
What we’re about
Northwest Trail Runners offers a diversity of trail running experiences designed to engage trail runners of all ability levels. These include Saturday morning and Tuesday evening runs in Forest Park or other trails around Portland, adventure runs in the gorge or other scenic locations, and trail running trips that showcase the treasured wildscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
Tuesday and Saturday runs are generally 5 - 7 miles long with a variety of paces and experience. Our adventure runs are more challenging in both length and elevation and are targeted towards more seasoned runners.
Northwest Trail Runners also looks to build a vibrant trail running community, form friendships and adventure ideas, introduce people to the wonders of adventure running, and to actively engage our members in caring for our wild places, open spaces, and public lands.
We look forward to growing and exploring the wild treasures of the Pacific Northwest with you!
FAQ's
What pace do people run?
We have many different paces of runners and sometimes people walk if they are recovering from injury. It will depend on the elevation and distance of the route, and who shows up that day. If you like a speed challenge there is usually someone who will take you up on it!
Do you regroup during the run?
Yes, we usually regroup one or more times (depends on the route) to keep the group closer together. If you will be walking or running a slower pace let the organizer of the day know. We may not be able to wait for you at the regrouping if you are far behind but can discuss other options to keep you engaged.
I'm nervous about meeting new people! Will I fit in?
We have all been there! We are a casual, welcoming group focused on building community. Many of us joined solo and have built friendships which have continued outside the scheduled runs. We usually have a good number of "regulars" and a few new people at each of our runs.
Where do you run?
The bulk of our runs are in Forest Park which contains 80 miles of trails to play in. We also venture out to other spots around Portland and do an occasional adventure run in the gorge, up or around mountains, or at the coast.
What types of events do you have?
We have regularly scheduled Tuesday night (6:30pm) and Saturday morning (9:00am) runs, 5-7 miles in length, generally posted a week in advance. In addition, we schedule occasional adventure runs (see above) and special events. Examples of special events from the past: volunteer trail maintenance with Forest Park Conservancy, Wildwood End to End run, Pi day pie run, New Year's day relay, summer picnic.
I have another question. What should I do?
Send a message to one of our organizers or post a message on one of our events. We'd love to hear from you!
Upcoming events (4)
See all- WILDWOOD E2E - Newberry to the Zoo (run or volunteer!)Wildwood Newberry Trailhead, Portland, OR
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If you would like to join us please add yourself to the wait-list. Those who run with us regularly will get first priority, volunteers will be an automatic add.Once confirmed please direct message me (Nicole) your email address, phone number, expected pace per mile to 53rd (mile 21, before the Pittock hill), and target end point (Zoo, 53rd, Trillium, etc). Please read through the comments, as well, and check back for updates!
********Hello Northwest Trail Runners!
Last year's Wildwood End to End was so fun we decided to do it again! This year we're targeting Saturday, September 30th, so participants have all summer long to prepare.
We are also looking for volunteers to support the runners at the treat stations or at the finish, the runners would love your cheers and support!
*** SIGN UP TO RUN OR VOLUNTEER, WE'LL BE REACHING OUT THROUGH MEETUP AT THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER TO FINALIZE DETAILS. YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE MEETUP ALERTS TURNED ON TO BE ALERTED OF MESSAGES. ***
The Route
We'll head south on Wildwood, going from Newberry to the zoo. Total distance is ~30 miles with ~2,800 feet of gain. See the "map" in the photos section for an overview of this run; here's the Strava map:
Volunteering/Treat Stations:
We'll have two treat stations with water and light snacks, but please ensure you can self-support yourself through the whole distance since we cannot guarantee someone/treats will be there when you arrive. This is an unsanctioned event so participate at your own risk!
Trillium Trail Treat Station | mile 11ish | 9:00am-10:00am
If you volunteer here, meet at the Springville Road trailhead 40 minutes early for set up. Together we'll walk the 1/2 mile to Wildwood by going down Springville -> Firelane 7 -> Trillium Trail.
53rd & Wildwood Treat Station | mile 21ish | 11:00am-12:30pm
If you volunteer here, meet at the NW 53rd Drive trailhead 30 minutes early for set up. Wildwood is right there.
Finish Line | mile 30ish | 12:30pm-3:30pm
If you volunteer here to cheer the runners as they finish, park at the Washington Park Veterans Parking Lot (paid lot) 30 minutes early for set up. Meet where Wildwood ends, across the street from the pay station.
