Description
The Banks–Vernonia Rail Trail is 21 miles of paved trail between the two Oregon towns of, what else, Banks and Vernonia. The trail links these town with other stops in between—Manning, Tophill, Stub Stewart, Beaver Creek and Buxton—providing a spectacular recreation opportunity for cyclists, walkers, runners or equestrians. Old railroad trestles, wildflowers and wildlife add to the charm of this nature-lover's trail. The trail is steep in places so cyclists are asked to walk their bikes or slow way down for your own safety and that of other trail users. The trail climbs from Banks toward Vernonia, passing through the Hilltop Day Use Area (camping available).
The has 13 bridges and two 700-foot long, 80-foot high railroad trestles at Buxton and Horseshoe, offering amazing views. There's an equestrian bypass at Buxton, which crosses Mendenhall Creek. The route follows an abandoned railroad corridor, which was used between the 1920s and 1957 to haul timber from mills in Vernonia and Keasey to Portland. For five years during the 1960s, the rail was used as a passenger excursion; construction of the trail began in 1991.
Parking and Trail Access
You can access the Banks–Vernonia Rail Trail in Vernonia, Beaver Creek, Tophill, Buxton, Manning and Banks. For more access details and amenities offered at each trailhead, view the
local map.
Nice bike trial close to Portland
By
mkoyama
in
May, 2013
Pretty nice road surface and nice grade all the way through, a little uneven the last 6 miles towards Banks, but nothing to complain about for a trail so close to Portland.
Avoid weekends if possible which can bring heavy bike and foot traffic. If going ...
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Don't miss this great ride
By
ragu1
in
April, 2013
Took work off on a Tuesday with 2 other riding buddies. Partly cloudy skies and a bit on the cool side - perfect conditions. I was really impressed with the whole trail from Banks to Vernonia - a great riding experience. The condition of the trail, and ...
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TRAILBEAR Grabs Air - descent from Buxton.
By
toolbear
in
June, 2012
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Rain showers, etc.
The Banks Trailhead was rather full - and why not. A great trail just an hour from Portland and a park with camping in the middle. What is not to like? Well, the weather, for one.
We watched the crowds ...
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