HomeOregonSalem › Clark Creek Park

Clark Creek Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 261 Google reviews · Running trail in Salem, Oregon · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Clark Creek Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ShadedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAWaterQuiet

Relaxed neighborhood park with creeks and playgrounds for the kids.

What runners say about Clark Creek Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (261 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels for hikers of all skill levels.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 10 mentions

“Clark Creek Park is a beautiful natural setting that is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors.”

🌳 shaded & cool 3 mentions

“Beautiful spot for a picnic with trees for shade and a few picnic tables and benches.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 7 mentions

“The park is filled with lush greenery and provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 4 mentions

“Despite it being hot, my dog just loves to go to the water.”

Update: As of March 2024, I believe there’s a gentleman named Jim working on this park. He’s done a great job. The paths are clean and clear and edged. The Ivy has been ripped down off of the sequoia tree. The grass is mowed. This place looks great. —— Original Beautiful park gravely let down by the parks department.

★★★★★ — G , Mar 2024

Clark Creek Park is a beautiful natural setting that is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. The park is filled with lush greenery and provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels for hikers of all skill levels.

★★★★☆ — Himynameis , Jun 2023

Cute little neighborhood park with nice trees and flowers growing, with a couple of streams and bridges running through the property. Basketball court and small playground. There are a couple of picnic benches dotted around the park but I recommend bringing a blanket and sitting by the stream.

★★★★★ — Aoife , Dec 2023

A little of everything in a quaint neighborhood park. The creek runs year round, sometimes with water striders and minnows or tadpoles. Connects to neighborhood streets but has comfy semiprivate feel. Open grass with shady spots, easy walking path, but some rough spots.

★★★★★ — Shawn , Jan 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 261 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 18 mentions

“Great to walk your dog, have a picnic, take your kids to or just stop and relax.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“Clark Creek Park is a beautiful natural setting that is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 6 mentions

“The park is filled with lush greenery and provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 3 mentions

“Beautiful spot for a picnic with trees for shade and a few picnic tables and benches.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Wheelchair accessible ( tho rouph in places) path runs clear through and out the back side on Vista.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“There are no public restrooms or water fountains.”

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Plan your run at Clark Creek Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadwater — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitecityofsalem.net
  • Phone+1 503-588-6261

Hours

Monday 7 am–8:45 pm
Tuesday 7 am–8:45 pm
Wednesday 7 am–8:45 pm
Thursday 7 am–8:45 pm
Friday 7 am–8:45 pm
Saturday 7 am–8:45 pm
Sunday 7 am–8:45 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Clark Creek Park

745 Ratcliff Dr SE, Salem, OR 97302

Get directions

Running trails near Salem

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

North Croisan Creek Trail Head

3.8 ★★★★☆ 15 reviews

Salem, OR

Natural surface

1.4 miles away

Woodmansee Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 1,005 reviews

Salem, OR

ShadedDog-friendly

Outdoor activity space with a soccer field, disc golf & tennis courts, plus trails & a playground.

1.5 miles away

Minto-Brown Island Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,790 reviews

Salem, OR

MixedDog-friendly

898-acre site with paved trails in open & wooded areas, picnic & play areas & an off-leash dog park.

1.9 miles away

Fairview Wetlands Scenic Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 49 reviews

Salem, OR

1 miLoopScenicDog-friendly

Dog-friendly trail through wetlands where you can see wildlife including beavers.

2.0 miles away

Croisan Creek Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 147 reviews

Salem, OR

MixedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Wooded hiking and biking trail featuring a surprise paved section.

2.2 miles away

Riverfront Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 559 reviews

Salem, OR

ScenicDog-friendly

Scenic park featuring a carousel for kids and a stage for musicians, plus walking paths.

2.2 miles away

All running trails in Salem, OR →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.