Near NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail
A woman takes some time at lunch to run the Dogwood Trail. Photo by Bill Cunningham
Near NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail
A couple enjoy the Wild Cherry Trail. Bill Cunningham Photo
Near NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail
A mother and son hike on the Erikson Trail with their dog. Bill Cunningham Photo
Near NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail
A light hike up NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail.
Near NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail
A hiker out for some evening exercise checks out the early fall colors along Rocking Chair Creek on the Nature Trail. Bill Cunningham Photo

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

NW Leif Erikson Drive Trail

4.2 (5 Ratings)
A beautiful multi-use gem just outside the city.
10.6
mi
Distance
637
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingLess Crowded

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
10.58mi
Distance
637ft
Elevation Gain
986ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
730ft
High Point
294ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail is often described as remarkably remote feeling, despite its proximity to Portland. It's one of the more popular trails in Forest Park, and is open to all types of trail users. As mapped, you'll start out at Germantown Road on the north end of the trail, and should you choose to go the entire distance, you'll turn around at NW Thurman Rd. However, that would be quite a long hike, so the best advice is to just start at either end and go as far as you want, then turn around. Enjoy the peace and quiet along the way - it's easy to zone out as you take in the sounds and sights of the forest, and forget how close you are to the city. The trail surface is generally smooth and wide, so there's room for the many bikes you'll likely see along the way. It can and does get a bit muddy. There are white concrete mile markers the whole way, and it's nearly impossible to get lost.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Springville Trail

Hike Route

Springville Trail

Less Crowded
easy
4.61 mi
+390 ft
Ridge Trail

Hike Route

Ridge Trail

Less Crowded
easy
1.33 mi
+859 ft
Maple Trail

Hike Route

Maple Trail

Views
easy
3.08 mi
+449 ft
Super Maple

Hike Route

Super Maple

Less Crowded
moderate
9.94 mi
+1,133 ft
Nature Trail / Wild Cherry Loop

Hike Route

Nature Trail / Wild Cherry Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
8.36 mi
+618 ft
Wild Cherry Trail Loop

Hike Route

Wild Cherry Trail Loop

Wildflowers
easy
2.88 mi
+557 ft
Contributors
Forest Park Conservancy