One of the challenges of finding a casual ride that’s good for everyone in the family or group is that many less-experienced riders don’t like riding on streets, in traffic. That can limit your options in an urban area – but here’s a route few people know about that’s almost entirely car-free. Plus it’s flat, not too long, and connects parks – perfect for a casual meander of a ride on a nice-weather day.
You’ll actually be on three different off-street paths – the Trolley Trail, the Springwater Corridor and the I-205 Multi-Use Path. A full 17 of the 19 miles of this route are car-free, making for a relaxed ride through shady parks and genteel neighborhoods.
The Trolley Trail was named for the Portland Traction Company interurban trolley, which operated from 1893 to 1968. So think about that: you’re following the same path that was used by local residents two centuries ago! The Trolley Trail opened for recreational use in 2012.
You can either drive to the start or take Portland’s renowned MAX light rail; the Trolley Trail Loop begins adjacent to the terminus of the MAX Orange Line and the Park-n-Ride across the street. MAX trains offer up to 8 designated bike rack spaces, letting you plan and execute an environmentally friendly adventure if you like.
To start, pedal north on the Trolley Trail, and check out the installations by local artisans that were created as part of the MAX line project. There’s a chainsaw-carved, salmon-catching bear and a waterwheel sculpture that embodies the hard life of early settlers, as well as other one-of-a-kind sculptures worthy of a stop-and-look.
This route is ripe for picnicking, and the first great spot is Milwaukie Bay Park, nearly 10 acres tucked between the Willamette River and downtown Milwaukie. Don’t miss a side trip to the Klein Point overlook in the northwest corner of the park; from that vantage point you’ll enjoy outstanding views as Johnson Creek flows into the Willamette River.
Just past the park, the route jogs left and leaves the Trolley Trail at SE 17th Ave. and Mcloughlin Boulevard. You’ll hop on the pathway that parallels 17th for roughly a mile, then connect to the Springwater Corridor for 4.5 miles of level gliding on another former rail corridor. The inspiration for this trail, part of Portland’s 40-mile loop system, came from a plan conceived back in 1903 for a system of parkways and boulevards to connect greenspaces. The paved Springwater trail extends 21 miles from Portland to Boring, providing one of the region’s best-known and used trails.
Another good opportunity to take a break is presented by Tideman Johnson Natural Area, a 7.5-acre gem just west of Johnson Creek Boulevard; it’s directly accessible from the Springwater trail. This spot is renowned as a bird-watching mecca; you can see herons, kingfishers, mourning doves, owls, pigeons, woodpeckers and more.
You’ll continue on the well-marked Springwater Corridor. If your idea of a picnic comes fresh-cooked off a menu, consider a stop at Cartlandia, a bike-friendly, essential-Portland food cart collection at 82nd and the Springwater Corridor. Choose from an international array of 30 carts, a family-friendly beer garden and live music Thursday through Sunday. Where Tideman Johnson is for bird-watchers, Cartlandia is prime people-watching territory. Not only will you be well fed, and your nose filled with a mélange of scents not necessarily found in nature, you’re also likely to spot a flannel-crested PDX hipster… or four.
Another mile or so up the trail, it’s time to sample the third dedicated off-road section of the day, the I-205 multi-use path. This urban throughway runs more than 18 miles, connecting five cities and 15 neighborhoods along Interstate 205. Recent trail improvements include wayfinding signage and overhead path lighting.
At this point, make sure you have your GPS on or your turn-by-turn directions handy, because it gets pretty urban for a while. You’ll ride some trail, some bike lanes, some more trail, some more bike lanes. Eventually you’ll find your way to the City of Gladstone, where you’ll leave the traffic behind as you enter the lovely enclave of Cross Memorial Park. Perched above the Clackamas River, this little-known gem has seen a recent facelift that added permanent restrooms, picnic tables and paved walking/bicycle paths that lead down to the river. Depending on the water level and the season, you may spot boats fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout.
After you reluctantly leave Cross Park, a bit more off-and-on will eventually have you back on the Trolley Trail. At 16.8 miles, Stringfield Family Park, where there are restrooms and a water fountain to fill up. Not long after that, you’ll ride through Oak Grove, a welcoming community with a pleasant downtown core that includes coffee shops, restaurants, bars and shopping. After exploring the town center, re-connect with the Trolley Trail and finish your adventure back where it started.
Take a moment to consider all the ground you covered in just 19 miles, all the different highlights along the way, and the long periods of blissful cruising far from traffic.
