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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

Point to Point

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

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 hike, 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

#8482

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

#241

in Oregon

#8,482

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

43%
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57%
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Photos

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
A mother and son hike on the Erikson Trail with their dog. Bill Cunningham Photo
Aug 27, 2015 near Portland, OR
A woman walks her dog along the Erikson Trail near Gas Line Rd. Bill Cunningham Photo
Sep 1, 2015 near West Haven, OR
A light hike up NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail.
Oct 7, 2016 near Portland, OR
Hiker pets the soft thimbleberry leaves.
Aug 7, 2015 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

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 30 days ago
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Check-Ins

Nov 13, 2022
Christina Wallace
Jan 9, 2021
Brad Lynch
Some mud puddles. Cross but not too bad 6.7mi — 2h 03m
Mar 16, 2017
Anna Riscoe
Mar 15, 2016
Sebastian Rown
11.6mi

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