The Logging Road Trail runs along the eastern outskirts of Canby, about 20 miles south of Portland. The road was once used by logging trucks, but is now closed to vehicular traffic.
Views along the paved trail's southern end are a mix of residential and commercial properties, as well as rural landscapes. Here, the trail sits adjacent to Baker Prairie Middle School (with Trost Elementary School also nearby), offering a nice route for students to use.
The northern end runs between a golf course and the densely forested Eco City Park, becoming quite scenic as it approaches the Willamette River.
Parking is available just northwest of the trail's intersection with Territorial Road.
Only hiked the north section from Eco City Park trailhead. We’ll be back to visit the south section. Path was smooth enough for my kids to scooter. There are also several geocaches along the way, some very close to the path.
Even on a cool, overcast, but weekend day there were several others on the trail. All walkers.
I've been walking the logging road for over 30 years. I've had many walks with my cats and dogs.
Over the last 10 years there's been some good and bad changes to the road.
The city of Canby bought the road then paved it. That was a good thing.
Now that it's paved the police can travel on it much faster now without braking the car there driving.
But worse than that is the bike riders. Yes bike riders!
They feel as if they own the road. I'm not talking about the mom and dad with kids bike riders. I'm talking about the ones that have the tight pants and Ricky rocket helmets.
They feel as if it's there road. They travel at speeds sometimes making them nothing but a blur. At those times
I've seen them yell at the moms and dad walkers with kids, "hey keep your kids under control ". To keep them out of the way. To this one. they actually hit and tried to run someone over. That reason was, " you were walking on the wrong side of the road". I didn't know there was a wrong side of the road because it started as a WALKING TRAIL not bike trail.
But other than the rude bike riders you will sometimes meet
You can meet some of the nicest people.
Nice dog people as well.
Fun ride, one section we call "squirrel crossing" or "squirrel dodge...", so hilarious... they wait for youand run right out in front of you!
Yesterday, I took my two boys (4 and 7 years old) on this very quiet and peaceful trail. It's all asphalt and beginning of the trail surrounded by a residential community and country club with a large golf course. At the north end, there's a gorgeous open field with old oak trees that's perfect for watching the sunset.
Access to the Willamette river is limited and not very safe for small children. Epic views though!
We started at NE 34th Place, off N Maple St. and headed south. Plenty of tall trees and views of the river make this ride quite lovely. About two miles in, there's some fun mountain biking trails at Eco City Park - good for a hot summer day. And two more miles south is Baker Prairie Middle School with a decent playground if you're riding with young children.
For food options at the Canby Market Center, there's a Mexican restaurant, Denny's, Carl's Jr, Subway, Papa John's pizza, Starbucks, yogurt, and Fred Meyer. Turn off NE 11th and head south on N Redwood St. into get to the center. You'll need to cross HWY 99 so be careful as it's very wide.
Overall a very surprising and refreshing ride that's only 30 minutes from Portland. Looking forward to riding solo or with the whole family in the spring!
I'm a relatively new rider, and decided I needed a different route to try. I drove to Canby to ride this path, and I wasn't disappointed. I started out in a weird place (per directions I got on here) and rode across a pasture to get on the actual path. I did the path by the river, looped, and went all the way down to the other end. There were a couple of fun little hills, but the path is easy to ride. For me the fact that the mileage is written on the path was tremendously helpful. Great way to spend my Mother's Day!
The best access to this trail is from Eco City Park. From the parking lot there you can follow the trail north about 1-1/2 miles, or south about 2 miles. The entire trail is wide, asphalt and in good condition, with occasional benches.
North takes you along woods, a golf course and fields to the Willamette River. A pleasant pastoral walk. The only restroom facilities along the trail are on this section, about a quarter mile from the parking area.
South takes you between backyards, over an old railroad bridge across a busy highway, past a shopping center, industrial areas, school grounds, and near the far end, a couple of pastures.
My husband and I walked along the northern part of the trail from the parking lot. It was quiet and peaceful with a mix of shaded stretches and sunny areas. Lots of birds and wildflowers. An easy walk where you can really get up some speed. The pavement is level and well-maintained.
I went there yesterday morning as I wanted something fairly close to my home in Wilsonville to break in a new bike. The trail is now fully paved from the Willamette River to the North and to SE 13th Ave. in the South. If one is adventuresome, there are a number of dirt paths off of the paved trail north of Territorial. It was a nice ride with a few other walkers and cyclists.
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