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This is an easy paved path with both up hills and down hills, some straight stretches, some curvy parts as it follow some large power lines in a north-south swath through the neighborhoods. There's one section where you have to get off the trail and go about a quarter mile through traffic and a busy intersection to connect and continue the trail on the other side of Highway 26 (Sunset) so if you have small kids with you, consider only doing the north half or the south half. There are several street crossings and many parks and connecting trails to other destinations.
I love that this trail is here and I ride it often, but the section between Manning and Buxton is becoming unpleasant to ride because of neglected upkeep. As has been noted in other reviews, the bridge transitions are dangerous if you are unaware and hit them at speed (which is likely on the steep downhill run below Buxton). Also in that area, tree roots have pushed the asphalt into ridges big enough to unseat you or to bounce your chain off. Many of these are hard to see in shady areas. There’s a section just above the Manning trailhead where the asphalt has been torn up and heavily grooved for years. I recently met a rider in that area pushing his bike back to the Manning car park with a shredded road tire. I am sure money is tight. Although I want to see new trails built, I would not want it to result in neglecting to maintain this regional gem of a trail, particularly the heavily used lower half of it.
This really could be a spectacular trail.... :-(
Unfortunately, there is a section of trail between Banks and Buxton that goes through some hay fields that has been desperately overdue for repairs for years now. We ride the entirety of this trail every summer, so we are very familiar with the state of the trail from one year to the next. The transitions from trail to bridges are horribly jarring, and that one section I mentioned above has large sections of crumbling asphalt that can be downright dangerous for those of us riding road bikes with narrower tires. You simply cannot enjoy the ride through this section, as you're constantly trying to stay upright as you navigate the vast sections of potholes.
I have tried complaining to the staff at Stub Stewart, but no one seems to have answers when pressed for repair timelines. Worse, I've experienced them "passing the buck" by bemoaning the multi-jurisdictional nature of trail ownership and maintenance. At this point, they need to stop pointing fingers and just figure out how to make these desperately needed repairs to the trail!
My husband and I just got here bikes and use this trail for our second expedition on them. It was such a beautiful ride. The trail was rather busy, but not a problem. There were picnic tables where we enjoyed a packed lunch at the park. Would do this again.
It has been 6 years since I last ride the Banks to Stub Stewart State Park section. As before the transitions on and off bridges are abysmal. The bridges are 4 to 6 inches higher than the trail surface. Strongly advise riders slow way down when approaching bridges. Riding surface continues to deteriorate with longitudinal cracks wide enough to catch a 19 mm tire if not paying attention. Pavement is breaking up in places. That’s the bad. Maintenance appears to be painting white paint to highlight the more dangerous roots The good is the scenery once into the frosted parts is truly beautiful. And the sour face
Wonderful wildflowers, yummy blackberries to snack on, beautiful views and lots of smiling others (dog walkers, individuals riding their bicycles, joggers and morning leisure walker!). It's been extended from 8 miles to 11 at this point in time
The first part - Vancouver Avenue to Interstate Avenue was fine, new macadam. The part from Interstate Avenue to Portland Road was needs repaving, with gravel between patches of macadam in bad shape. Given that your on top of a narrow lever, it was bit dicey.
Really great connecting trail to get you from the Trolley Trail to the Milwaukie Max stop, high school, food cart pod and east downtown access to main street and the library. Great public art and view of the rail bridge. Peep down in the river for a spooky surprise on a scooter!
Really nice trail that connects three parks. Decent enough tree cover on some to keep rain at bay.
This trail and it's construction is nothing short of amazing. Yet the pictures on the Rails to Trails website tell it all. It is not being used. Maybe it is because people are afraid of the homeless encampments that you see or because it is next to a freeway. But the homeless encampments would be much less of a problem if there were more people on bikes utilizing the trail. This trail I am sure cost millions yet just a few people use it. Get out there people!
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