in your head as others wiz by... read more

LB-ed for 7 miles from the beginning of the trail to a little pass Oaks Park. Pretty busy though. Still a fun ride.

I'm a wimp, so I only bike this from about the Hawthorne Bridge to Sellwood and back. However, it's a great ride, and I am using it to build up my endurance. The section north of Oaks Bottom is cool with the pond, and passing the amusement park and hearing the sounds of fun times being had is awesome. read more

if only the west side of the river had as continuous a stretch, the 8-12 mile loop from sellwood to downtown and back would be a much easier passage...alas, it doesn't, but here on the springwater, you can parallel the river efficiently and in the company of many fellow users. ...okay maybe TOO many fellow users. some sunny weekend days see plenty a near-miss between cyclist and runner or walker and stroller, etc; i've seen it get near-ugly, but generally things run smoothly given the river proximity, distance, and long flat shot. seasonally, there are kittens between the railroad and the ross island cement co property; it seems the employees there feed them - just a forewarning, parents, you run the risk of heading home with a kitten or two some spring day. read more

PUBLIC INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF THE SPRINGWATER CORRIDOR TRAIL ON FEB. 1 Clackamas County, OR  -  Please join us to celebrate the completion of the 21-mile Springwater Corridor Trail at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Boring Station Trailhead Park. The grand opening celebration marks a true milestone for urban trails in the region - The paved Springwater Corridor Trail now extends from downtown Portland to Boring, Ore.   Clackamas County Parks recently completed the final 2.25-mile segment of the Springwater Corridor Trail, from Rugg Road to Boring Station Trailhead Park.   "It's exciting to see the vision of this incredible urban trail finally complete," said Jeroen Kok, Strategic Planning, Development and Resource Manager. "The trail extends across a very interesting and varied landscape across the Portland region and will be enjoyed by users of all ages and abilities for years to come. Clackamas County is very proud to be able to complete the last segment of this outstanding project that so many people have envisioned for so long."   The final project included: Widening and paving 2.25 miles of trail surface with 10 foot-wide asphalt and 2 to 4 feet of compacted gravel shoulders; significant drainage improvements; a new bridge deck and railings; improvements at the intersection of Telford and Haley Road; and enhanced signage and street crossings. The Oregon Department of Transportation's Transportation Enhancement Program and Metro's voter-approved 2006 Natural Areas Bond Measure provided funding for the project, with additional financial support from Clackamas County Parks. Portland Parks and Recreation owns the trail right-of-way.  We would like to thank our project partners at ODOT, Murray, Smith & Associates, Inc., C&M Excavation and Utilities LLC, Metro, Clackamas County Department of Transportation, Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, Portland Parks & Recreation, the City of Gresham and Oregon State Parks & Recreation. A very special thank you goes out to the Friends of Boring Station and to the residents along the trail for their support and understanding during construction. We hope to see you at the Grand Opening of this beloved trail! WHAT:                 Springwater Corridor Trail Grand Opening Celebration WHEN:                 1:30 p.m. Feb. 1 WHERE:               Boring Station Trailhead Park                                 28000 S.E. Dee St., Boring, Ore. CONTACT:           (503) 742-4400; clackamas.us/parks/springwater read more

I love riding the Springwater corridor. When it's not too crowded it's the most serene ride in Portland. It seems to go on forever and contains many of Portland's mystery locations. Almost too good a secret to keep. ssshhhhhhh. read more

Easy path for biking and running. Quiet and enjoyable, nice to take the kids on for a bike ride.

