Run the Saltzman Road Trail
6 Miles
700 Feet
Running, Hiking, Fitness
Beginner
Year Round
Out-and-Back
Wide, well-graded trail that cuts through Forest Park and takes you from the dense lower forest with ferns and evergreens to the ridge of Tualatin Mountains with more deciduous trees and wildflowers.
This trail is an easy out and back from either the west or east side of Forest Park. The east trailhead is off NW Skyline Blvd, on Saltzman Road, which is a dirt/gravel road like the trail. You'll park near the gates where there aren't No Parking signs up (the land around the trail at this point is privately owned so respect the signs). If you start at the east side, you'll park at the Lower Saltzman Trailhead on Saltzman Road, which you get to from NW St Helens Rd.
The trial is a favorite for Portland runners in any season. It's lightly graveled in places, wide and gently climbs up to the Tualatin Mountains ridge, so it isn't as muddy as other trails. In the spring, the wide trail means more sunlight filters in to the forest floor resulting in blooms of wildflowers.
Multiple trails branch off it or cross it , making it a prime starting point for loops through the Park. Given the slope and condition it's also great for easy mountain biking and tough strollers.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
