From tranquil forest loops to expansive rail-trails and coastal walks, Oregon’s trail network has something for everyone. Whether you lace up running shoes or grab comfortable walking shoes, you’re bound to find paths that inspire.
Forest Park, Portland – Wildwood Trail
Consider starting a section of the 30-mile Wildwood Trail at Washington Park, where you can park at the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial or ride the MAX from downtown Portland.
The park, a major component of a regional system of parks and trails, covers more than 5,100 acres of mostly second-growth forest with a few patches of old growth. More than 80 miles (130 km) of recreational trails, including the Wildwood Trail segment of the city’s 40-Mile Loop system, crisscross the park.
In 1943, influential urban planner Robert Moses recommended establishing Forest Park. After several subsequent years of controversy, the park was created in 1948 with tax-delinquent lands, gifts, and purchases. This contained the first portion of the 40-mile (64 km) loop.
One of the longest urban forest trails in the U.S., this extensive network in Portland’s Forest Park offers more than 30 miles of shaded terrain. Runners can choose short loops or long point-to-point routes through lush Pacific Northwest Forest. Map https://forestparkconservancy.org/forest-park/maps/
Not literally 40 miles anymore, more like 140 miles, this evolving greenway connects parks and trails across the Portland area. It’s ideal for long runs and walks with plenty of scenic river, forest, and parkland views. The 40-Mile Loop is a partially completed greenway trail around and through Portland. It was proposed in 1903 by the Olmsted Brothers as part of the development of Forest Park. One greenway expert calls it “one of the most creative and resourceful greenway projects in the country.”
The “forty” was obsolete within a few decades after it was proposed. The proposed total path is now about 140 miles (230 km) long and connects more than thirty city parks. There are several subloops, cutoffs and spur trails within the system.
The 40-mile trail has a variety of sections: some are on level ground, such as along the Columbia River; others are heavily forested and/or hills, as through Washington Park’s Hoyt Arboretum. All portions are suitable for walking and hiking, and most are open to bicycling. There are opportunities for strollers, wheelchairs, skating, skateboarding, horseback riding, canoeing, and kayaking
The Springwater Corridor Trail is a bicycle and pedestrian rail trail in Portland. It follows a former railway line from Boring through Gresham to Portland, where it ends south of the Eastbank Esplanade. Most of the corridor, about 21 miles (34 km) long, consists of paved, off-street trail, A large segment roughly follows the course of Johnson Creek and crosses it on bridges many times.
Cazadero Trail – Near Estacada
This quieter multi-use rail corridor provides an easy trail through rural landscapes east of Portland. At about 5.8 miles, it’s a pleasant option for a mid-length run or walk. The Cazadero State Trail is an ongoing project using railroad rights to connect the Springwater Corridor with Estacada and the Clackamas River. Later the line was extended a little further to the vicinity of the current North Fork Dam (constructed in 1958). The line was abandoned in the 1940s, later allowing Oregon State Parks to take up the cause of a bike trail that reaches from Portland into the Cascade Range. Today, two impediments to a continuous trail are the deep canyon of the North Fork Deep Creek and another former trestle crossing over Eagle Creek. This section of the Cazadero Trail runs three miles to the site of the first trestle. While much of the former railroad grade rampant blackberry thickets, a scenic side trail ventures onto Metro property and takes you above the North Fork Deep Creek in a lush natural woodland.
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and Banks Venonia Trail, Washington County
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, about 30 miles west of Portland, is a 1,654-acre forested gem in Washington County’s Northern Oregon Coast Range. It offers something for everyone —whether you’re in a tent, cabin, on horseback, two wheels, or under the stars. L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is a destination for so many fun activities—whether you’re embracing the tranquility of primitive camping, cozying up in a cabin, galloping along forest trails, pedaling remote single-track, or marveling at the night sky. With year-round accommodation, rich trail systems, and engaging public events, it’s a top-tier park just a short drive from Portland. Nearly 30 miles of multi-use trails crisscross old logging roads, shaded Douglas‑fir groves, and scenic ridges—shared by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. You’ll find 15 miles of dedicated mountain bike terrain, including single-track graded green to double-black — a top spot for mountain biking in state parks. The Banks–Vernonia State Trail (21 miles, paved) runs through the park—great for a bicycle day-trip.
The Banks Vernonia State Trail is built on the Portland, Astoria & Pacific Railroad rail line to transport timber, freight, and passengers. The railroad stopped using the line in 1957 after the mills closed, and from 1965 through 1969 the Vernonia South Park and Sunset Railroad leased the line for a steam excursion train. It is now a 21-mile paved state trail.
Trail of Ten Falls – Silver Falls State Park
The Trail of Ten Falls is a designated National Recreation Trail, and lures photographers, hikers, and waterfall enthusiasts alike. Listed as a moderate hike with 800 feet elevation variation, sturdy shoes and a camera are encouraged. Each of the three trailheads leading into the canyon starts atop an over 100-foot waterfall. The descent into the pristine canyon begins within the canopy of towering Douglas Firs; as it meanders down to the undergrowth of ferns into the heart of the canyon, meeting up with the winding creek. Whether you are up for the full seven-mile trek or a shortened journey, the Trail of Ten Falls is an enjoyable and beautiful hike as you as explore from one falls to the next.
