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 (2)
See all- Saltzman Trail Bottom to Top (Trail run in Forest Park)Lower Saltzman Road Trailhead, Portland, OR
Distance: 5 mile trail run
Gain: 900 feet (estimated)
Start: Lower Saltzman trailhead
After: Pizza Thief on NW VaughnRoute: This is a 5-mile out and back along nearly all of Saltzman Road trail, from lower to upper and back again.
Post-run: Pizza Thief for food and drink.
Hosted by: Emily
Northwest Trail Runners - Gales Creek to University Falls RunventureGales Creek Campground, Washington County, OR
Distance: 12-13 mile trail run
Gain: 2,300 feet (about)
Start: Gales Creek Trailhead
Drivetime from PDX: Approx. 40-50 min
Parking Fee: None
Restrooms: Yes, @ TH
After: Coffee or Beer place in Banks or Hillsboro (TBD)Join us on Sunday, January 26th @ 9am at the Gales Creek Trailhead in the Tillamook State Forest, west of Portland. We will attempt to meet at the Gales Creek Campground trailhead. If the gate is closed, we will meet at the Rogers/ Brown’s Camp trailhead just up the road.
This trail starts at the Gales Creek trailhead and heads up steadily to Hwy 6 for about 2 miles. After crossing the highway, we head to the Rogers/Brown’s Camp trailhead and climb up for just a bit before hitting some roller coastery windy fun trails. This is also a mountain bike trail, but we probably won’t see any bikers in the winter. There are also trails here for motorcycles and ATVs, so you may hear them in the distance.
The trail dips and climbs for 5 or 6 miles and eventually comes to the University Falls spur trail, which leads to, you guessed it, University Falls. If it’s not pouring rain, we can chill here for a bit, take some photos, and have a snack. Then the trail makes its way eventually back to Rogers Camp, but not before a multiple switchback climb. We then cross back over the road and bomb back down the way we came up!
Weather will be cool, perhaps close to freezing, with a chance of rain/snow (:-). Please be prepared for winter conditions. Hope you can make it!
Map:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3304529793457110798This is a 3 donut run.
Donuts Guide:
🍩 - Leif Eriksonish (flat-ish, very little elevation gain)
🍩🍩 - Most NWTR Forest Park runs (5-7 miles, 500-1000 ft ups)...little experience necessary
🍩🍩🍩 - Easier technical Gorge/Mtns (7-12 miles, 1000-2500 ft ups)...a bit more experience may be necessary
🍩🍩🍩🍩 - More technical, longer, steeper (12-20 miles, 2500-5000 ft ups)...seasoned trail runner, with much more experience in the mtns
🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩 - Most difficult and technical (20+ miles, 5000+ ft ups)...marathon, ultra-runners onlyHosted by: Dionne & Jason
Northwest Trail Runners
