Middle Fork Path

Connecting two of Springfield's beloved recreation sites, the Middle Fork Path is a paved, multi-use trail that follows the course of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River for about four miles. The trail runs through wooded areas and open fields, offering plenty of gorgeous views of the river and the surrounding area, allowing trail users to disappear into some of central Oregon's renowned natural beauty without having to venture far from downtown Springfield.

In the west, the trail begins at the historic Dorris Ranch, a living history farm that features a number of preserved buildings and active filbert orchards, as well as a park with walking trails and a picnic area. Once you've had your fill of filberts, continue south and east along the trail to reach the wooded banks of the Willamette River, which the trail follows for the remainder of the route. Towards the eastern end of the trail, the end of the three-mile Mill Race Path intersects the Middle Fork Path, giving you the option of taking that trail back west to form close to a complete loop. Or, continue east along the river for about another mile to reach the end of the trail at Clearwater Park - true to its name, the park offers easy boat access to the pristine river, as well as restrooms and a popular disc golf course.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking and restrooms are available at either end of the trail; at Dorris Ranch on the western end (205 Dorris Street), and at Clearwater Park on the eastern end (2400 Clearwater Lane). Additional parking and restrooms are available at the Jasper Road Trailhead along the Mill Race Path, located at 3200 Jasper Road, about a half-mile north of where the Mill Race Path meets the Middle Fork Path.