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Print Friendly MapColumbia City’s Blue River Trail weaves throughout the small city along the banks of the Eel River, linking residents with schools, businesses, activity hubs and parks. The main trailhead, which offers a bike rack, parking, drinking fountain, benches and restrooms, is located just north of the Columbia City Fire Museum on S. Whitley Street, although a recent extension to the west of there takes trail users to S. Main Street/US 30.
The trail meanders east from the trailhead along the waterway until it crosses the river on a footbridge at the YMCA property. At E. Van Buren Street/State Route 205, trail users must cross the river on the road bridge. The trail resumes immediately after the bridge, and extends north to popular Morsches Park. The 117-acre park contains a splash pad, pavilion, skate park, tennis courts, baseball fields and mountain bike trails. At the park’s north end, the trail makes a loop around a quiet pond.
A new addition to the trail connects residents of the northern neighborhoods of Columbia City with Morsches Park via a bridge over the river north of US 30. In the future, the Blue River Trail will connect at its south end with the Eel River Trail, a proposed rail-trail that may eventually reach the community of South Whitley.
Parking for the Blue River Trail is available at the trailhead on S. Whitley Street adjacent to the Columbia City Fire Museum. Additional parking can be found at the YMCA and in Morsches Park, both accessed from E. Van Buren Street/SR 205.
Other than having issues finding the trailhead parking (more of a Waze issue than anything to do with the tail) it was a lovely little hike. Well maintained pavement made for a nice leisurely stroll. The only down side is that the views are mostly chain-link fencing and the backside of commercial/industrial sites. That being said, it was still a wonderful way to get the daysday’s steps in.
Several hills on the trail, with turns at the end. Some sharp turns and narrow lanes that would be hard to have two bikes on at the same time. Stretches of the trail are near the highway, but overall a quiet ride.
I've walked, jogged and rode my bike on this trail many times. It's very well maintained and always beautiful!
7 bird species noted this AM. Some shade. Also exposed areas so best to walk early AM in summer. Bathrooms accessible in Morsches Park, at least in morning. Easy stroll along macadam.
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