A century ago, railroads were the most popular way to transport timber and travelers around the state of Oregon. Railways stretched across the state and made life easier for the average Oregonian. Today, the railroad may no longer be king, but the paths it carved through Oregon remain and are being put to use in the most magical way.
A rail trail is the conversion of a disused railway track into a multi-use path, typically for walking and bike riding. The characteristics of abandoned railways—flat, long, frequently running through historical areas—make them the perfect destination for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. With more than 300 miles of rail trails in the Beaver State, there are plenty of picture perfect trails to explore. Here are six:
- Astoria Riverwalk
Trip Advisor/ReenieM This paved trail stretches along Astoria’s stunning waterfront for 6.4 miles. The route will take you past museums, restaurants, breweries, and under the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Whether you walk, bike, or roller skate, you’ll be treated to world-class river views.
- Row River Trail
Trip Advisor/D K Running for 17 miles along the route of the former Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, the Row River Trail will take you past historic Dorena Dam and the historic Bohemia Mining District. Located in Lane County, this scenic trail is great for walking and biking.
- Deschutes River Trail
Trip Advisor/4duffy2 This 12.5-mile trail meanders through the heart of Bend, providing incredible views of the Deschutes River. The southern end of the trail leads through the Old Mill District, which has a variety of quaint shops and restaurants.
- Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Trip Advisor/Leon T This former railroad corridor was once used to haul timber from mills in Vernonia to Portland in the 1920s until 1957. Today, it is a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and bikers. The 22.7-mile trail system will take you past beautiful nature, bridges, and brooks.
- Springwater Corridor Trail
Flickr/Rails-to-Trails Conservancy This extensive 21.5-mile trail follows the banks of the Willamette River in Portland, eventually making its way out to Boring. Odds are you won’t be able to complete the whole trail in one go, but you can easily do part of it.
- OC&E Woods Line State Trail
Facebook/OC&E Woods Line State Trail As one of the longest rail trails in the county, the OC&E Woods Line State Trail stretches for a whopping 109.9 miles. We recommend starting your journey in Klamath Falls, at the OC&E Woods Line State Trail’s western terminus. This stretch of the trail offers boasts beautiful views of Mount Shasta, Poe Valley, and the Lost River.
More information on all of these trails can be found on the Trail Link website.
Trip Advisor/ReenieM
This paved trail stretches along Astoria’s stunning waterfront for 6.4 miles. The route will take you past museums, restaurants, breweries, and under the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Whether you walk, bike, or roller skate, you’ll be treated to world-class river views.
Trip Advisor/D K
Running for 17 miles along the route of the former Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, the Row River Trail will take you past historic Dorena Dam and the historic Bohemia Mining District. Located in Lane County, this scenic trail is great for walking and biking.
Trip Advisor/4duffy2
This 12.5-mile trail meanders through the heart of Bend, providing incredible views of the Deschutes River. The southern end of the trail leads through the Old Mill District, which has a variety of quaint shops and restaurants.
Trip Advisor/Leon T
This former railroad corridor was once used to haul timber from mills in Vernonia to Portland in the 1920s until 1957. Today, it is a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and bikers. The 22.7-mile trail system will take you past beautiful nature, bridges, and brooks.
Flickr/Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
This extensive 21.5-mile trail follows the banks of the Willamette River in Portland, eventually making its way out to Boring. Odds are you won’t be able to complete the whole trail in one go, but you can easily do part of it.
Facebook/OC&E Woods Line State Trail
As one of the longest rail trails in the county, the OC&E Woods Line State Trail stretches for a whopping 109.9 miles. We recommend starting your journey in Klamath Falls, at the OC&E Woods Line State Trail’s western terminus. This stretch of the trail offers boasts beautiful views of Mount Shasta, Poe Valley, and the Lost River.
Have you embarked on any of Oregon’s rail trails? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
For more stunning hiking trails in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: This Otherworldly Lava Tube Hike In Oregon Will Take You On An Adventure Of A Lifetime.
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