L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
Located off Highway 47 in Buxton, less than 40 minutes from downtown Portland, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, features more than 30 miles of pup-friendly trails of varying difficulty perfect for days when you have time to spend in nature.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail is a nationally recognized, accessible, easy-moderate rail-to-trail.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 21 miles
Elevation Gain: 980 feet
Time Commitment: 7.5-8 hours
Surface: Paved
ADA Accessible: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
Seasonality: Year-round
Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash)
Good For: Families, hikers, cyclists, horseback riding
Drive Time from Portland: 45 minutes
Camping Nearby: RV, cabin, tent and hike-in
Day-Use Fee: $10-12 (per vehicle)
Boomscooter-Bumping Knots Loop is a moderately challenging well-marked multi-use trail.
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Distance: 9.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,630 feet
Time Commitment: 3.5-5 hours
Surface: Natural
ADA Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
Seasonality: Year-round
Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash)
Good For: Hikers, cyclists, horseback riding
Drive Time from Portland: 45 minutes
Day-Use Fee: $10-12 (per vehicle)
Hares Canyon Trail is a moderate hike ideal for birdwatching and wildflower viewing and can be accessed via the Banks-Vernonia Trail.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Time Commitment: 1.5-2 hours
Surface: Natural
ADA Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
Seasonality: Year-round
Dogs Allowed: Yes (on leash)
Good For: Hikers, cyclists, horseback riding
Drive Time from Portland: 45 minutes
Camping Nearby: RV, cabin, tent and hike-in
Day-Use Fee: $10
Bring a picnic for you and your dog to enjoy pre- or post-hike at the Hilltop Day-Use Area, featuring an off-leash area, plus picnic tables overlooking the Oregon coast range. Dogs must be leashed on the trails.
The trails are open year-round, and this hike is best enjoyed between April and November when the weather is mild. Spring wildflowers peak in April and fall colors peak in late-September/early-October. Parking and restrooms are available. Two EV charging stations are available at the Banks trailhead parking area.
A $5 day-use fee is payable at the park’s entrance.
Gales Creek Trail
Located in the Tillamook State Forest, the Gales Creek Trail offers several trails of varying difficulty for hikers, as well as mountain bikers.
The Step Creek Trail is a 5-mile trail in the Tillamook State Forest. For hikers looking to escape the crowds, this forested loop delivers muddy switchbacks, towering firs and a true Tillamook backcountry feel.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 880 feet
Time Commitment: 2-2.5 hours
Surface: Gravel
ADA Accessible: No
Restrooms: No
Picnic Area: No
Seasonality: Year-round
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Drive Time from Portland: 45 minutes
Camping Nearby: RV, tent and hike-in
Pro tip: Trekking poles are recommended as the trail may be muddy in areas; gun range within proximity of the trail.
The Northern Gales Creek Trail, a challenging 6.4-mile, out-and-back- hike designed for those with significant trail experience. This unpaved, all-weather, multi-use trail travels through Douglas-fir and western hemlock forests. The steady 1,459-ft climb rewards hikers with forest solitude. Generally considered a challenging route, the trail takes more than three hours to complete. This area may be subject to snow during winter months.
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Distance: 6.4 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 1,465 feet
Time Commitment: 3+ hours
Surface: Gravel
ADA Accessible: No
Restrooms: Yes (seasonal)
Picnic Area: Yes (seasonal)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Drive Time from Portland: 45 minutes
Camping Nearby: RV, tent and hike-in
Pro tip: Start at the Reehers Camp Trailhead.
Pack your gear, lace up your boots and discover your own perfect piece of the Pacific Northwest right here in Tualatin Valley.
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