Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Portland, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This paved path is in two sections, separated by a commercial road with a bike lane only on the west-bound side of the road. The pavement has a lot of bumps where tree roots have pushed sections up, making it quite bumpy. Otherwise, it's nice to ride along viewing the Columbia River, the beach, and seeing friendly people and dogs; the path is wide enough the entire stretch for everyone but it is busier the closer you get to Vancouver city center.
This is a gorgeous trail along a calm lake. It's very popular, filled with people (many jogging) and dogs of all ages and sizes. The path is fairly narrow and overgrown over much of the trail as it is mainly a walking trail through the woods; it's also somewhat muddy (even in July) with little streams crossing it in a few places. Given the narrowness and popularity, this is NOT a good place to be biking; we made it work but constantly had to slow down and even wait a couple of times because people were coming and going and there just wasn't room to get around. I may go walking here sometime in the future but I will not take my bike again.
Started from the West end. No dedicated parking, some space along the road, maybe for 20. Nice thing trail had lots of shade. But it also has many forks without any signs where to go. Make sure you are on TrailLink app. Also, this trail is actually three trails - Discovery, Burnt Bridge and some other.
Trail near Bonneville has 2 closures as of June 2026, one due to landslide, and another for new bridge construction. So, this segment has very limited continuous miles to ride. But the 2 miles west of Cascade Locks is very nice.
Significant improvements to marking hazards (like dips, bumps and breaks in the pavement are painted with warning as to what is coming. You still have to slow through some sections. Vernonia to canyon section still has some issues with bridge/ trail transitions but effort to lessen the drop off or jumps up to bridge surface greatly improved. As I ride recumbent tadpole trike I found the switch backs In an out of the canyon require a slow approach and a watchful eye for rider coming g down at you. Some of the corner took the complete width of the trail to get around on the trike. I suspect a tandem would require getting off the trike to reposition the trike. The section from Stan Strward State park down to Buctonis by far the best pavement on the entire route. Particularly the section as you come off the hill foow. Intonation. Which has been reps ex .
This is such a beautiful place to spend the day at, so many trails to explore the depths of this place is just mind blowing. I have been riding it for the past 3 weekends and still haven't explored it all.
For the skaters out there, some parts are smooth some parts are not. Unless you are a more advanced skater with super squishy wheels, its not the best.
Lots of people and dogs out on this spring day enjoying the sun and fresh air. The streets are well-marked, every major road crossing has lights for pedestrians. Large trees, several parks, beautiful path!
For a trail that is so promoted we were truly disappointed. We are on a trip to bike 21 states and this trail has been the worst so far.
Tree roots throughout whole area. Many are really bad!
We ride this one routinely. Flat hard packed gravel with a slight crown. Low traffic and an overall quiet setting. It is open all the way through including past the golf course, there are just gates to keep cars out.
I had just come from downtown and was wondering how far the path on the other side went. I then saw a sign to a park and followed it and I was pleasantly surprised and followed it to the end. I love it, if you get a chance check it out!
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