Transportation
For those who would like to car shuttle from the end to the start, meet us at 6:50am at Washington Park Veterans Parking Lot which is just north of the zoo (paid lot). We will have a few cars set to drive people to Newberry and will need other volunteers on the day of the event if more seats are needed. We will work together! Ride at your own risk.
If you are volunteering please plan your own transportation.
What to bring
- Proper clothing, plenty of food/hydration/safety needs, dry clothes and a blanket/chair to sit on after you finish.
- A great attitude.
- A phone and person you can contact in case you need assistance. We highly recommend having a friend at the ready in case you need a rescue ride.
What we will need to know
In the beginning of September we'll be requesting your email and phone number (if we don't already have it), expected pace per mile up to 53rd (mile 21 treat station, before the Pittock hill 😄), and volunteer location preference for those volunteering.
See you on the trails!
Nicole
🍪🏃♀️🌲 🌳🏃♀️🌄
- Springville Trillium WildwoodSpringville Road, Portland, OR
Hello Northwest Trail Runners!
Join us for a run on Wildwood along the lungs of Forest Park. We’ll meet at the top of NW Springville Road for this 6.8 mile out and back that has a little over 500 feet of elevation. Easy running on Wildwood!
Along the way we’ll have a chance to cheer those running Wildwood E2E as our paths cross.
Afterwards we'll head over to Insomnia Coffee, 12535 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, for treats and trail stories. Or, if you would like to cheer the E2E-ers at the mile 21 treat station, head over to the NW 53rd Drive trailhead.
Route map: https://www.strava.com/routes/2970469023365474208
Step by step:
- Start down Springville Road | 0 miles
- Immediate right on Firelane 7 | .1 miles
- Right on Trillium Trail |.2 miles
- Left on Wildwood | 3.1 miles
- Regroup at Hardesty
- Back on Wildwood | 3.1 miles
- Right on Trillium | .2 miles
- Left on Firelane 7 | .1
- Continue straight to finish
See you out there!
- Lower Macleay - Holman Loop Featuring *HEADLAMPS*! Plus Lucky Lab2999 NW Upshur St, Portland, OR
Hello Northwest Trail Runners!
This route is a lollipop from Lower Macleay to Wildwood, with optional Holman hill repeats, and Birch trail. Probably skip the Holman repeats. Many of us ran all/lots of Wildwood on Saturday. Congrats! Huge thanks to *Nicole* and to all of you who supported and participated in an awesome community building event!
Length: 5.15 miles, elevation gain: 956 feet.
Meet at Lower Macleay Park under the pavilion (2999 NW Upshur).
The route:
- Run up Lower Macleay Trail, 0.9 mi
- Sharp right at the Stone House and up Wildwood Trail, 0.4 mi
- Left up Holman Lane to the gate before NW 53rd, 0.8 mi
- We’ll regroup at the gate at the top of Holman Lane.
- At NW 53rd go right. We'll be running along side the road for about 100 yards.
- Right at the meadow to Birch Trail.
- Down Birch Trail, 0.2 mi
- Right on Wildwood Trail, 1.9 mi
- Sharp left at the Stone House and back down Lower Macleay to the pavilion, 0.9 mi
Link to the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/17404313
Afterwards, let’s enjoy good company, pizza slices, and drinks at:
Lucky Labrador
1945 NW Quimby St
Portland, OR 97209See you on the trails,
CherHill - Sunrise Hill Club - Lower BPA Trail - Forest ParkBPA Road, Portland, OR
Hello Northwest Trail Runners!
Does your training plan need a few ridiculously steep hill repeats? Wonderland Running hosts a weekly hill bonanza known fondly as Sunrise Hill Club! Northwest Trail Runners is delighted to co-host and share this run monthly on the third Thursday!
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Meet at the Lower BPA Trailhead on HWY 30 near Linnton.
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All paces and experience levels are encouraged to join us!
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Drop in anytime between 5:00am & 8:00am and you will easily find us on BPA doing hill repeats.
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By the numbers:
Each hill is .9 miles with 860 feet of vert. Then you go back down and do it all again… kinda like life!
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This unique and memorable run will feature hill repeats, a picnic table, and possibly, a sunrise.
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We hope to see you for some mind-numbingly hilarious hill repeats on the world’s greatest utility easement!
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More information about Wonderland Running community runs and races may be found at the link below… enjoy!
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https://wonderlandrunning.com/
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Sunrise Hill Club takes place on ancestral lands taken from the Clackamas and Multnomah Chinook, Willamette Tumwater, Tualatin Kalapuya, Mollala, Cayuse, and other peoples of this significant tribal crossroads for the original residents of this area. 🙏🏼