When it was constructed, Leif Erikson Drive was supposed to be the main artery that would connect Northwest Portland to a yet-to-be-constructed development of stately homes along the Tualatin Mountains. The combination of a massive landslide and a slumping economy prevented any further development. Investors defaulted, and the land fell back into the city’s lap. That entire stretch of land is now Forest Park. And the road that was supposed to lead to high-end real estate now carves an easy path that winds its way from Northwest Portland to Germantown Road in the heart of the park.
Start: Leif Erikson Trailhead at the end of NW Thurman Street
Distance: 21.4 miles out and back (10.7-mile shuttle)
Riding time: 1 to 3 hours
Best bike: Mountain bike
Terrain and trail surface: Wide gravel road
Traffic and hazards: Pedestrians, hikers, runners, dogs
Fees and permits: None
Restrooms: None
Maps: Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas: Page 106 D4
Getting there: From downtown Portland, take I-405 North and take exit 3 onto US 30 West. Merge onto NW Vaughn Street. Turn left onto NW 26th Avenue. Make a right onto NW Thurman Street and follow it for 1.2 miles to the end of the road and the gated trailhead. GPS: N45° 32.346' / W122° 43.519'
The Ride
From the trailhead make your way past the gate and onto the gravel road. From there follow your nose. There is a little elevation gain to start with, but for the most part the entire ride is level and winding, with occasional rolling elevation gains and losses.
The path ducks in and out of canyons through a typical forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, hemlock, bigleaf maple, and vine maple. Trails and fire lanes occasionally intersect Leif Erikson, so pay special attention and be on the lookout for hikers and runners at these junctions. Also be forewarned that this can be a muddy track, prone to puddles and standing water after any precipitation at all.
Turn around where Leif Erikson ends at NW Germantown Road, or continue as far as you like. If you’d rather not come back the way you came and don’t mind a little road riding, you have some options. At 6 miles a gravel road on your right, NW Saltzman Road, eventually becomes a paved NW Saltzman Road that intersects US 30. Hang a right there and make another right onto NW St. Helens Road; you’ll be back in Northwest in no time. You can also do the same thing at Germantown Road by heading downhill to US 30.
Miles and Directions
0.0 Start at the trailhead and begin riding along gravel Leif Erikson Drive.
6.0 Pass NW Saltzman Road.
10.7 Arrive at NW Germantown Road. Head back the way you came.
21.4 Arrive back at the trailhead.
Local Information
Things to see: Forest Park
Post-pedal food and drink: Rae’s Lakeview Lounge, 1900 NW 27th Ave., Portland