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Powell Butte Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 53 Google reviews · Running trail in Portland, Oregon · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

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

Confirmed from Powell Butte 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.

ScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastHillyTrailhead parking

What runners say about Powell Butte Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (53 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Other than the pile of dog shit at the trailhead, it was a beautiful walk.”

I made it to the top first try! I'm 69 and getting more active. The level trail works for my wife. Good for repeat visits.

★★★★★ — Robert , Jul 2024

So much storm damage in the lower section of the park . The paths are all open and have been cleared

★★★★☆ — Marie , Feb 2024

Great trails, some uphill climbs, but very pretty area. Lots of moss on trees and ferns everywhere.

★★★★★ — Paul , Mar 2025

Portland has a lot of natural treasures and this one is pretty well placed in the dirty chaos of outer Powell. I've only been three times and apparently it gets pretty darn busy when the weather is nice on the weekends.

★★★★★ — Tim , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 53 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.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“Other than the pile of dog shit at the trailhead, it was a beautiful walk.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 4 mentions

“But I think the better entrances aren't the main site on the top of the hill but down in the neighborhoods on the west and south side with access to the wooded trails.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“It's nice up top with that fantastic view of Mount Hood but when I just want to go on hike I really want to be in the trees.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“Other than the pile of dog shit at the trailhead, it was a beautiful walk.”

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Flat & fast 3 mentions

“The level trail works for my wife.”

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Plan your run at Powell Butte Trailhead

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.
  • 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.

Hours

Monday 5 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–10 PM
Thursday 5 AM–10 PM
Friday 5 AM–10 PM
Saturday 5 AM–10 PM
Sunday 5 AM–10 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 Powell Butte Trailhead

4125 SE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97236

Get directions

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.

Powell Butte Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,573 reviews

Portland, OR

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly natural area with plenty of hiking, biking & equestrian trails among scenic vistas.

under a mile away

Jenne Butte Park

4 ★★★★☆ 102 reviews

Gresham, OR

ScenicDog-friendly

This basic 6.7-acre forested park along Johnson Creek features springs & wetlands.

1.6 miles away

Linnemann Station Park

3.9 ★★★★☆ 29 reviews

Gresham, OR

2.0 miles away

Kelly Butte Natural Area

4 ★★★★☆ 437 reviews

Portland, OR

PavedShadedScenicDog-friendly

Wooded park featuring steep hiking paths & wildlife-viewing among the evergreens.

2.3 miles away

Glendoveer Nature Exercise Trails

4.8 ★★★★★ 105 reviews

Portland, OR

2 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Two-mile trail winding around a golf course for walking and jogging.

2.4 miles away

Butler Creek Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 366 reviews

Gresham, OR

ScenicDog-friendly

Spacious neighborhood park with grassy areas, basketball courts and playgrounds.

2.8 miles away

All running trails in Portland, 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.