Explore the best rated trails in Kelso, WA. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Frenchman's Bar Trail and Westside Trail. With more than 35 trails covering 278 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The Waterfront Bike Path follows the Willamette River in downtown Portland from the Marquam Bridge north to the Steel Bridge. Although short, the trail offers scenic views of the city skyline and...
The Coweeman River Trail follows the dike on the west side of the river for 4 miles, giving access to the riverfront and Tam O'Shanter Park. The setting on the northern section is residential, and the...
The Padden Parkway Trail provides a paved, 5-mile route across northeastern Vancouver, connecting neighborhoods and shopping areas. Trail-goers are separated from the busy four-lane roadway by a wide,...
The Eastbank Esplanade traces Portland's Willamette River from the Steel Bridge on the north end to SE Caruthers Street on the south end. The trail is named for former Portland mayor Vera Katz, who...
The scenic Burnt Bridge Creek Trail meanders through Vancouver, Washington, along the creek from Stewart Glen on the shores of Vancouver Lake to Meadowbrook Marsh. Along the way, the trail passes...
As its name implies, the Seaside Promenade is a north-south route along the Pacific Ocean in the Oregon coastal community of Seaside. The Prom, as it's affectionately known, dates back to the 1920s...
The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Trail—also known as the Chelatchie Prairie Rail-with-Trail—is currently open from Battle Ground Lake State Park to a point nearly 1 mile southwest. The paved trail runs...
The Columbia Slough Trail follows its namesake waterway on the northern end of Portland. Although there are currently gaps in the trail, it will one day follow the entire length of the narrow 19-mile...
The 14-mile Yelm-Tenino Trail travels through the rural towns of Yelm, Rainier, and Tenino on a paved route through agricultural areas, forests, and wetlands. Commuters can access Olympia, Lacey, and...
The I-84 Bike Path begins at the I-84 intersection with Fairview Parkway and continues west along the interstate for nearly 5 miles. A fence and concrete barrier separate trail-goers from traffic....
The Warrenton Waterfront Trail runs for nearly 5 miles through the small city of Warrenton, located near where the mighty Columbia River empties into the Pacific Ocean in northwestern Oregon. Portions...
Brookwood Parkway Trail, in a northwestern suburb of Portland, skirts the Hillsboro airport and provides access to the Hillsboro Public Library and the sprawling campuses of a few large corporations....
The Gresham Fairview Trail is a north–south corridor that will one day link Portland's 40-Mile Loop Trail (Marine Drive section) with the Springwater Trail's section through Gresham. As of spring...
Tilikum Crossing, also known as the Bridge of the People, spans 1,720 feet across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. The bridge was designed primarily for the MAX Orange Line light rail, but...
Marine Drive Trail follows its namesake roadway along the south shore of the Columbia River. You'll often find you're just feet from the river and can enjoy lovely views of the water, boats and...
The developing Westside Trail in Portland's western suburbs will be a 25-mile paved, multi-use path between the Willamette River to the north and the Tualatin River to the south. Currently, 8 miles...
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail stretches through the hills (east of the Coast Mountains) between its two namesake towns. The former railroad corridor—once part of the Spokane, Portland & Seattle...
The I-205 Multi-Use Path spans 18.5 miles through five cities and 15 neighborhoods along Interstate 205 and the TriMet MAX Green Line light rail service. In addition, it joins with the 21.5-mile...
The Lacamas Heritage Trail parallels Lacamas Creek and the western shore of Lacamas Lake under a canopy of old growth forest. Along this scenic gravel pathway, trail-goers can catch glimpses of the...
The Springwater Corridor comprises the southeast segment of the 40-Mile Loop regional trail system encircling the greater Portland area. The origins of the Loop come from a 1904 proposal by visionary...
When complete, the Fanno Creek Greenway will be a 15-mile paved network of fully accessible urban trails, linking two counties and five cities: Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Durham, and southwest...
The Gresham Fairview Trail is a north–south corridor that will one day link Portland's 40-Mile Loop Trail (Marine Drive section) with the Springwater Trail's section through Gresham. As of spring...
The I-205 Multi-Use Path spans 18.5 miles through five cities and 15 neighborhoods along Interstate 205 and the TriMet MAX Green Line light rail service. In addition, it joins with the 21.5-mile...
The Eastbank Esplanade traces Portland's Willamette River from the Steel Bridge on the north end to SE Caruthers Street on the south end. The trail is named for former Portland mayor Vera Katz, who...
