Spring Trail Running In & Around Portland - The Best Routes to Reignite Your Stride

As the days grow longer and the chill of winter fades, spring in Portland brings ideal conditions for trail running—cool temperatures, fresh air, and lush, green landscapes coming back to life. Whether you're training for a race, building endurance, or just looking for a scenic escape from the city, Portland’s diverse trail network offers something for every runner. From smooth, rolling paths through mossy forests to steep, technical climbs with rewarding views, these trails will challenge your legs while keeping you inspired with breathtaking Pacific Northwest scenery.

If you’re just starting out with trail running, there are plenty of beginner-friendly routes to help you ease in. Tryon Creek State Natural Area offers gentle, well-maintained loops with soft footing, while Wildwood Trail in Forest Park provides a longer, yet forgiving, rolling route to build endurance. For those craving elevation gain, Powell Butte Nature Park and Marquam Trail to Council Crest offer steep climbs and stunning summit views, perfect for strength training. And for a more adventurous long run, Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge delivers epic waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and exhilarating singletrack.

Spring is the perfect time to hit the trails—mud is manageable, wildflowers start to bloom, and the crisp air keeps runs refreshing. Whether you’re a first-time trail runner, a seasoned racer, or somewhere in between, these top trail running spots near Portland will help you level up your training and reconnect with nature. Lace up your shoes, embrace the soft dirt beneath your feet, and get ready to make the most of spring trail running season in the PNW!

• Distance from Next Adventure: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: One of the longest urban forested trails in the U.S., rolling singletrack, and year-round lush scenery.
• Length: Up to 30.2 miles (point-to-point)
• Elevation Gain: Varies (gentle rolling terrain)
• Route Type: Point-to-Point or Loop Options
• Address: Various trailheads throughout Forest Park, Portland, OR; Veterans Lot, Portland, OR 97205

Description:

Wildwood Trail in Forest Park is Portland’s premier trail running destination, offering over 30 miles of continuous, well-maintained singletrack through one of the largest urban forests in the U.S. Whether you’re logging your first trail miles or training for an ultra-distance race, this scenic route provides a mix of rolling hills, soft-packed dirt, and stunning views of the lush, mossy canopy.

The trail is marked every quarter-mile, making it perfect for runners tracking pace and distance. The gentle, rolling elevation profile makes it an excellent choice for beginners, while experienced runners can push their endurance by tackling longer sections or connecting to steeper offshoot trails.

Spring brings fresh greenery, blooming trilliums, and ideal running temperatures, making this the perfect time to explore Forest Park. Popular access points include Lower Macleay Park, Pittock Mansion, and Germantown Road, each offering unique scenery and varying difficulty levels. For a classic Portland run, start at the Lower Macleay Trailhead and climb toward Pittock Mansion, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning city views before continuing deeper into the forest.

With its shaded paths, forgiving terrain, and easy access from the city, Wildwood Trail is a must-run for any Portland trail runner. Whether you’re out for a quick 3-mile loop or a marathon-distance adventure, this iconic trail delivers the ultimate spring training experience.

• Distance from Next Adventure: 8 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Soft, well-maintained trails, lush old-growth forest, and beginner-friendly loops.
• Length: Up to 8 miles (various loop options)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal to moderate (varies by route)
• Route Type: Loop or Out-and-Back
• Address: 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219

Description:

Tryon Creek State Natural Area is one of the best places near Portland for beginner-friendly trail running, offering smooth, rolling trails through a lush old-growth forest. Located just minutes from downtown, this tranquil escape features well-maintained paths, minimal elevation gain, and soft surfaces, making it perfect for runners easing into trail running or looking for a gentle recovery run.

The Outer Loop Trail is a great introduction, covering about 5 miles of scenic terrain with slight inclines to keep things interesting. For a shorter, faster route, the Red Fox and North Horse Loop offers a 1.8-mile rolling circuit through towering firs and fern-covered undergrowth. Spring brings vibrant greenery, blooming trilliums, and mild running temperatures, creating ideal conditions for training.

Tryon Creek’s wide variety of interconnecting trails allows for customized distances and difficulty levels, making it an excellent spot for runners of all abilities. The shaded paths and creekside sections provide a cool and refreshing run, even on warmer spring days.

If you're new to trail running or looking for a stress-free training ground, Tryon Creek is the perfect place to build confidence and endurance before taking on more technical routes in the PNW.

• Distance from Next Adventure: 12 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Sweeping summit views of Mount Hood, rolling trails, and a mix of forested and open terrain.
• Length: Varies (up to 7 miles of interconnected trails)
• Elevation Gain: 600–700 feet
• Route Type: Loop or Out-and-Back
• Address: 16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236

Description:

Powell Butte Nature Park offers one of the best trail running experiences in Portland, combining forested switchbacks, open meadows, and panoramic mountain views into one scenic and rewarding route. Located in southeast Portland, this extinct cinder cone volcano provides a variety of trail options, from gentle rolling loops to steeper hill climbs, making it ideal for runners of all levels.

For a solid training run, the Mountain View Trail to Summit Loop offers a gradual climb leading to breathtaking views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and even Mount Jefferson on clear days. The soft-packed dirt trails, wide paths, and open meadows bursting with wildflowers in spring create an energizing yet peaceful environment for runners.

