Portland, OR is one of the most active cities in the country. Boasting over 300 miles of bike paths, 200 miles of running trails, and encouraging active over motorized transportation, Portland is routinely ranked as one of the top running cities by Active.com, Runner’s World, and the American College of Sports Medicine. It is also the headquarters for shoe manufacturers Nike, adidas, and KEEN. Also, in keeping with its bike and pedestrian friendly ethos, all 12 of its downtown bridges are accessible for runners, including the new Tilikum Crossing, which is the only bridge unavailable to private cars. There are great places to run in Portland, Oregon. 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 extensive Forest Park, Washington Park, and options around Terwillinger Blvd.
Topgraphically, most of the downtown area is flat, but things get hilly in a hurry in the Northwest and Southwest parts of the city toward the Tualatin Mountains, or “West Hills”.
Portland also provides an efficient and widespread public transportation system in the downtown area, and extending to the suburbs. The TriMET MAX system serves as its above ground light rail and traverses most of the city. It also has bus lines, and the TriMET WES Commuter Rail line, which takes residents and visitors in and out of the city to the suburbs and the airport.