The Columbia River Dike Trail—also known as the Captain William Clark Park Trail and the Cottonwood Beach Trail—follows the Columbia River from Steamboat Landing Park to the border of the Steigerwald...
_104188_sc.jpg)
Castle Rock's popular Riverfront Trail originates at its main trailhead in Lion's Pride Park, which offers covered picnic areas. Following a dike north along the Cowlitz River from the park, the trail...
The Springwater Corridor comprises the southeast segment of the 40-Mile Loop regional trail system encircling the greater Portland area. The origins of the Loop come from a 1904 proposal by visionary...
Salmon Creek Greenway Trail offers a scenic natural getaway in northern Vancouver. The paved, tree-lined trail winds along the creek and through wetlands for 3 miles, offering access to Salmon Creek...
The Columbia Slough Trail follows its namesake waterway on the northern end of Portland. Although there are currently gaps in the trail, it will one day follow the entire length of the narrow 19-mile...
_144993_sc.jpg)
The Rock Creek Trail provides an important commuting route and natural escape in one of Oregon's largest cities: Hillsboro, located in the "Silicon Forest," a high-tech corridor on Portland's western...
An adventure awaits those who tackle all, or part, of the 56-mile-long Willapa Hills Trail in southwestern Washington. The former Northern Pacific Railway line rolls through remote farm and forestland...
Marine Drive Trail follows its namesake roadway along the south shore of the Columbia River. You'll often find you're just feet from the river and can enjoy lovely views of the water, boats and...
The Lombard Street Path stretches nearly 2 miles through an industrial area of northern Portland. At the southern end of Kelley Point Park, the path makes two important connections: It meets the...
The Lacamas Heritage Trail parallels Lacamas Creek and the western shore of Lacamas Lake under a canopy of old growth forest. Along this scenic gravel pathway, trail-goers can catch glimpses of the...
The developing Westside Trail in Portland's western suburbs will be a 25-mile paved, multi-use path between the Willamette River to the north and the Tualatin River to the south. Currently, 8 miles...
The Cowlitz River Trail follows its namesake river along a dike on the east bank. The trail is asphalt and connects Kelso residents with the riverfront. The trail parallels the active BNSF line that...
Terwilliger Trail offers a beautiful, paved route from southern Portland to Lake Oswego in two disconnected segments. Most of the trail corridor runs through Multnomah County; its southern tip lies in...
Tilikum Crossing, also known as the Bridge of the People, spans 1,720 feet across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. The bridge was designed primarily for the MAX Orange Line light rail, but...
The Coweeman River Trail follows the dike on the west side of the river for 4 miles, giving access to the riverfront and Tam O'Shanter Park. The setting on the northern section is residential, and the...
The Astoria Riverwalk, also known as the Astoria River Trail, stretches along part of the Astoria & Columbia River Railroad, providing a lively, nonmotorized tour of the city's waterfront. Along the...
The paved Highway 500 Trail runs just shy of a mile between Andresen Road and Thurston Way on Vancouver's west side through a busy stretch of car dealerships, shops and restaurants.
The Eastbank Esplanade traces Portland's Willamette River from the Steel Bridge on the north end to SE Caruthers Street on the south end. The trail is named for former Portland mayor Vera Katz, who...
The Coweeman River Trail follows the dike on the west side of the river for 4 miles, giving access to the riverfront and Tam O'Shanter Park. The setting on the northern section is residential, and the...
The Columbia River Dike Trail—also known as the Captain William Clark Park Trail and the Cottonwood Beach Trail—follows the Columbia River from Steamboat Landing Park to the border of the Steigerwald...
Castle Rock's popular Riverfront Trail originates at its main trailhead in Lion's Pride Park, which offers covered picnic areas. Following a dike north along the Cowlitz River from the park, the trail...
The developing Westside Trail in Portland's western suburbs will be a 25-mile paved, multi-use path between the Willamette River to the north and the Tualatin River to the south. Currently, 8 miles...
The Lacamas Heritage Trail parallels Lacamas Creek and the western shore of Lacamas Lake under a canopy of old growth forest. Along this scenic gravel pathway, trail-goers can catch glimpses of the...
Marine Drive Trail follows its namesake roadway along the south shore of the Columbia River. You'll often find you're just feet from the river and can enjoy lovely views of the water, boats and...
