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Run Leif Erikson Drive

Portland, Oregon

4.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

12.1 miles

Elevation Gain

20 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Rachel Davidson

12.1-mile run along a gravel fire road that is a popular weekend destination for runners, hikers, bikers. It's also within 3 miles of downtown Portland and has mile markers every ¼ mile.

Leif Erikson Drive is a wide dirt road running through the heart of Forest Park that is closed to motorized vehicles…making it a magnet for those looking to add some relatively easy and scenic distance to their workouts.

The road itself is nicely graded and well maintained. It has relatively good drainage, so it’s a good go-to destination if you’re looking for a more scenic run during wet weather.

If you’re looking to add some adventure to your runs, Leif Erikson features several access points to the beautiful and heavily forested Wildwood Trail. Wildwood runs parallel to Leif Erikson, so you have the opportunity to create a limitless number of trail loops.

For this particular run, start at the trailhead at the end of NW Thurman St, follow the trail north through the park. Turn around at the intersection of Saltzman Rd and return to the start.

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Features

Fitness
Running
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Reviews

The quarter-mile markers make it easy to track your time and progress, without fussing with your phone or watch. My only beef is that parking is difficult - there's space for about 10 cars at the end of Thurman St. where the trail starts, which is why you'll see a lot of runners park further down the road and run up.

I love Forest Park because you can escape from the city easily and quickly. This is a beautiful running spot!

This is a go-to trail for me when I want to get a long run in that isn't full of steep up hills and downhills. Great for dogs too. The only reason I wouldn't give it 5 stars is because you don't get that many great viewpoints along the way.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Lower Macleay Park to Pittock Mansion

Photograph Downtown Portland From Pittock Mansion

Explore the Portland Japanese Garden

Hoyt Arboretum Loop

Explore the International Rose Test Garden

Hike the Wildwood Trail