Hiking the Ridge Trail in Forest Park

Portland, Oregon

4.2/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

2.75 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Dan Moe

Distance: 2.75 miles. Hiking in the city. Picturesque view of St. John's bridge.

This is a great option for a quick hike when you don't have time to get out of the city but need to satisfy your craving to get outside and escape the noise of bustling Portland. Follow Firelane 7 from the Springville Trailhead up towards Leif Erickson Drive and the Ridge Trail. There are signs and maps throughout the park that provide you with plenty of information to create a loop for yourself. Just be sure to get on the Ridge Trail and follow it down towards the river and Hwy 30 for one of the best views of the St. John's Bridge framed between two maples. Bring your boots - this one can get muddy!

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Features

Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic

Hiking the Ridge Trail in Forest Park Reviews

Great city hike!! There’s not enough city hikes in Portland so this is one of my favs. It overlooks St. John’s Bridge which is my girlfriends favorite bridge so we like to picnic up here.

Good way to start off the summer. Great view of St. John's bridge! Fairly easy but it's downhill all the way to the viewpoint and uphill all the way back! A little muddy at some parts.

I like to run down this trail and hike back up the ridge to my car...it's great for a 1 or 2 hour workout!

Description as short trail near the city, caught our eye. We headed to 10901 NW Old Springville Rd, late afternoon. There was plenty of parking, with five cars already there. Some nice hikers told us three trails converge back at this spot, so we could take Hardesty, Springville, or Wildwood, to find our way back. We started on Firelane 7, headed to Hardesty. Hardesty was downhill the whole way, but an excellent trail. From there we went slightly SE on Leif Erickson, to catch up with Ridge trail. Leif Erickson is a wide bike path, a nice break from the downhill and ridge. Ridge trail is narrow, with switchbacks, but is worth the trip to the outlook spot to catch a photo of St. Johns Bridge. From the lookout spot back to our car (following the same route), it took us 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Short but scenic. Good for short exercise not far from the urban area with very nice view. Parking would be a headache though.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Explore Cathedral Park

Photograph the St. John's Bridge

Run the Maple Trail Loop

Run the Saltzman Road Trail

Leif Erikson Drive to Saltzman Road

A Quick Escape to Sauvie Island