Portland has plenty of waterfront trails to keep you busy this summer. Whether you want to bike, walk, run or rollerblade, there is something for everyone here. These are the top 8 waterfront trails in Portland that you should explore the next beautiful free day you have in the city.
- Waterfront Park and Eastbank Esplanade Loop
Ian Sane / Flickr This 2.7 mile stroll crosses the Steel Bridge and Hawthorne Bridge, and gives you some of the best views of the city. Paved, wide trails make this a perfect trip for biking or walking.
- Marine Drive
Brx0 / Flickr Walk or bike along the Columbia River on the paved trail running 17 miles, with the most popular stretch being from 33rd Avenue to the I-205 bridge. Weekends and nice days bring lots of bikers out, but there is plenty of room for walkers to have their space as well.
- Springwater Corridor
Chad / Flickr This multi-use path runs 21 miles and intertwines with Johnson Creek at 10 trail bridges. Wildlife abounds on this off-road urban trail that crosses through both wetlands and residential neighborhoods.
- Columbia Slough
Christopher Harley / Flickr A 40-mile loop of trails connects Columbia Slough, with over 140 miles planned for the future. Located on the flood plains of the Columbia River, these interconnected trails are quiet and great for viewing wildlife.
- Crystal Springs Rhododendren Garden
Wendy Cutler / Flickr While this is not a strenuous walk in any sense of the word, you do pass by a few small lakes and water features, complete with families of ducks and geese. Circle the lovely garden, and head to the surrounding neighborhood and Reed College for a longer, more strenuous walk.
- Butler Creek Greenway Trail
A.F. Litt / Flickr This trail, located in Butler Creek Park, winds through several creeks and small lakes in the middle of a subdivision. At just 2.2 miles, this is an easy trail good for the whole family.
- Waterfront Renaissance Trail
Jenny Cestnik / Flickr Head over the I-5 bridge to Vancouver to enjoy this scenic 5-mile trail on the Vancouver waterfront. Connecting Esther Short Park and Wintler Park, this trail is great for walking and biking.
- Fanno Creek Greenway Trail
Donna S. / Flickr Beginning near Tigard High School, this easy 2.8-mile trail brings you to Cook Park, a restored wetland, and the banks of the Tualatin River.
What are your favorite waterfront trails in Portland?
Ian Sane / Flickr
This 2.7 mile stroll crosses the Steel Bridge and Hawthorne Bridge, and gives you some of the best views of the city. Paved, wide trails make this a perfect trip for biking or walking.
Brx0 / Flickr
Walk or bike along the Columbia River on the paved trail running 17 miles, with the most popular stretch being from 33rd Avenue to the I-205 bridge. Weekends and nice days bring lots of bikers out, but there is plenty of room for walkers to have their space as well.
Chad / Flickr
This multi-use path runs 21 miles and intertwines with Johnson Creek at 10 trail bridges. Wildlife abounds on this off-road urban trail that crosses through both wetlands and residential neighborhoods.
Christopher Harley / Flickr
A 40-mile loop of trails connects Columbia Slough, with over 140 miles planned for the future. Located on the flood plains of the Columbia River, these interconnected trails are quiet and great for viewing wildlife.
Wendy Cutler / Flickr
While this is not a strenuous walk in any sense of the word, you do pass by a few small lakes and water features, complete with families of ducks and geese. Circle the lovely garden, and head to the surrounding neighborhood and Reed College for a longer, more strenuous walk.
A.F. Litt / Flickr
This trail, located in Butler Creek Park, winds through several creeks and small lakes in the middle of a subdivision. At just 2.2 miles, this is an easy trail good for the whole family.
Jenny Cestnik / Flickr
Head over the I-5 bridge to Vancouver to enjoy this scenic 5-mile trail on the Vancouver waterfront. Connecting Esther Short Park and Wintler Park, this trail is great for walking and biking.
Donna S. / Flickr
Beginning near Tigard High School, this easy 2.8-mile trail brings you to Cook Park, a restored wetland, and the banks of the Tualatin River.
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