Leif - Naturecoaster (Trail run in Forest Park)

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

It’s Naturecoaster time! 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! If we're lucky, Stuart may even show up for a sub-hour encore of this route!

Afterwards we’ll meet at Roseline Coffee for hot (or iced!) coffee, tasty sourdough delights, and picnic table chats as the sun warms our hearts.

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 on the trails!

Hosted by: MACCAM
Northwest Trail Runners