“A good loop exploring Powell Butte Nature Park with minimal climbing and a flowing descent.
— Tyler Bump
This trail is great for families or beginners who just want to get out in nature to have a great experience.
Trails are closed to biking and horseback riding during December, January, and February. Trails closed when muddy - if a trail is dry, enjoy!
Powell Butte, an extinct cinder cone volcano, rises near the headwaters of Johnson Creek - an urban creek with remnant populations of native salmon and steelhead. The park is comprised of 608 acres of meadowland and forest. Powell Butte Nature Park is Portland's second-largest park after Forest Park.
Trails are accessible from the Springwater Corridor and there are many options once you get to the park.
Need to Know
Watch your speed around corners and be courteous with other trail users. Also If you bring a dog, be sure to bring a poo bag.
The trails at Powell Butte are one of the best kept secrets in Portland. Significant trail work has been undertaken in recent years to develop a multiuse trail network. The trails are accessible from the Springwater Corridor which makes this a great afternoon or after work ride.
Most of the trail surface is smooth singletrack with some wider multi purpose trail at the top of the butte. This loop includes an easy, but steep near the top, singletrack climb that opens up to views of Mt. Hood at the top and is followed by a smooth and flowing descent back down to the trailhead near the Springwater. There are some newly built berms on the descent that need to be ridden to be formed a bit so get out there and ride it!
History & Background
In 1925 the Portland Water Bureau purchased the land for future water reservoirs and leased the northeast portion to Henry Anderegg, a farmer and owner of Meadowland Crest Dairy. The city continued leasing to Anderegg until 1948 when the farming pasture was discontinued. But cows still grazed on the acreage to preserve the pasture land. In 1981 a 50-million gallon underground reservoir was built that serves as the hub of the Water Bureau's distribution system. Also, the Powell Valley Water District has three reservoirs on the butte.