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Elk Rock Island

4.7 ★★★★★ 304 Google reviews · Running trail in Milwaukie, Oregon · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Elk Rock Island'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.

Natural surfaceScenicStroller / ADATrailhead parking

Tranquil island offering fishing from its rocky shores, accessible by foot when the river is low.

What runners say about Elk Rock Island

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (304 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“I took an unexpected, wandering trip around Milwaukie and figured out this beautiful park with stunning small island.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

I took an unexpected, wandering trip around Milwaukie and figured out this beautiful park with stunning small island. I hope I can spend more time to enjoy everything in this area. Very interesting to see ducks walking and swimming amongst people on land and in water...

★★★★★ — Andy , Sep 2023

Nice place for swimming. The water wasn’t cold. The hiking was nice. My cat loved it. Parking was easy and only few spots to park. The places wasn’t crowded on weekday.

★★★★★ — L , Aug 2022

I like walking around here on the trails with the amazing river views. The brush covered trails had lots of poison oak. This place is very popular with the remote control 4x4 crawler crowd. There is also a very nice cove with a wonderful swimming beach.

★★★★★ — Justin , Jun 2026

A very nice island that is accessible only when the water level is low by a land bridge (the river rock basin). It has a real trail and it actually is kinda cute. The views are nice from there. Many people take their dogs there

★★★★☆ — Luai , Jan 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 304 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 11 mentions

“I took an unexpected, wandering trip around Milwaukie and figured out this beautiful park with stunning small island.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“There's limited parking and a little bit of an uneven downhill walk, so be mindful of that if you have mobility limitations.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“If you stick to the beach and rocky areas by the beach it's a nice place to wander and explore.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“A very nice island that is accessible only when the water level is low by a land bridge (the river rock basin).”

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Plan your run at Elk Rock Island

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitemilwaukieoregon.gov
  • Phone+1 503-823-7529

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Friday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Saturday 6:30 am–9:30 pm
Sunday 6:30 am–9:30 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 Elk Rock Island

SE 19th Ave &, SE Sparrow St, Milwaukie, OR 97222

Get directions

Running trails near Milwaukie

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

Spring Park Natural Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 227 reviews

Milwaukie, OR

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Wildlife-filled park boasting trees & trails, plus a modern playground & a picnic area.

under a mile away

Kellogg Creek Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews

Milwaukie, OR

Paved

under a mile away

Milwaukie Bay Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,066 reviews

Milwaukie, OR

ScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring scenic Elk Rock Island views, along with fields, picnic tables, a boat ramp, a dock and a playground.

under a mile away

Iron Mountain Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 17 reviews

Lake Oswego, OR

under a mile away

Rivervilla Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 340 reviews

Milwaukie, OR

ScenicDog-friendly

Small, quiet park overlooking the river, featuring shaded picnic areas & a fishing dock.

under a mile away

Tryon Cove Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 55 reviews

Lake Oswego, OR

Scenic

Park featuring a dock and picnic tables, plus kid-friendly hiking trails.

under a mile away

All running trails in Milwaukie, 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.