When we moved to Portland in 2013, one of the first things I did was research the best places to run. Moving from the Midwest , where it’s mostly flat, the hills in the city took a little getting used to. Slowly, I discovered there are tons of options for marathoners and casual runners alike.
Below are some of the best places I’ve found to run in Portland. It is by no means a comprehensive list, but, if you happen to be moving to PDX, or are just here on vacation, here are a few suggestions to get a lay of the land.
Where to Run in Portland to see the City
Whenever I’m in a new city, I love to explore by wandering around. Whether you’re in Portland sightseeing, or you live here and are looking for a new route, here are my top three places to go when running in the city:
Portland Waterfront Loop is the quintessential Portland run! This 3 – 4 mile loop gives you a great view of the Willamette River and crosses the iconic Hawthorn and Steel bridges. I recommend starting at Portland Running Company and following this route for an easy 4 mile loop.
If you’re running on the weekend, checkout the Portland Saturday market, open every Saturday and Sunday. It’s basically a big flea market, but with interesting food to sample and lots of random stuff to buy (I was most impressed by a guy selling handmade medieval battle weapons).
This is also the best place to see most of the bridges of Portland. Each one is unique, and has a story. The Tilikum Crossing Bridge, which opened in late 2015 just south of Hawthorne, is truly amazing. If you follow the loop mentioned above, you can add about 1.5 miles by including the Tilikum Bridge.
Downtown Portland is an interesting sight to behold. Sure, you’ll be stopping every few blocks, but that allows more time to take in the sights. You won’t find many tall skyscrapers (yet!), but you will see some eclectic things. Food carts, lines wrapping down the block for donuts, parks with interesting art, century old buildings and uber modern condos. There’s a lot to take in.
The Pearl is a neighborhood just north of downtown. That’s where all of the most recent development has taken place, and some of the most modern buildings. Start at Powell’s Books (another Portland institution), and head north and west, until you arrive just under the Fremont Bridge (that’s the big, floating one in the sky).
Wander in a Neighborhood
If you are looking for something a little more tranquil, pick a neighborhood and start running. Portland neighborhoods are incredibly diverse. Start here, by picking a quadrant, then narrow down to specific neighborhood.
These neighborhoods offer something a little different from one another. Most are densely packed, with historic, classic, modern, and postmodern design all in the same block. With so much development going on everywhere, my wife and I joke that every other house could be the location of a romantic comedy or horror film. It is also common to have interesting restaurants interwoven into the fabric of the neighborhoods. You may suddenly find yourself running by one of our series brewery partners!
I recommend starting at Grant Park in the Northeast Portland neighborhood of Irvington. It’s full of huge old homes, and large yards. For something different, try the Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood in Southeast. There you’ll find industry, tons of great restaurants, and tightly packed homes of all shapes and sizes.
Where to go for your Long Run
The Springwater Corridor Is my go-to spot for running more than 8 miles at a time. I enjoy the “Sellwood Bridge loop.” If you start at Portland Running Company, head down to OMSI, then south on the Spring Water Trail. This old railroad bed actually covers 30+ miles. Just past Oak Amusement Park, climb up the big hill and cross the Sellwood bridge, then come back along the west side of the Willamette. Cross east on the Hawthorne bridge and you’ll have yourself a nice little 12 mile loop.
Sauvie Island is best known for the plethora of farmland and “You Pick” places, but you can also run really long on a really flat road. About 20 minutes from downtown Portland, you’ll temporarily forget you’re so close to a major city.
Park here, then head out counter clockwise. The main road is almost exactly 12 miles around.You will be running on the shoulder of the road, so get there early to avoid traffic.
Running in Forest Park
Forest Park is the coolest place to run in all of Portland. It is THE largest urban forest reserve in America. Located in the Tualatin Mountains west of downtown, once you’re there, you will completely forget Portland is just 10 minutes away. It is about 5,100 acres, and boasts 70 miles of trails, most of which you might need a GPS to navigate. Some of these trails are technical, (rocks, roots, etc), and some are quite tame.
The first time I ran out there, I was blown away by the size of the trees. They absolutely make you feel like a tiny spec in the grand scheme of things. What’s great about running in Forest Park is that you can do as much or as little as you want. Go out a mile and come back for a quick little run, or go all the way to the end for 20+ mile expedition.
Start at Thurman: Leif Erikson Drive for an easy run or Lower McClay Park for something more difficult. Keep in mind your Garmin won’t know what’s going on because of all the trees, so best to run by time. (Pro Tip: If you decide to run up Leif Erickson Drive, there are mile markers every ¼ mile for 11 miles.)
Your Favorite Places to Run in Portland
There are tons of other places to run in Portland. If you’re familiar with the Portland running scene, what are some of your favorite places to run in Portland? Share below.