The I-205 Multi-Use Path spans 18.5 miles through five cities and 15 neighborhoods along Interstate 205 and the TriMet MAX Green Line light rail service. In addition, it joins with the 21.5-mile...
The Columbia Slough Trail follows its namesake waterway on the northern end of Portland. Although there are currently gaps in the trail, it will one day follow the entire length of the narrow 19-mile...
When complete, the Fanno Creek Greenway will be a 15-mile paved network of fully accessible urban trails, linking two counties and five cities: Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Durham, and southwest...
The Waterfront Bike Path follows the Willamette River in downtown Portland from the Marquam Bridge north to the Steel Bridge. Although short, the trail offers scenic views of the city skyline and...
Terwilliger Trail offers a beautiful, paved route from southern Portland to Lake Oswego in two disconnected segments. Most of the trail corridor runs through Multnomah County; its southern tip lies in...
The Cowlitz River Trail follows its namesake river along a dike on the east bank. The trail is asphalt and connects Kelso residents with the riverfront. The trail parallels the active BNSF line that...
The scenic Burnt Bridge Creek Trail meanders through Vancouver, Washington, along the creek from Stewart Glen on the shores of Vancouver Lake to Meadowbrook Marsh. Along the way, the trail passes...
The 14-mile Yelm-Tenino Trail travels through the rural towns of Yelm, Rainier, and Tenino on a paved route through agricultural areas, forests, and wetlands. Commuters can access Olympia, Lacey, and...
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail stretches through the hills (east of the Coast Mountains) between its two namesake towns. The former railroad corridor—once part of the Spokane, Portland & Seattle...
Brookwood Parkway Trail, in a northwestern suburb of Portland, skirts the Hillsboro airport and provides access to the Hillsboro Public Library and the sprawling campuses of a few large corporations....
The I-84 Bike Path begins at the I-84 intersection with Fairview Parkway and continues west along the interstate for nearly 5 miles. A fence and concrete barrier separate trail-goers from traffic....
The Rock Creek Trail provides an important commuting route and natural escape in one of Oregon's largest cities: Hillsboro, located in the "Silicon Forest," a high-tech corridor on Portland's western...
Industrial for huge parts. Not the prettiest bike ride.
We rode from Clackamas town center to downtown Pdx. Homeless harmless and ride was amazing, saw rushing creeks, natural beauty/habitat and even deer!
This is a Public Health & Human Safety Biohazard Risk! Needles and trash everywhere, plus the stench of human feces and urine. I won't even ride my bike between Willamette and Lombard on the trail, let alone walk it! It's a breeding ground for disease.
C'mon, City of Portland, CLEAN IT UP!
I'd upload an image but there is no link.
In September of 2013 my wife and I biked the Astoria Riverwalk from end to end. For a couple of newly retired southern California teachers, it was our first out of California bike ride. (We're determined to bike in all fifty states, and this trail got us off to a good start.)
We had to dodge the occasional walker, trolley, car, dog walkers, deal with some treacherous gaps in boards, and even a brief shower, but the joys of the ride far outweighed some minor inconveniences.
There are wonderful and spectacular views of the Columbia River, clean air, charming Astoria architecture, seals, wild blackberries, a coast guard base, history galore, and the piece de resistance: the Columbia River Maritime Museum where we parked our bikes and spent a couple of hours.
It's a short, flat, easy, scenic, historical experience perfect for families and/or those who like to travel at a leisurely pace.
We were inspired to ride this trail thanks to an article in an issue of Rails To Trails magazine several years ago, and we were not disappointed. It was definitely a morning well spent!
It was pea soup outside this past Sunday and cold. I read mixed reviews about this trail and about the state it is in. It was in really good shape so I'm not sure what some folks are talking about. Yes, there are some areas that are a little more rough and you need to slow down. We did the full ride, 21 miles from Banks to Vernonia and 21 miles back. The worst parts of the trail were around mile 5 and closer to Vernonia. That being said, it is not bad. Just slow down and pay attention. Most troubled areas are clearly marked.
My only regret is doing the ride on a 30 pound cruiser. Not the bike to use on this trail although my thighs are made of solid steel now. It's a steady incline after mile 5-ish until about mile 12-ish and boy, was I feeling it! Coming back from Vernonia took us way less time as there is less of an upward climb and my body was numb to the pain. I will be returning because this trail is awesome but I will use a lighter, more ergonomically correct bike.
Enjoy the ride or walk! Don't leave your trash or dog poop on the trail!
