Home › Oregon › Portland › Macleay Park
Macleay Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,362 Google reviews · Running trail in Portland, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Macleay 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.
Part of Forest Park, this preserve offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding.
What runners say about Macleay Park
“And there is a nice water stream along the trail, it will be beautiful on a sunny day after a good rain.”
“It was such a peaceful trails, the streams were all beautiful.”
Such a gorgeous park, beautiful waterfall with amazing fallen logs you can walk on. Witches castle is there, super spooky and artsy. Just beautiful trails, not at all flat though so not as accessible to everyone.
I didn't get an opportunity to really hike this entire park. Great place to relax if you are a lover of trees. Hike is a not for the first beginner so start off at the ranger station and work your way through. Beautiful and quiet.
Quick little hike down to the Witch's Castle. Round trip was 1.5 miles and 240 feet elevation gain. You could keep going if you're wanting to but I chose to just check out the castle. Trail was busy but not too crazy. Parked at Macleay Park.
Absolutely beautiful. The trail was easy to walk and there was so much to loom at. I went in the afternoon, there were. Few people on the trail but it wasn't overwhelming.
Trail conditions & character
“And there is a nice water stream along the trail, it will be beautiful on a sunny day after a good rain.”
“It’s a nice out-and-back hike, or you can connect to other trails in the Forest Park system when you get to the upper parking lot.”
“It’s not too steep but looks a little scary because of the big drop on the side.”
“It was such a peaceful trails, the streams were all beautiful.”
“Only saw 1 dirty portapotty for a restroom near entrance.”
“Trail can be slick and muddy when raining.”
“Accessible either from the lower parking with a 3/4 hike in or the one we did was from upper parking with a 1/2 mile hike in.”
Plan your run at Macleay Park
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, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Phone+1 503-823-7529
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Portland
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lower Macleay Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 732 reviews
Public park featuring hiking trails, a public restroom, and picnic tables, plus Pittock Mansion.
Leif Erikson Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 260 reviews
Popular place to hike, walk and run, with a mostly gravel path flanked by trees.
NW 53rd Dr trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 144 reviews
Trail access point to explore a 5,200-acre urban forest park with roadside parking.
Marquam Nature Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 765 reviews
193 acres of undeveloped land & over 5 miles of hiking trails with forested scenic views.