The Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon’s first rails-to-trails park, is a 21-mile (one way), multi-use, car-free trail. Amenities and attractions along the route include trailhead parking areas, trestle/bridge crossings and day use areas. The trail may be accessed at any of six points, including trailheads at Manning, Buxton, Tophill and Beaver Creek, as well as the cities of Banks and Vernonia.
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail started as a railway and has been handed back over to nature. The trail allows walkers, joggers, cyclists and horseback riders the chance to view Oregon history while delighting in the forest’s renewed splendor. The trail permits only non-motorized use, at a safe slow speed.
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Hours: Day use open year-round, dawn to dusk, daily.
Pet Policy: Pets must be confined by the owner, or on a leash not more than six (6) feet long, and kept under physical control at all times. Owner is responsible for removal of all waste.
Flora: Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Red Huckleberry
Wildlife: Pileated Woodpecker, Cougar
Did you know…
- The trail opened in 1991 and has 16 trestle bridges?
- The trail originally was built as a train route to connect to the last virgin Douglas-fir forest in northwestern Oregon during the early 1920s.
As of July 10, 2021, there will be additional parking at Five Star Builders at 13981 NW Main St. in downtown Banks.
Parking is available:
Monday-Friday, 5:00 pm to Dusk
Saturday-Sunday (and state holidays), 7:00 am to Dusk