The best running trails around Cedar Mill

The Firelane 5 Road – Wildwood Trail loop offers a truly immersive jogging experience within Portland's Forest Park, guiding you through a dense, unspoiled forest canopy of maples and firs, with a moss and fern-covered floor. You'll navigate varied terrain, from the occasionally rutted and gravelly Firelane 5, which includes singletrack sections, to the winding single-track of the Wildwood Trail, sometimes featuring wooden steps. On clear days, elevated points might even reward you with views of downtown Portland and distant peaks like Mt. Hood, making it one of the best jogging trails in Forest Park Portland for scenery.

This difficult 9.1-mile (14.7 km) loop demands a good level of fitness, featuring a notable 1211 feet (369 metres) of elevation gain that will challenge your legs over an estimated 1 hour and 44 minutes. While specific parking information isn't detailed, Forest Park is well-known for its accessibility. Given the potential for mucky conditions on Firelane 5, especially after rain, proper trail footwear is recommended for this route.

As part of Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, this loop provides a tranquil escape right within the city. The Wildwood Trail itself is a significant 30-mile National Recreation Trail, and Firelane 5 stands out as one of the few singletrack trails in the park where bicycles are also permitted. This interconnectedness allows for numerous customizable loop runs, making it a versatile area for trail running enthusiasts.

The Bethany Lake – Rock Creek Trail loop offers a delightful and accessible jogging experience, weaving through a varied landscape of paved paths. You'll enjoy the tranquility of Bethany Lake, where waterfowl are often spotted, before the route guides you past lively soccer fields, a public golf course, and into peaceful wooded green-spaces. This 5.5-mile (8.8 km) loop, with its gentle 232 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain, provides a refreshing change of scenery for a moderate 55-minute jog.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is primarily on tarmac and is ADA accessible, making it suitable for strollers and a wide range of users. It's a popular multi-use path, welcoming joggers, walkers, and cyclists, and is also dog-friendly. You'll find convenient amenities like restrooms and water fountains at locations such as Powerline Park Soccer Fields and Cherry Lane Trailhead, ensuring a comfortable outing.

This route is part of the larger Rock Creek Regional Trail system, offering connections to various neighborhoods and other trails, though the

The Wildwood Trail – Firelane 5 Road loop plunges you into the heart of Forest Park's lush ecosystem, offering a diverse jogging experience. You'll traverse sections of the famous Wildwood Trail, winding through ancient Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar, with the chance to spot clusters of oyster mushrooms in spring. The route also incorporates Firelane 5, a multi-use path that can be rutted but provides unique perspectives within the park. This 11.2 miles (18.0 km) loop with 1269 feet (387 metres) of elevation gain is a difficult challenge, perfect for those who appreciate varied terrain and a true forest immersion.

Planning your visit to this popular Forest Park Portland trail is straightforward, though an early start is always a good idea to secure parking at one of the many access points. While specific trailhead parking isn't detailed, the park is well-served for public transport. This route is best enjoyed when the weather is mild, allowing you to fully appreciate the quiet serenity away from the city's hustle. Always bring sufficient water and be prepared for changing trail conditions.

What makes this loop stand out is its combination of America's longest forested urban trail, the Wildwood Trail, with the unique Firelane 5. Firelane 5 is notable as the only singletrack in Forest Park where mountain bikes are permitted, adding to its dynamic character. This route offers a significant workout close to Portland, providing a genuine 'in the woods' feel within an urban setting, making it a prime choice for those seeking a substantial jogging route.

The Tualatin Hills Nature Park loop from Oak Hills offers a delightful escape into nature, even within an urban setting. You'll jog through diverse scenery, from shaded groves of fir, ash, and cedar trees to open wetlands and streams. Expect a mix of paved paths, compacted gravel, and natural surfaces, including boardwalks that carry you over areas like Cedar Mill Creek, providing a varied and engaging experience.

This moderate 5.2-mile (8.3 km) jogging route, with a gentle 158 feet (48 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 51 minutes to complete. It's easily accessible by car or MAX light rail, making it a convenient option for a quick nature fix. Just remember, this is a wildlife preserve, so dogs and other pets are generally not allowed.

What makes this park truly special is its status as a 222-acre wildlife preserve, offering an accessible oasis of nature right in Beaverton. It's an excellent spot for those seeking dirt trails, ample shade, and a sense of solitude without venturing far from the city. Informational signs along the route also highlight the diverse plants and animals you might encounter.