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Ridge Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 138 Google reviews · Running trail in Portland, Oregon · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 80 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ridge 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.
Hiking area offering kid-friendly trails through a forest setting, plus scenic views.
What runners say about Ridge Trailhead
“Forest park is beautiful, I just wish there was a sidewalk and a crosswalk so it's safer to get here”
Nice hike with views of St. John's Bridge. There's a lot of great spots on this trail. The trail itself is fairly low traffic, shaded and a good moderate option offering some inclines to male it feel like more of a workout. Lovely hike overall.
Beautiful hike! We went mid October just the drive on Skyline to get up there was incredible with all the changing leaves! The hike really paid off with some great views of St. Johns Bridge! The hike back up to the trailhead was almost all uphill so be aware of that. Beautiful all around and I would 100% recommend!
This past Saturday, I explored the Ridge Trailhead, where the views of the river and St. Johns Bridge truly stand out. From the very start, the scenery feels like a gift—a perfect place for photos, whether it’s an engagement or senior shoot.
Nice short trail (less than 1 mile I believe) to connect Wildwood trail and St. Johns (Bridge). It's a bit steep but totally manageable. The one thing that bothers me is that there is no cross walk at the trail head.
Trail conditions & character
“Also, note that during the view of the bridge from Forest Park is clear no matter what season it is.”
“If visiting North Portland - the Ridge Trailhead entry point to Forest Park is a must do.”
“The first section of Ridge Trail to Leif Erickson is a bit of a climb and can get muddy, so be prepared.”
“The first section of Ridge Trail to Leif Erickson is a bit of a climb and can get muddy, so be prepared.”
Plan your run at Ridge 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
- Distance80 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteforestparkconservancy.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
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.
Forest Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,513 reviews
5,000+-acre wooded area with trails for hiking, biking & bird-watching, including a 30-mile route.
Linnton Loop Hike Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 126 reviews
Forested hiking area with kid-friendly trails and a creek.
Wildwood Trailhead at Germantown Rd
4.7 ★★★★★ 255 reviews
Hiking and running trails through lush, tree-filled woods, with sections of wide paths. Dogs permitted.
NW 53rd Dr trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 144 reviews
Trail access point to explore a 5,200-acre urban forest park with roadside parking.
Leif Erikson Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 260 reviews
Popular place to hike, walk and run, with a mostly gravel path flanked by trees.
Kelley Point Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,672 reviews
Woodsy park features a picnic site, a canoe launch, hiking trails & a vista point with water views.