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NW 53rd Dr trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 144 Google reviews · Running trail in Portland, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from NW 53rd Dr trailhead'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.
Trail access point to explore a 5,200-acre urban forest park with roadside parking.
What runners say about NW 53rd Dr trailhead
“Scenery/hike: the scenery is gorgeous (ferns, pines, birds, and even a banana slug) but the trees are more or less the same for what seems like the whole way through.”
climate: went here on a thursday afternoon in August, around 4:00 PM and it was both well shaded and bright. I imagine if we got here earlier it wouldnt have been too hot either. traffic: few people were on the trails so lots of street parking available.
You can go right or left from this trailhead. I went right along the one way trail you can see in the attached photo. It was nice, but a little too steep for me.
This is a great trail. Lots of parking alongside the road and plenty of Meetup groups meet here if you want to join one because you just can't get yourself out the door or maybe want to meet new people who also like hiking.
Simply gorgeous and just minutes away from downtown. What a gem! Local joggers galore, but all so friendly!
Trail conditions & character
“A lot of parking on the side of the road although during busier times it may be harder to find a spot.”
“Scenery/hike: the scenery is gorgeous (ferns, pines, birds, and even a banana slug) but the trees are more or less the same for what seems like the whole way through.”
“Beautiful trail that will go in a loop with a distance of 30 to 40 miles long.”
“Make sure to keep your dogs on a leash as there are coyotes running rapid throughout the hills, as well as other wildlife.”
“Make sure to keep your dogs on a leash as there are coyotes running rapid throughout the hills, as well as other wildlife.”
Plan your run at NW 53rd Dr trailhead
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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteforestparkconservancy.org
- Phone+1 503-223-5449
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–7:30 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.
Leif Erikson Trail
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Macleay Park
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Lower Macleay Park
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Forest Park
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5,000+-acre wooded area with trails for hiking, biking & bird-watching, including a 30-mile route.