The full Trail of Ten Falls consists of Canyon Trail and Rim Trail, for a 7.2 mile loop.
McKenzie River National Recreation Trail
Enjoy this 25.6-mile point-to-point trail near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon. Stretching along the McKenzie River, this scenic trail features waterfalls, old-growth forests, and clear river views — perfect for long scenic runs or brisk walks. This is an amazing bike trail, one of the best in Oregon. You’ll pass by beautiful lakes, two big waterfalls, through lava fields, and through beautiful forests.
Pre’s Trail – Alton Baker Park, Eugene
Pre’s Trail is a great place to get some exercise and enjoy nature. The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for all levels of runners and walkers. The trail is well-maintained and has a few benches along the way for resting.
Named after legendary Olympian Steve Prefontaine, the loop winds through Alton Baker Park on wood chips and soft surfaces, mostly flat terrain, making it gentle on the joints and perfect for casual outings.
Coastal Beach Trails
For a different experience, many parts of the Oregon Coast Trail offer easy, wide pathways along sandy beaches. Running by the Pacific surf — especially near places like Cannon Beach — combines fresh sea air with open expanses ideal for walkers and runners alike. The Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) is a roughly 400–425-mile, scenic long-distance route stretching from the Columbia River to the California border. It takes you through sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and coastal forests, and often following U.S. 101. Key highlights include Samuel H. Boardman State Park, God’s Thumb, and various coastal towns. It begins at the Columbia River (near Fort Stevens State Park) and ends at the California border south of Brookings. Half is on the beach, with the rest involving forest trails, cliffs, and about 10% on road shoulders. Tide charts are essential for safely crossing specific sections. The trail is divided into 10 sections, with easy access to over 28 coastal towns. The trail is divided into 10 sections, with easy access to over 28 coastal towns.
Fun Hikes/Sections include Samuel H. Boardman State Park State Scenic Corridor near Brookings: Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint: A mile-long hike leads to breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and photo-worthy Oregon sunsets. The Cape is also an excellent spot for whale watching in fall and spring. Some of the trails include:
House Rock Viewpoint: A memorial commemorates Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks superintendent and the park’s namesake. The 4-mile trail between Cape Ferrelo and House Rock offers many side trails to secluded beaches.
Natural Bridge: Follow a short trail to one of the best viewpoints in the park — the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges. Here you’ll find a memorial to Dr. Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail.
Arch Rock: From the paved parking lot, a short path leads to an overlook featuring a series of offshore sea stacks and islands.
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area near Tillamook
This sandstone headland just north of Pacific City offers one of the best viewpoints on the coast for witnessing the ocean’s power. The landmark is one of three along the Three Capes Scenic Route (along with Cape Meares and Cape Lookout).
OC&E Woods Line State Trail near Beatty, Oregon
Oregon’s longest state park trail follows a former rail line for over 105 miles, connecting Klamath Falls to scenic natural areas. Parts of the trail are paved and flat — ideal for long distance running or walking, and suitable for all fitness levels. The 100-mile trail is built on the old railbed of the Oregon, California and Eastern Railroad (OC&E). Open all seasons to non-motorized recreation, the trail begins in the heart of Klamath Falls and extends east to Bly and north to the lush Sycan Marsh.
Shevlin Park – Bend
Shevlin Park contains nearly two dozen miles of trails through ponderosa pine forests. Runners and walkers can choose loops with variable distances and rolling terrain that’s great for training or casual exploration. Donated to the community in 1920, this cherished regional park is a beloved gem of nature in Bend. Shevlin Park features Tumalo Creek and it is home to miles of trails through its old-growth forest and high desert sage-covered lands.
Covering Shevlin Park’s nearly 1,000 acres, featured trails include:
- Loop Trail: This 6-mile trail follows the canyon rim, runs through old growth ponderosa pine, includes a few short, steep hills and crosses Tumalo Creek twice.
- Tumalo Creek Trail: This 2.5-mile trail follows the creek upstream from the park entrance to the park’s southern end, joining the Deschutes National Forest trail system.
Suttle Lake Loop – Near Sisters
A gentle 3.5-mile loop around Suttle Lake offers forested pathways and views of nearby Cascade peaks — perfect for a leisure walk or scenic trail run.
Endless forest, world-class trails, and a wide mix of elevation profiles make southern Oregon one of the best places in the country to trail run. And with so much public land within just a 40-minute drive of downtown, great routes are never far.
Refreshingly flat for a run of this distance, the Grizzly Peak Trail tackles just 800 feet of elevation gain across its 5 miles. Along the way, it loops through open meadows and offers spectacular views of Mount McLoughlin, Mount Shasta, and the Crater Lake Rim. Jackson Forest Park Trail (8.5 miles)
This 8.5-mile run starts with a quad-busting, switchbacked hill climb that carries you up into the hills above Jackson Creek. But once you’re up high, you stay there: A system of well-built trails contours the slopes, ferrying you past historic mining sites and scenic overlooks. Most of the terrain is rolling, with several long but consistent climbs.