Stretches of the Springwater Corridor Trail - particularly east of 82nd - do not feel safe. The numbers of permanent campers have grown exponentially in the last 3 years and not all of them want simply to be allowed to live where they can afford to. Groups congregate in the middle of the path and harass cyclists. Some of them are clearly drunk or high and just itching for a fight. Portland police maintain their hands are tied. Lone female riders always need to be particularly alert (a young woman was attacked and raped on the Springwater in March). After today's brush with belligerent campers, though my husband was with me, I don't plan to travel the Springwater toward Gresham until there are regular police patrols. I'll grant the path 2 stars because it's a great way to travel in the other direction toward the city center. read more

This is an awesome running trail with great scenery and markers every half mile. You can't ask for much more than that. However, there are a ton of homeless people living on the banks of the river, right next to the trail. Homeless people are cool, but they are setting up long term encampments here, which typically means problems will eventually come. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this trail during daylight hours. You may also want to bring a buddy. read more

I tend to give the trail a B-plus or an A-minus, depending on my mood on any given day. I ride the trail on my bike, and it is very convenient for me in that I only have to ride about a mile to get to it. I have two usual routes involving the trail, and sometimes a third. If you get on the trail at Johnson Creek and go west, you can get twenty miles, or nearly so, out of a ride from there to Oak's Park, past the park to the Steele Bridge, cross the bridge and come back to the east side via Hawthorne Bridge, and then head back toward Johnson Creek. There is only a brief portion of this route that is on city streets which is a good thing most of the time. If you go east from the Johnson Creek entrance, you can exceed twenty miles by quite a bit with a trip to Boring. I mix it up sometimes by riding up to Division, then back down to get on the trail at 182. I've stayed out on the trail out and back, gone out on the trail and back on Division, or gone out on Division and back on the trail countless times, and I anticipate many more such trips. The trail is not without its problems, however. I am not sure what government agency contracts for trail construction, or trail specs, but there could be some work done there. There is a very smooth, road quality portion of the trail east of 82nd, but many portions of the trail could simply have used another pass or two from the steam roller after the blacktop went down. I'm sure it's fine for a walker, but from a biker's point of view, particularly when on a road bike, it's pretty darn rough at times out east, (and "rough" means "slower" for those who don't know). While I'm on the subject of "east," I have to also advise prospective users that the section of the trail east of the 205 freeway is also made available to people who wish to ride horses there. I do not know why, if dog owners are expected to pick up the presents that dogs leave in public areas, that horse owners must not be, because they do not. The trail is both bumpy and smelly from the effects of horse droppings at some points east of I-205. The only other problem I've experienced with the trail is that since it is so easy to access, a lot of people access it, (it's crowded). If you are a stroller, or a cruiser on a bike, it's not much of a problem. If you are looking for a serious workout, you are going to get frustrated by the people who block your path because they have their headphones on so they do not even know you are there as you come up behind them. This is such a serious problem that I have resorted to only using the trail either early in the morning, near sunrise, or late in the afternoon, near dusk. In an over-all sense, I am quite happy that we have such a place to go. If I were to try to improve it, I would smooth out the pavement, clean up the horse mess out east, and educate people to the fact that when they are on the trail, they have to pay attention to others that are on the trail. If we could have all that, it would be nearly perfect. read more

I'm hoping to up this trail a star once I get to the Oaks Bottom portion. I went on a sunny Sunday afternoon and it wasn't too crowded. I imagine it would be a lot nicer on a partly cloudy day; there is little shade cover. I biked from about 52nd to within 2 miles of Boring; some more research would have uncovered the fact that there ain't nothin' but gravel for about the last three miles. My brother and I roughed it for a mile or so, then turned back. Whoops. My ass is thanking me today. And I'm pretty sure it's being sarcastic. Very few water stops, so be prepared. This does offer a nice alternative to a more adrenaline-charged traffic-laden ride, and not being strenuous, offers plenty of opportunity for reflection and people watching. It's a bit narrow in places, and could do with a repaving (which is happening!). At one point we were passed by an older fuzzy-armed gent who was booking it wearing a reflective neon sleeveless jersey and towing a cooler. We think maybe he was part of the green Oregon transplant team on his way to Boring from one of the Portland hospitals. Yes, there was most definitely a liver in that cooler. Sweet. read more