Scenic Runs in Tualatin Valley
Rock Creek Trail
If your training program has you on shorter mileage day or you are on a couch-to-5K plan, the Rock Creek Trail is a fantastic 3.5-mile trail in Hillsboro. In just a few miles, you’ll run past forests, wetlands, meadows and a variety of recreation areas. The Rock Creek Trail is the site of the weekly Parkrun, which is part of a global community. For more information on the Rock Creek Trail parkrun, visit here.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Easily accessible by the MAX light rail (Merlo Road/SW 158th Station), this trail is perfect for a woods-y run. The trail is a 3.4-mile loop through 222-acres of natural area that’s home to plenty of wildlife you may spot along your way.
Cooper Mountain Trail
If you want views while you train, head to Cooper Mountain, which overlooks Tualatin Valley and the Chehalem Mountains. There are 3.5 miles of trails of varying difficulty to get you ready for any race.
Fanno Creek Trail
Beaverton, Tigard and Tualatin are connected by this 18.6-mile trail that’s perfect for running. There are several entry points to the trail, including from Main Street in Tigard. You can pass over the Tualatin River via the Ki-a-Kuts Bridge, with a gorgeous view of the river below. A great approximately 3.5-mile option is to start at the trail head (with parking!) at SW Denney Road. Run along the trail, crossing SW Hall Blvd. and through Greenway Park to the trail head at SW Scholls Ferry Road and then turn back.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
The car-less 21-mile trail may be a runner’s perfect training ground. A wide and paved path provides plenty of room for runners, cyclists and the occasional equestrian to take in the scenic views of this rails-to-trails project.
Henry Hagg Lake Loop
If you’re looking a longer run, take on the perimeter of the lake and its outlying parts for 13 miles of dual hiking and biking trails. There are plenty of scenic rest stops with the park’s observation sites.
