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An easily accessible singletrack trail for pedestrian use only, offering a variety of serene beauty.


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Map Key

0.8

Miles

1.3

KM

Point to Point

283' 86 m

High

99' 30 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

184' 56 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The trail is easily accessible from either Upper- or Lower Macleay Park. The grade is shallow and much of the trail is handicap accessible from the Lower end.

Description

The Lower Macleay Trail is singletrack and for pedestrian use only. It is one of the most popular trails in Forest Park, partly due to its easy accessibility from either Upper- or Lower Macleay Parks. It also offers a great example of the diversity to be found in Forest Park. The trail is handicap accessible from the lower end.

It breaks off of the Wildwood Trail - National Recreation Trail at the 5.5-mile markerthe location of the Stone House, which was built by the City of Portland in 1929 as a rest station with bathrooms and running water. It suffered from repeated vandalism, and during the Columbus storm of 1962 resulted in severe damage to the plumbing and the roof. The city decided not repair the building, and instead removed all the fixtures, doors, and roof. All that remains is the stone framework.

The trail runs along Balch Creek, a home to native cutthroat trout and very environmentally sensitive. There is a split-rail fence along much of the trail as well as locations for sitting to rest and enjoying the surroundings.

Flora & Fauna

The trail is home to some medium-growth Douglas fir, big-leaf maple, vine maple, and horse chestnut trees. Seasonal wildflowers are abundant, including the popular Western trillium. Near the Western end is also the tallest tree in Portland, a 242-foot tall Douglas fir.

A variety of birds and small animals may be found and even a barred owl might be spotted perched in the trees.

Contacts

Shared By:

Forest Park Conservancy

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 13 votes

#7

in Forest Park

#7579

Overall
  4.2 from 13 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
54%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#7

in Forest Park

#208

in Oregon

#7,579

Overall
35 Views Last Month
3,949 Since Mar 5, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

67%
7%
27%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Framed by moss-covered vine maple trees, two people stop to enjoy the view along Balch Creek.
Jan 27, 2016 near Portland, OR
A mother and her two sons enjoying the Lower Macleay Trail. Bill Cunningham Photo
Aug 27, 2015 near Portland, OR
Lower MacLeay Trail along the creek.
Jun 26, 2015 near Portland, OR
Lower MacLeay Trail with a creek flowing alongside it.
Jun 26, 2015 near Portland, OR
ZooBear
Jul 19, 2019 near Portland, OR
Hikers stop to take in the view at the intersection of the Wildwood and Lower Macleay Trails. The site of the Stone Hose is a popular attraction.
Oct 5, 2015 near Portland, OR
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 25, 2020
Michael Young
Jan 5, 2020
Ryan M
13h 30m
Oct 5, 2019
Kim L
Jun 22, 2019
Kevin Nguyen
Easy 0.8mi — 11h 10m
Jun 1, 2019
Aaron X
1.6mi
May 26, 2019
Mackenzie Baughman
Mar 30, 2019
Jeff Jeff
Jan 5, 2019
Cameron Booth
Done this trail so many times, and it's always a treat.

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