About us
Come join us for a run out on the trails! We run every Saturday morning and Tuesday evening in Forest Park or other trails around Portland. We also schedule monthly adventure runs to scenic locations around the Pacific Northwest, celebratory holiday runs, and trail maintenance parties.
Tuesday, Saturday, and holiday 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 focuses on building a collaborative trail running community, forming friendships and adventure ideas, introducing people to ultra and adventure running, and engaging our members to care 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're recovering from injury. It will depend on the elevation and distance of the route, and who shows up that day. You can take it slow or, if you like a speed challenge, there's 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'll be walking or running a slower pace let the organizer of the day know at the start. We may not be able to wait for you at the regrouping if you're far behind but can discuss other options to keep you engaged with the group.
I'm nervous about meeting new people! Will I fit in?
We've all been there! We're 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 explore. We also venture out to other spots around Portland and do monthly adventure runs in the gorge, up or around PNW 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...
Who organizes the runs?
We have a close knit team of organizers who take turns posting and leading our runs and providing various support to the group. We also have an amazing community of "regulars" who naturally pitch in in various ways during and outside of events. We are community run!
How do we keep our running community welcoming and respectful?
We’re committed to building a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive running community where everyone feels they belong. We ask all participants to follow Meetup’s group and event policies and to help care for one another along the way. If you have a question or concern, please reach out to an organizer by direct message on Meetup or talk with us at a group run—we’re always glad to listen and help.
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
6
FOOD DRIVE NOV + Wildwood Newberry TH to FL15 Loop (Trail run in Forest Park)
Wildwood trail @ Newberry road, 13884 NW Newberry Road, Portland, OR, USRun info below, but FIRST:
Join us for FOOD DRIVE NOVEMBER: Northwest Trail Runners is hosting a Food Drive to support the Sunshine Division and help fight food insecurity in our community.
Throughout the month, we’ll be collecting unexpired non-perishable food donations at our Tuesday and Saturday runs. Every item makes a difference! Organizers will collect donations after each run. Requested items include:
Peanut Butter / Canned Meats / Boxed Dinners (Ex. Mac & Cheese) / Canned Fruits & Vegetables / Canned Beans / Pasta Sauce / Rice, Pasta & Grains / Seasonings & Spices / Sauces & Condiments / Crackers & Snacks / Cereal & Breakfast Items / Soup & Meal Starters
Monetary donations are also welcome — make checks payable to Sunshine Division. Let’s come together on the trails and offer to lend a hand to neighbors in need!Let’s come together on the trails and offer to lend a hand to neighbors in need. Learn more about the Sunshine Division’s impact at sunshinedivision.org
Have questions? Reach out to any organizer!
——————————-
THE RUN:
Distance: 5.6 mile trail run
Gain: 770 feet
Start: Wildwood Trailhead @ Newberry Road
After: Well and GoodThere are also plenty of options for those wanting to extra miles/climbing.
Route:
Start at Newberry Trailhead head out the Wildwood trail going south.
Left onto Fire Lane 15 (1.8miles)
Right onto Fire Lane 12 (2.15Miles)
Right onto BPA (2.7Miles)
Right onto Wildwood head north back to trailhead.After the run, we'll head over to
Well and Good
11200 NW Thompson Rd
Portland, OR 97229
See you on the trails!
Hosted by: Arne
Northwest Trail Runners
Newberry to FL15, FL12, BPA Loop - MapMyRun16 attendees
FOOD DRIVE + Council Crest via Hillsdale Loop (Mixed terrain run)
McMenamins Hillsdale Brewery & Public House, 1505 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland, OR 97239, USA, Portland, OR, USRun info below, but FIRST:
Join us for FOOD DRIVE NOVEMBER: Northwest Trail Runners is hosting a Food Drive to support the Sunshine Division and help fight food insecurity in our community.
Throughout the month, we’ll be collecting unexpired non-perishable food donations at our Tuesday and Saturday runs. Every item makes a difference! Organizers will collect donations after each run. Requested items include:
Peanut Butter / Canned Meats / Boxed Dinners (Ex. Mac & Cheese) / Canned Fruits & Vegetables / Canned Beans / Pasta Sauce / Rice, Pasta & Grains / Seasonings & Spices / Sauces & Condiments / Crackers & Snacks / Cereal & Breakfast Items / Soup & Meal Starters
Monetary donations are also welcome — make checks payable to Sunshine Division. Let’s come together on the trails and offer to lend a hand to neighbors in need!Distance: 6.5 mile trail run
Gain: 1200 feet
Start: Hillsdale Pub (Parking Lot across the street)
After: Hillsdale Pub (1505 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland, OR 97239)Slightly longer and hillier run than usual so we will start right on time! The run starts at the Hillsdale Pub, runs through the neighborhood streets to a connector trail, then connects to Fairmount Blvd. From there, we will head into Marquam Nature Park, and eventually Council Crest.
There are options for less miles and hills. Let me know if you are interested in the shorter version.
Afterwards, we will head to the McMenamins Hillsdale Pub for the afterparty!
