Visiting Portland, Oregon soon? Don’t forget to pack your running shoes! It’s a great city to run in…if you know where to go. Fortunately, as a sort-of local, I’m sharing my top recommendations for places to run in Portland, Oregon. Each of these Portland runs provides a glimpse into Portland’s commitment to blending the urban and natural worlds.
These are all areas that I’ve run as a solo female and felt comfortable. That being said, always check recent trail reports, do your own research, and follow your standard safety protocols (telling someone where I’m at and pepper spray are two of mine).
Note: As with all posts on this site, this post may contain affiliate links. If you use one to make a purchase, I get a small commission at no extra charge to you. I take recommendations seriously and only link products I truly recommend.
Forest Park
If you’ve been researching running in Portland, OR, you may have already come across recommendations for Forest Park. It gets recommended a lot for good reason: it’s a more than 5,000 acre forested park inside city limits. There are numerous trails ranging from the classic, close-in to the city Leif Erikson Trail, which stays pretty busy, to less crowded trails where you can go a mile (or more) without running into anyone.
Tip: Forest Park is predominantly dirt trails, so be sure to wear a trail-worthy pair of athletic sneakers!
Laurelhurst Park
Laurelhurst is on the smaller side of the recommended routes/parks, but it’s another Portland classic that is a joy to run in. The park is home to a nice variety of trees including Douglas Fir and Maples. You can do park loops (apx 1 mile each) or use the park as a jumping-off point to run through the nearby SE neighborhoods which are full of unique homes.
In the better weather months, Laurelhurst is a go-to spot for locals to meet up in and hang out. If the weather is good, consider bringing a blanket and a book (or beverage of choice) for a post-run hang.
Tip: Looking for exact routes? Check AllTrails, which despite its name, has many local runs and provides detailed maps and route reviews.
Mt. Tabor
If you like stairs and hills, you’re going to love running at Mt. Tabor in Portland! The park is a mix of dirt trails and paved road that offers the opportunity to get in a great workout. Enjoy some lovely forest and a view of downtown from the top. It’s another popular park so during evenings and weekends you won’t be alone. This was the first Portland park I fell in love with. Fun fact: Mt Tabor is actually a volcanic cinder cone!
South Portland Waterfront
Willamette Park is a great jumping-off point for a paved run along the Willamette River. You can run north or south. Going north, I usually turn around Cottonwood Bay Park (more of a bench than a park) to stop before I get into downtown. If you go south, you can turn left onto the Sellwood Bridge then enjoy running through Sellwood, a small, quaint neighborhood that is loved by many.
Tryon Creek
If you’re seeking a more secluded, nature-filled run, Tryon Creek is a great choice. It’s the only Oregon state park located in a major metro area. The forested trails are located on the west side of the river, more in the suburbs than some of the other options. If you’re there when it’s open, check out the interpretive center to learn more about the park’s ecosystem and history.
SW Terwilliger Blvd.
Last but certainly not least on my list of places to run in Portland is SW Terwilliger Blvd. (The title image shows part of this route.) This winding, hilly Portland run is a butt kicker at points but also a joy to run! It tours through quintessential PNW forest and provides some of the best city views, in my opinion. There are also options to hop off onto dirt trails and explore more. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens. When this happens, we like to say “the mountains are out!” I like to stop at the Chart House parking lot for a nice view. Good starting points are Dunaway Track (though be warned, you’ll be starting with a feisty uphill!) and George Himes Park. There’s also some other parking along the road.
Tip: If you’re feeling decision fatigue, need a little extra motivation, or worried about running solo in Portland, check out a group run. I’ve enjoyed the Portland runs by Portland Running Company (PRC) and some others found via Meetup. There are options for virtually every day of the week.
Hope that you enjoy running in Portland and embrace the inevitable rainy run in any season but summer. Happy trails!