This trail was built with love, over a long period of time, with multiple users intended. The trail is a connection between small towns with rich historical value. This trail project is intended to be continue reaching onward to Scappoose and potentially other towns looping back to Portland then completing the loop back to Banks or continuing toward the coastal communities and then returning to the original beginning as funding and land rights are available. The project will continue to grow with interest and self sustaining interest and ideas. These ‘Trails’ have done a great job of making themselves friendly for multiple users, from families spending a few hours outside seeing how rich our coastal mountains (even our own rain forests) to the most serious bike riders to weekend horseback riding beginners or highly organized groups. If you can walk your going to enjoy the time you spend on this trail. If you want to start at the beginning, middle or end of this trail you will be able to see why the pioneers would risk the lives of the entire family to come start new lives. I would suggest that you take the time to gather the free information available before you get going on this trail. Having even the basic information you can begin a conversation that will spark the interest of the most aloof people. Looking into the areas historical background would add photos of logging that are hard to imagine! Some of the logs cut and moved with old fashioned people power and horses! Imagine what it would be like to move fallen trees to the trains, using only the simplest of tools will amaze young and old alike. A picture is worth a thousand words and still doesn’t even begin to come close to what you’re able to see with even a few historical photos and stories in hand. Being able to see how much hard work was done by prior generations and how carefully the land has been managed by our past generations is quite humbling. (I have seen some photos where the photographer tried to explain how the horses & wagons with men standing on top of the horses wouldn’t fill the the trees vertically or horizontally) Locally owned logging companies go to great lengths to re-planet and insure the health of the new trees, leaving a variety of trees still standing during each cutting. Making the least known impact on every new section cut. Creating a rapidly filled new habitat and limiting the impact of heavy equipment. Longview Fiber has ownership over much of the land on the PNW trail areas between Banks & Vernonia. They have been eager to demonstrate best practices of land management, wood and wood products/byproducts and the operations used in creating new products. They also have information available to interested audiences. I agree that going along a trail and then bursting out into the middle of a clear cutting area isn’t beautiful. These areas are designed to provide the best recovery possible for the next set of trees, they are watched over, carefully cared for, trimmed and thinned. They grow quickly and within 10 years walking through the area the only thing you might notice is almost all the trees are the same age. I dreaded the time when the property adjacent to mine would be clear cut. After many years of watching the process and reading the most recent documents in best case scenarios I learned how much care Longview Fiber provides for the property they own and manage. I was also surprised at the public access they allow, not if they have a active cut happening for obvious safety reasons. Take the time to review the information from many angles. Find a solution to the abuse of paper products just used in USA. It is truly a complex problem The history and information available for this trail is interesting and telling of how the PNW came to life and provided a living for hard working families
Very scenic ride but trail at times very rough. Needs work!
It was a good idea to develop this trail next to the railroad cut that runs between the Columbia and Willamette rivers. Several issues make it lees than ideal for cycling: The surface is not in good shape due to tree roots. Ok for walking, but jarring for a cyclist. Lots of homeless people living along there and wandering around. Possibly safety issues. The north end of the trail simply ends at Columbia Boulevard, which is a very heavily trafficked street. Signage recommends riding on the street east to the Columbia Wastewater Treatment Morning Kant, where you can connect up
I rented my ride at Pedal Bike Tours. Very friendly and helpful staff. I was told there was a large section of the trail closed for construction. Super helpful salesman mapped a route for me to avoid it. After getting a little lost, I got on the right track and enjoyed the urban part of the trail. In the countryside there were homeless camps and lots of trash. Oregonians are friendly and tolerant. Need I say more.
I was very excited about this trail last year when I first discovered it. That Fall, I attempted to ride and wiped out on one of the many slippery bridges. This summer I was back and astonished at how much the asphalt in many areas is rutting, crumbling, and breaking apart. I mean really dangerous! The Stubbs Stewart section is in great shape however. But what really turned me off, is the aggressive logging and clear cutting taking place along many sections of the trail. The logging vehicles even share the trail. I bike rails to trails like this to get away from these sad destructive scenes, but no longer can you on this trail - it is in the Oregon culture as one native told me. I will not be coming back!
Get Your 2018 RTC TrailNation Jersey!
Download the TrailLink mobile app and take TrailLink with you!
Donate and Get a FREE 2018 RTC Guidebook!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Map Search
_104188_st.jpg)
_144993_st.jpg)
