Naturecoaster + Dragonfly (Trail run in Forest Park)

Distance: 7.3 mile trail run
Gain: 700 feet
Start: Leif Erickson at Thurman
After: Dragonfly Coffee

By special request, I bring you Naturecoaster! The first third of this run takes us up up up, then we get a glorious long coast back to the start on Nature and a few other trails. Strap on your running shoes and enjoy the ride!

Afterwards we’ll meet at Dragonfly coffee for .... coffee! They have a great mix of breakfast burritos, specialty drinks, and treats, too.

The Dragonfly Coffee House
2387 NW Thurman St, Portland

Here’s the route:

• Start on Leif Erikson
• Left on Wild Cherry to the almost top
• Right on Dogwood
• (Regroup at Keil)
• Left on Keil
• Straight onto Wildwood
• Right on Firelane 1
• Straight-ish Left on Nature Trail
• (Regroup at the bottom of Nature)
• Right on Leif back to the start

Route map:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3221662829031503778

Full description:
From the start at Thurman Street gate to the top at Keil and Dogwood, we're going to have a brisk climb of about 500' in 1 mile. Don't worry, this is just the start of a 7 mile long roller coaster!
After a brief regroup at Keil the fun continues: we descend to Wildwood and then the next 2 miles or so is a gentle, rolling climb to Firelane 1. Plenty of time to either push your pace or relax and enjoy the scenery.
At Firelane 1 we release the brakes and drop about 400' over the next mile on one of the most spectacular single tracks in Forest Park - Nature Trail! Switchbacks, canopy, 2nd growth meadow, and narrow straightaways offer ample opportunity for a sporting, high-speed descent.
We'll regroup again at the bottom of Nature to catch our breath and cool down on an easy jog of about a quarter mile to Firelane 1 and Leif Erikson.
Now, from Firelane 1 back to the gate is a perfect 5k. Build speed on the gentle downslope until you are crying or just settle in for a meditative lope to the finish!

See you there!

Hosted by: 🍪🏃‍♀️🌲 Nicole
Northwest Trail Runners