The quadrant labeled Northwest Portland is known primarily for high-end shopping, with the dining options to match. It’s also tucked right up against the base of the Tualatin Mountains. Mountains come in many shapes and sizes, however. And the Tualatins struggle to reach more than 1,000 feet. So keep that number in mind when you think, I’m ascending into a mountain range!? In addition to Washington Park and Council Crest, the Tualatins are where Forest Park stretches out, providing the natural backdrop Portland is known for. The Forest Park Loop will give you a taste of Portland’s Northwest neighborhood and an ample sampling of the city’s iconic park.
Start: Terminus of NW Thurman Street
Distance: 23.6-mile loop
Riding time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Best bike: Road bike
Terrain and trail surface: Paved road
Traffic and hazards: Swift-moving traffic on US 30; winding road with blind turns on Skyline Boulevard
Fees and permits: None
Restrooms: None at the trailhead
Maps: Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas: Page 106 D4
Getting there: From northwest Portland, take NW Thurman Street to its terminus at the trailhead. GPS: N45° 32.349' / W122° 46.521'
The Ride
The ride starts through a remarkably pleasant tree-lined neighborhood with little to no elevation gain over the first 2 miles. Once you begin the steady climb up NW Cornell Road, the elevation increases at a rate that keeps up with the escalating property values. As you continue the climb, the scenery transitions from the stately manors of the west hills to the natural beauty of bigleaf maple, Douglas fir, and western red cedar.
At about the 3-mile mark, the ride levels out briefly at the Audubon Society of Portland. If time is not an issue, this is a very worthwhile stop. The property is home to a 150-acre nature sanctuary, wildlife care center, and nature store, where you can pick up a copy of Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon if you’re interested.
Back on the road, the climbing continues on NW Skyline Boulevard before finally leveling out for good around the 7-mile mark. Enjoy the well-earned breather and the scenery as you skirt along the borders of the park. If you feel like pulling the chute early, you can knock off 7 miles of the ride by hanging a right onto NW Germantown Road. The winding, scenic descent is a thriller that ends with sweeping views of the St. Johns Bridge and Mount Hood, weather permitting. If you’re in for the whole ride, continue to NW Newberry Road, where you’ll make a right and begin your descent.
Once again at the base of the Tualatin Mountains, begin the flat, 7-mile time trial through the Northwest industrial area and back to the trailhead. Admittedly, the scenery along US 30 isn’t as good as what you just left behind, but the flat ride back in makes for a nice cooldown.
Miles and Directions
0.0 Start at the trailhead and ride back along NW Thurman Street.
1.3 Turn right onto NW 25th Avenue.
1.7 Turn right onto NW Lovejoy Street.
1.8 Turn right onto NW Cornell Road.
3.6 Turn right onto NW 53rd Drive.
5.5 Turn right onto NW Thompson Road.
6.1 Turn right onto NW Skyline Boulevard.
12.4 Turn right onto NW Newberry Road.
14.5 Turn right onto US 30/St. Helens Road.
20.5 Turn right to stay on St. Helens Road.
22.0 Continue onto NW Nicolai Street.
22.2 Turn right onto NW Warday.
22.3 Continue onto NW Vaughn Street.
22.4 Turn right onto NW 27th Avenue.
22.5 Turn right onto NW Thurman Street.
23.6 Arrive back at the trailhead.
Local Information
Things to see: Forest Park, Audubon Society, St. Johns Bridge, Willamette River
Pre- and post-ride restaurants: Pre-ride coffee and breakfast at St. Honore Bakery, 2335 NW Thurman St.; post-ride beers and food at Lucky Lab, 1945 NW Quimby St., both in Portland