The route description:
Start running at the Hillsdale Pub up SW Sunset Blvd
• Right on SW 18th Dr (.5 mi)
• Continue on the trail until Fairmount Blvd
• Right on SW Fairmount Blvd (.83 mi)
• Right on Warbler Trail (1.5 mi)
• Left on Flicker Trail (1.8 mi)
• Left on Marquam Trail (2.18 mi)
• Continue across SW 14th to Marquam Trail (2.45 mi)
• Stay on Marquam Trail til Council Crest Trail and Viewpoint (4.5 mi)
• Continue on SW Council Crest Drive (4.6 mi)
• Right on Pedestrian Trail (4.9 mi)
• Left on Hillsboro Street (4.95 mi)
• Right on SW Beaverton Ave (5 mi)
• Right on Wapato Ave (5.1 mi)
• Left on Fairmount Blvd (5.15 mi)
• Right on SW 18th Ave (5.75 mi)
• Left on Sunset Blvd (6.3 mi)
• Finish at Hillsdale Pub (6.56 mi)Link to the map:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3555613503751427986See you on the trails!
Hosted by: Dionne
Northwest Trail Runners5 attendees
Food Drive + 8th Annual Turkey Day Run o' Fun (Trail run in Forest Park)
Leif Erickson Trail, 4198-4100 NW Leif Erikson Dr, Portland, OR, US8th Annual Turkey Run o' Fun info below, but FIRST:
Join us for FOOD DRIVE NOVEMBER: This November, Northwest Trail Runners is hosting a Food Drive to support the Sunshine Division and help fight food insecurity in our community.
Throughout the month, we’ll be collecting non-perishable food donations at our Tuesday and Saturday runs. Look for the donation barrel (provided by the Sunshine Division) at each run — every item makes a difference!
Requested items include:- Canned meats
- Peanut butter
- Boxed dinners
- Canned vegetables & fruits
- Canned beans
- Pasta sauce
Monetary donations are also welcome — checks can be made payable to Sunshine Division.
Let’s come together on the trails and offer to lend a hand to neighbors in need. Learn more about the Sunshine Division’s impact at sunshinedivision.org
Have questions? Reach out to any organizer!Distance: 5 mile trail run
Gain: 700 feet
Start: Leif at Thurman
After: St. Honoré BakeryHello Northwest Trail Runners!
What better way to start a day of giving thanks and (over)eating than with a run in great company?!
Let's meet at Leif Erickson trailhead (end of Thurman Street) and do a 5 mile route while giving thanks for our wonderful trails and our amazing running community :).
Route:
• Up Leif Erickson
• Left at Alder
• Left at Wildwood
• Right up Dogwood
• Sharp Left onto Wild Cherry
• Cross Wildwood to continue on Wild Cherry
• Right at LeifWe'll then head to St. Honoré Bakery (2335 NW Thurman St, Portland) to get a headstart on holiday eating :P.
Link to the route:
https://www.strava.com/routes/17727666So thankful for this community!
MACCAM
12 attendees
Rose Garden White Pine loop and C🍪🍪KIES! (Trail run in Forest Park)
Washington Park Tennis Courts, 650 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, USBring cookies to share or an appetite to eat them!
Distance: 6 mile trail run
Gain: 1,129 feet
Start: Tennis courts above the Rose Garden
After: Hostel Cafe - mix of paid and 1 hour street parking.It's time for our annual cookie run celebrating National Cookie Day. We'll work up an appetite on our morning run then fuel back up with breakfast and COOKIES! Bring cookies to share and/or an appetite to eat them!
The Run🏃♀️🏃♂️
We'll meet in the parking lot by the Washington Park tennis courts (above the Rose Garden) for a 6-mile upside-down squiggly lollipop loop that includes the MAC trail, White Pine trail, Wildwood, and Japanese Garden Trail. This route has a mixture of rolling hills, steep climbs, steep descents, and a view from the top of Pittock.The Cookies🍪🍪
Afterwards we’ll let our inner cookie monsters out and power back up with COOKIES at Hostel Cafe. Coffee drinks / breakfast treats will be available for purchase. We'll have paper bags so you can take an assortment of cookies home with you. Thanks to all who share their cookies with us. Every year it's a delight to see and taste the variety. YUM!Thank you to Hostel Cafe for offering their event space to us and our cookies!
Here’s the route:
- Down through the Rose Garden | .2 miles
- Right on MAC trail | .8 miles
- Left on Wildwood | 1 mile
- Regroup at White Pine (just before the end of Wildwood, marked with little yellow plaques)
- Right up White Pine | .9 miles
- Left on Wildwood to Pittock | 1 mile
- Regroup at Pittock viewpoint
- Return down Wildwood | 1.8 miles
- Left on Japanese Garden Trail | .3 miles
- End back in the parking lot
Route map: https://www.strava.com/routes/3426388794372252966
Looking forward to our 6th annual cookie run!
Hosted by: Super Cookie (Nicole) 🍪🏃♀️🌲
https://northwesttrailrunners.org
instagram.com/NorthwestTrailRunners8 attendees
Past events
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