Running Routes
Running Routes: Downtown & the West Hills
Leif Erikson Trail:
Starts at west end of NW Thurman Forest Park. Take the trail uphill...you can track your distance by noting the 1/4 mile marks (each 1/4 mile is marked). This is a wonderful place to escape the city, without actually leaving the city! Watch out for mountain bikers ripping around the corners, though.
Council Crest Loop (8.5 Miles):
Starts at Wallace Park — at NW 24th and Quimby in NW Portland. This is a very hilly and challenging run! Here are the directions:
- Quimby to 23rd
- Right on 23rd. Cross Burnside and go the hill
- Straight on SW Vista
- Right on Broadway
- Left on Greenway
- Left on Talbot
- Left on Fairmount around until in intersects with Talbot
- Right on Talbot
- Under overpass and left on Talbot
- Right on Greenway
- Right on Patton
- Left on Vista
- Follow your way back to Wallace Park
Waterfront Run (2.5 miles)
This run is flat and scenic!
- Start at Waterfront Park
- Go north on the running path until the Steel Bridge
- Cross over the Willamette
- Follow the new Espanade to OMSI
- Go up the stairs to the Hawthorne Bridge bike path
- Cross over the Willamette
- Take the offramp to Waterfront Park
Sellwood-Steel Bridge Loop (11 miles)
Here's a fun waterfront run to do from Portland Running Company at 800 SE Grand Ave. in Portland. Click here to open a downloadable/printable guide with maps and directions. This run tours the Eastbank Esplanade, Oaks Bottom, the Springwater Corridor, Willamette Park, the south waterfront, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park.















