Portland is the most populous city in Oregon, and 25th largest in the United States. It’s a spectacular setting, lying at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, with views of Mount St. Helens on a clear day. Portland is consistently ranked as one of the most active cities in the United States, with 300 miles of bike paths, 200 miles of running trails, 12 bridges that are accessible to pedestrians…and Sthe headquarters for shoe Nike, adidas, and KEEN. Topgraphically, most of the downtown area is flat, but things get hilly toward the Tualatin Mountains, or “West Hills”.
There are great places to run in Portland. Downtown, the focus is on the wonderful paths along the Williamette River. Just a couple of miles from downtown, there are great residential areas for running, as well as the extensive Forest Park, Washington Park, and options around Terwillinger Blvd. Just west of Portland, do a lap around Nike’s world HQ in Beaverton and connect to additional trails there. There are also some good routes in neighboring Hillsboro, known as ‘Silicon Forest’. See also our separate running guide for Vancouver, located just across the river.
Portland also provides an efficient and widespread public transportation system, with The TriMET MAX light rail, bus lines, and the TriMET WES Commuter Rail line. Runners should note that winters can be cool and rainy. But summers are sunny and gorgeous!
