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 (3)
See all- Newberry TH to Firelane 15 Loop (Trail run in Forest Park)Wildwood trail @ Newberry road , Portland , OR
Distance: 5.6 mile trail run
Gain: 1100 feet
Start: Newberry Road
After: Well and GoodHello Northwest Trail Runners, join us for a run on wildwood starting from Newberry road. There are also plenty of options for those wanting to extra miles/climbing.
Route:
Start at Newberry Trailhead head out the Wildwood trail going south.
Left onto Fire Lane 15 (1.8miles)
Right onto Fire Lane 12 (2.15Miles)
Right onto BPA (2.7Miles)
Right onto Wildwood head north back to trailhead.After the run, we'll head over to
Well and Good
11200 NW Thompson Rd
Portland, OR 97229
See you on the trails!
Hosted by: Arne
Northwest Trail Runners
Newberry to FL15, FL12, BPA Loop - MapMyRun - Naturecoaster + Dragonfly (Trail run in Forest Park)Leif Erickson trailhead , Portland , OR
Distance: 7.3 mile trail run
Gain: 700 feet
Start: Leif Erickson at Thurman
After: Dragonfly CoffeeBy special request, I bring you Naturecoaster! The first third of this run takes us up up up, then we get a glorious long coast back to the start on Nature and a few other trails. Strap on your running shoes and enjoy the ride!
Afterwards we’ll meet at Dragonfly coffee for .... coffee! They have a great mix of breakfast burritos, specialty drinks, and treats, too.
The Dragonfly Coffee House
2387 NW Thurman St, PortlandHere’s the route:
- Start on Leif Erikson
- Left on Wild Cherry to the almost top
- Right on Dogwood
- (Regroup at Keil)
- Left on Keil
- Straight onto Wildwood
- Right on Firelane 1
- Straight-ish Left on Nature Trail
- (Regroup at the bottom of Nature)
- Right on Leif back to the start
Route map:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3221662829031503778Full description:
From the start at Thurman Street gate to the top at Keil and Dogwood, we're going to have a brisk climb of about 500' in 1 mile. Don't worry, this is just the start of a 7 mile long roller coaster!
After a brief regroup at Keil the fun continues: we descend to Wildwood and then the next 2 miles or so is a gentle, rolling climb to Firelane 1. Plenty of time to either push your pace or relax and enjoy the scenery.
At Firelane 1 we release the brakes and drop about 400' over the next mile on one of the most spectacular single tracks in Forest Park - Nature Trail! Switchbacks, canopy, 2nd growth meadow, and narrow straightaways offer ample opportunity for a sporting, high-speed descent.
We'll regroup again at the bottom of Nature to catch our breath and cool down on an easy jog of about a quarter mile to Firelane 1 and Leif Erikson.
Now, from Firelane 1 back to the gate is a perfect 5k. Build speed on the gentle downslope until you are crying or just settle in for a meditative lope to the finish!See you there!
Hosted by: 🍪🏃♀️🌲 Nicole
Northwest Trail Runners
