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Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 143 Google reviews · Running trail in Oregon City, Oregon · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Newell Creek Canyon Nature 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.
Popular park featuring several trails for hiking, along with a picnic area and benches for resting.
What runners say about Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park
“Free parking, well maintained gravel trails, beautiful small waterfall, don't wear new shoes, no pups allowed.”
“Free parking, well maintained gravel trails, beautiful small waterfall, don't wear new shoes, no pups allowed.”
“There’s a shady picnic area near the parking area and the trail starts through the fire lane gate (not real clear but other trail options on the hike are well-marked).”
“There’s a shady picnic area near the parking area and the trail starts through the fire lane gate (not real clear but other trail options on the hike are well-marked).”
“The sun was shining, the birds were flying/ singing, and the trees were serene.”
I just visited today for the first time. What a beautiful park! Thank you to Metro for creating this splendid oasis just a short drive from Portland. It's a refreshing change to see my tax dollars producing something tangible and meaningful.
My son and I absolutely love this park. We came on a rainy misty afternoon and enjoyed an mile hike together. The signs are clear telling you which trails are for pedestrians only and which are for bikes. I’m looking forward to exploring more on a weekend
Huge improvement to this area. Trails aren’t steep so good for little legs. I love that metro put some easy and intermediate trails for mountain biking. This will be a good place for children, families and novice riders to improve skill and fitness. On a similar note, no dogs are allowed.
Awesome place to go get some exercise...but you must like hills to use most of the area...(except the picnic area at the top next to parking)... there are even one way bike trails ..meaning no traffic on trail... downhill biking only...😜 There are lots of trail markers...bring the kids.....
Trail conditions & character
“Free parking, well maintained gravel trails, beautiful small waterfall, don't wear new shoes, no pups allowed.”
“Can't bring your dogs, but bring yourself and enjoy the outside environment in the suburbs of Oregon City.”
“There’s a shady picnic area near the parking area and the trail starts through the fire lane gate (not real clear but other trail options on the hike are well-marked).”
“We were able to use a fairly large jogging stroller, but be ready for quite a few hills and some sharper turns and rocks.”
“There were quite a few muddy spots, particularly on the Canyon Spring Loop, so I would advise wearing hiking shoes or shoes with good tread until we dry out.”
“The sun was shining, the birds were flying/ singing, and the trees were serene.”
“There’s a shady picnic area near the parking area and the trail starts through the fire lane gate (not real clear but other trail options on the hike are well-marked).”
“The hikers only loop is mostly mud trails compared to the gravel trails that are shared between hikers and mountain bikers.”
“Most of the trails are heavily graveled and in great shape, but a few of the side trails were extremely muddy today and probably should not be used until they dry out.”
“There’s a shady picnic area near the parking area and the trail starts through the fire lane gate (not real clear but other trail options on the hike are well-marked).”
“We were able to use a fairly large jogging stroller, but be ready for quite a few hills and some sharper turns and rocks.”
Plan your run at Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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 trailheadparking, restrooms, water — 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.
- Websiteoregonmetro.gov
- Phone+1 503-797-1545
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Oregon City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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