What we’re about
Come join us for a run out on the trails! We get together every Saturday morning and Tuesday evening in Forest Park or other trails around Portland. We also schedule occasional adventure runs in 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 vibrant 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 are 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 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...
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!
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- Newton Wildwood BPA Loop (Trail run in Forest Park)Newton Road Trailhead, Portland, OR
Distance: 5.4 mile trail run
Gain: 1,081 feet
Start: Newton Road Trailhead
After: Well and GoodHello All,
Lets meet for a run at NW Newton Road.Note: The address above will take you to NW Newton Road. Turn on to Newton, which is a gravel dead-end road. Our meeting spot is in the parking area about half a mile from the Skyline turn-off. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.
The route:
-Run down Newton Road.
-Left on BPA Road (heavy breathing).
-Right on Firelane 13 to the picnic bench (spectacular views).
-Back and continue on BPA Road
-Left on Wildwood.
-Right on Newton.
-End at parking lot.Route map: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/94408098
After the run we'll head over for a Coffee and some Treats with good company at:
Well and Good Cafe
11200 NW Thompson Rd
Portland, OR 97229Hosted by: Arne
Northwest Trail Runners - WILDWOOD E2E - Newberry to the Zoo (30-mile trail run or volunteer!)Wildwood Newberry Trailhead, Portland, OR
Distance: 30.2 mile trail run
Gain: 2,800 feet
Start: Wildwood Trailhead at Newberry Rd
After: Picnic celebration at the end of WildwoodLet the training begin! Saturday, September 27th, is the target for our fourth annual running of Wildwood from end to end. Sign up to run the distance or to volunteer at a treat station - the runners would love your cheers and support! This event is targeted to those who have run with us in the past. If you haven't, come join one of our weekly Tuesday or Saturday runs so we can get to know each other!
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. Here's a map:
Newberry to the Zoo.Volunteering/Treat Stations:
We'll have three main treat stations with water and light snacks plus some other surprises along the way. 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 | open 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 | open 10:45am-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 | open 12:00pm-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'll 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'll work together! Ride at your own risk.
If you have an outlier pace per mile you will need to start earlier or later than the rest of the group and make your own transportation plans. This is to ensure that the runners are not too spread apart and make it to the treat stations/finish close enough together for support and celebration. We'll discuss start time with you if needed. Please be honest with your expected pace per mile as a courtesy to our amazing volunteers.
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 need to know
Once you sign up, Nicole will reach out for your email and phone number either through MeetUp messaging or in person. Provide promptly to remain on the "going" list.
In the beginning of September we'll contact you for your expected pace per mile up to 53rd (mile 21 treat station, before the Pittock hill 😄) and/or volunteer location preference for those volunteering.
Check back for updates here and in the comments. Ensure you are set to receive notifications from MeetUp so you don't miss direct messages or comments.
See you on the trails!
Hosted by: Nicole 🍪🏃♀️🌲 🌳🏃♀️🏃🌄
Northwest Trail Runnerswww.northwesttrailrunners.org
Instagram: @NorthwestTrailRunners
Strava: NorthwestTrailRunners