Those looking for more elevation gain can combine trails like the Pipeline Road Trail and Summit Lane, which provide more challenging ascents with rewarding views at the top. Meanwhile, the Gresham-Fairview Trail connects Powell Butte to longer routes, allowing extended training sessions for endurance runners.

Spring is one of the best times to run Powell Butte, as mud is minimal, temperatures are cool, and the wildflowers begin to bloom along the open ridgelines. The mix of shaded forest and sunlit meadows ensures a varied, enjoyable run, whether you’re pushing pace on flats or building strength on climbs.

With its diverse terrain, accessible location, and stunning PNW views, Powell Butte is a must-run destination for Portland trail runners looking to train, explore, and soak in the beauty of spring.

• Distance from Next Adventure: 25 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Scenic riverside trails, rolling forested paths, and a mix of soft dirt and gravel terrain.
• Length: Up to 10 miles of interconnected trails
• Elevation Gain: Varies (moderate rolling hills)
• Route Type: Loop or Out-and-Back
• Address: 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada, OR 97023

Description:

Milo McIver State Park is a hidden gem for trail runners looking for a mix of peaceful forest paths, rolling meadows, and scenic riverside routes. Located near Estacada along the Clackamas River, this park offers a variety of interconnected trails, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced runners.

One of the best routes for trail running is the Riverbend Loop, a scenic stretch along the Clackamas River that provides stunning water views and a smooth, runnable surface. For a longer, more varied run, the Vortex Loop offers moderate elevation changes through moss-covered forests and open grasslands, with occasional glimpses of Mount Hood on clear days.

Spring is an ideal time to explore Milo McIver, as the wildflowers bloom along the meadows, the river flows at its peak, and the shaded forest trails stay cool and comfortable. The soft dirt paths, combined with gentle rolling hills, make this an excellent spot for speed workouts, endurance training, or an easy recovery run.

With expansive trail options, minimal crowds, and a peaceful riverside setting, Milo McIver State Park is one of the best springtime trail running destinations near Portland. Whether you’re logging an easy jog or pushing for a long-distance run, the park’s natural beauty and varied terrain make every mile enjoyable.

• Distance from Next Adventure: 21 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Highlights: Scenic lakeside trails, waterfalls, and a mix of soft dirt and gravel paths.
• Length: Up to 7 miles (various loop options)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal to moderate (rolling hills)
• Route Type: Loop or Out-and-Back
• Address: 3344 NE Everett St, Camas, WA 98607

Description:

Lacamas Park is a hidden gem for trail runners looking for lush forest paths, scenic lake views, and a mix of wide gravel trails and singletrack. Located just across the river in Camas, Washington, this easily accessible park offers a variety of loop and out-and-back options, making it a great choice for runners of all skill levels.

One of the most popular routes is the Lacamas Creek Trail to Round Lake Loop, a smooth and scenic 3-mile run that follows shady, tree-lined paths along the lake and creek. For those looking for a longer and more varied run, the Lacamas Heritage Trail offers a 3.5-mile out-and-back extension with gentle rolling hills and stunning viewpoints.

Spring is an ideal time to run at Lacamas Park, as the forest bursts back to life, the waterfalls flow at full force, and wildflowers like trillium and camas lilies bloom along the trails. The soft dirt paths make for a comfortable, joint-friendly run, while gentle elevation changes provide just enough challenge without being overly technical.

With serene lakeside views, peaceful wooded trails, and a variety of route options, Lacamas Park is one of the best spring trail running spots near Portland. Whether you're logging easy miles or pushing for a faster pace, this scenic escape offers the perfect mix of beauty and accessibility.

As winter fades and spring takes hold, Portland’s trails come alive. The forests are waking up, the air is cool and clean, and the dirt is soft and forgiving after months of rain. It’s the perfect time to shake off the winter slump, rebuild your stride, or dive into training for your next race.

No matter your experience level, there’s a route near Portland to match your vibe. Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail winds through miles of mossy forest, perfect for long endurance runs. Powell Butte serves up big views and hill climbs, while Tryon Creek’s gentle loops are ideal for new trail runners or recovery days.
For a more adventurous outing, Eagle Creek delivers waterfall-lined singletrack, while Milo McIver and Lacamas Park offer peaceful, scenic miles just outside the city.

Spring trail running isn’t just a workout—it’s an experience. There’s something magic about syncing your breath to your stride, spotting the season’s first wildflowers, or hitting a summit just as the clouds part.
What trail left you buzzing? What climb tested your grit? We’d love to hear how the PNW’s iconic trails are shaping your story.

Before you hit the trail, make sure your gear is dialed. Swing by Next Adventure’s Portland Outdoor Store to stock up on trail running shoes, breathable layers, hydration packs, and all the essentials.

Not sure where to start? Our staff are stoked trail runners too—we’ll help you find the best gear for your style and point you toward local favorites.

The weather can change fast—expect misty mornings, muddy turns, and surprise sunshine. That’s part of the fun. Spring running in the PNW is all about being prepared, staying curious, and leaning into whatever the trail throws at you.

Whether you're chasing a new PR, logging weekend long runs, or just reconnecting with nature—this is your season. Lace up, head out, and let the trails take it from there.
We’ll see you out there.