Springwater Corridor Trail
The Springwater Corridor Trail is one of Portland’s most beautiful places to visit. The trail starts at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and extends all the way to Sellwood Riverfront Park, passing through 22 city parks along the way. This trail offers a variety of landscapes that are sure to please everyone, from avid bicyclists to families looking for a stroll.
History of Springwater Corridor Trail
Springwater Corridor Trail’s history is a long and interesting one. The trail has been around for over 100 years but was closed in the early 2000s due to heavy crime rates on the path. In 2003, Portland opened up the first phase of the Springwater Corridor Trail restoration project with hopes that it would help decrease criminal activity within this section of town known as “The Bottoms.” This first project was a success, and the trail has been open to commuters ever since.
The Plan
In 2011, Portland Parks & Recreation unveiled their plan to revitalize the Springwater Corridor Trail and a proposed budget of around 11 million dollars. The city allocated a portion of its transportation funds each year to help with the budget and allowed this project to occur. The plan’s first step was to rebuild a portion of the trail, including new asphalt, boardwalks across wetlands, and improved pedestrian crossings. Alongside their long term goals are short-term plans such as improving safety along the path by adding lighting at underpasses between the trail and streets along the path, adding public art to underpasses, building a new pedestrian bridge at SE Ivon Street crossing over Johnson Creek, planting native vegetation along with the trial as well as creating additional access points.
The Final Product
In 2015, Portland Parks & Recreation began putting their long-term plan into action, with construction beginning on the new Springwater Corridor Trail. The trail will have 21 miles with direct access to five MAX light rail stations and several local bus stops in its final form. The restoration project has been completed in phases beginning with Phase I from SE Tacoma Street to Sellwood Riverfront Park back in 2012.
Phase II was finished in 2015 and will continue from SE Umatilla Street to Sellwood Riverfront Park. In Spring of 2016, Phase III is scheduled for completion, including the section from Lents Neighborhood Greenway Trailhead to Boring Station Trailhead in Clackamas County.
In recent years there has been a surge of interest within Portland regarding its natural areas and the need for more outdoor recreation opportunities. The Springwater Corridor Trail is a perfect example of how the city has responded. With its easy access to downtown Portland and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as incredible views of Mount Hood, this trail is sure to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for years to come!
What to Do in Springwater Corridor Trail
The Springwater Corridor Trail is one of Portland’s best places to visit. This network of trails runs through several parks and natural areas – it’s an excellent place for walking, biking, or rollerblading. You can see many things on this trail, such as Sellwood Park, Oaks Amusement Park, etc.
Sellwood Park: You can enjoy a picnic or go fishing at Sellwood Park. You might even be lucky enough to spot wild animals such as coyotes and hawks living here! It’s also possible to rent kayaks at this location.
Oaks Amusement Park: If you’re looking for some fun, then the Oaks Amusement park is the place to be. This amusement park has a variety of rides that are sure to delight everyone in your family!
Boring Lava Field Nature Trail Loop: The Boring Lava Field Nature Trail loop is a great place to visit. It’s an easy trail that will take around one hour to complete, depending on your pace. The Nature Loop offers you the chance to see some of Oregon’s most interesting volcanic rock formations!
What to Bring in Springwater Corridor Trail
- Water: Make sure you bring plenty of water, especially on hot days. You can refill your bottle at any fountains or water spigots along the trail.
- Snacks: If you’re planning to hike a long distance, pack some snacks too! There are several places to buy food and drinks once you get to Sellwood, but it’s always good to have something on hand just in case.
- Sunscreen: The trail is mostly shaded, but you’ll still need sunscreen on bright days.
- Bug spray: There are a lot of mosquitoes and other bugs near the water, so bring bug spray if you’re sensitive to them.
- Camera: You’ll find lots of opportunities for great photos along the trail.
- Tripod: The lighting is usually good in Springwater Corridor Trail, so it’s an excellent place for photographing or filming your trip. You can also bring a tripod if you like to take pictures of yourself.
- Bike: If you’re biking, make sure to bring a lock! There are several places to park your bike along the trail.
- Jacket: The weather can be unpredictable in Portland, so it’s always a good idea to bring a jacket just in case.
How to Get to Springwater Corridor Trail
The trail is located just outside of Portland. Take exit #20 from Highway 26 and follow the signs for Sellwood/Gresham. At SE 19th Avenue, turn left toward E Burnside Street in the Eastmoreland neighborhood. Go another mile until reaching a significant intersection with Johnson Creek Boulevard at Shattuck Road, where you should go right to enter the trail.
Springwater Corridor Trail is open from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.
What to Expect: The Springwater Corridor Trail is a 21-mile long, paved bike path that follows the Willamette River and Johnson Creek. The trail offers beautiful views of the river and forested areas, and it’s perfect for a peaceful walk or ride. You’ll also find plenty of parks, restaurants, and shops along the way.
The Springwater Corridor Trail is a great place to enjoy nature and get some exercise. There are plenty of things to see and do on the trail, so be sure to check it out if you’re ever in the Portland area.
Address: 20790 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97233
Phone: 503-234-3000
Website: oregonmetro.gov/parks/springwater-corridor-trail
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Admission: Free!
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