| Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests. Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day). Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15. Whether you’re a Portland local, enjoying Oregon’s coast, or exploring the state’s many forests, these five trails provide the perfect backdrop for a 5K race. Each trail offers its own unique landscape, making your race not only a fun physical challenge but also a chance to experience Oregon’s incredible natural beauty up close. 1. Tryon Creek State Natural Area (Portland) Located within Portland, Tryon Creek State Natural Area offers a picturesque, wooded setting that’s perfect for a 5K race. The park features multiple trail options, including a main loop that stretches over 2.5 miles, ideal for a 5K distance. The Tryon Creek Trail winds through lush forest, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels. Plus, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the creek, forested areas, and local wildlife, making this an ideal spot for a 5K. 2. Forest Park (Portland) At 5,200 acres, Portland’s Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States. With more than 80 miles of trails, fire lanes and forest roads, Forest Park stretches for more than seven miles along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, overlooking Northwest Portland and the convergence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Forest Park offers an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to experience a true Northwest forest without leaving the Portland city limits. The Wildwood Trail is a popular option, offering a well-maintained, forested path with moderate inclines. At 5.5 miles, the Wildwood Trail can be shortened for a 5K distance, and runners can enjoy a variety of terrains, from dense forests to open fields. The dense greenery of Forest Park feels like a hidden escape from Portland’s urban environment, providing both a challenging and scenic route for a 5K. The Wildwood Trail has been designated as a National Recreation Trail, meanders for 30.2 breathtaking miles, from the southern end of the trail at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington Park to the Northwest terminus of the trail at Newberry Road. Starting at the Vietnam Memorial/Oregon Zoo, the trail is marked every quarter-mile by blue, diamond-shaped blazes stenciled onto trees about six feet from the ground. The mile markers are located approximately two feet above the blue diamond, and show the distance from the Zoo/Vietnam Memorial trailhead. The Wildwood enters Forest Park proper when it crosses West Burnside St. at about Mile 3. Leif Erikson Drive, once a road traveled by automobiles and now a wide forest trail, extends 11.2 miles from the NW Thurman St. trailhead to NW Germantown Road. Mileage on Leif Erikson is marked by white concrete posts on the right side of the trail as you travel north from Thurman to Germantown Rd., and show the distance in miles from the NW Thurman St. gate. 3. Hood River Waterfront Trail (Hood River) For those who love views of water and mountains, the Hood River Waterfront Trail offers a gorgeous 5K route along the Columbia River. The trail runs along the riverfront, offering panoramic views of Mount Hood, the river, and kite surfers in the distance. The path is flat and paved, making it a comfortable and easy route for a 5K. You’ll pass by parks, beaches, and natural grasslands, with plenty of places to rest and enjoy the scenery. The beautiful views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River create a spectacular atmosphere. Plus, it’s accessible for all skill levels. A little further from Hood River, The Historic Columbia River Highway in Mosier, Oregon is a scenic highway that was converted into a state trail for pedestrians and cyclists. The trail includes the Mosier Twin Tunnels and offers views of the Columbia River Gorge. The Historic Columbia River Highway in Mosier, Oregon is a scenic highway that was converted into a state trail for pedestrians and cyclists. The trail is paved and includes the Mosier Twin Tunnels and offers views of the Columbia River Gorge. 4. McDonald-Dunn Forest (Corvallis) Located just outside Corvallis, the McDonald-Dunn Forest is part of the Oregon State University research forest. This area is home to over 50 miles of trails, but one trail, in particular, stands out for a 5K race: the Chip Ross Trail. It stretches over 3 miles one way, so a round trip offers a perfect 5K route. The trail winds through beautiful, forested landscapes, offering views of rolling hills and expansive forests. It’s a peaceful setting, making it a great place for both beginner and experienced runners. 5. South Beach State Park (Newport) If you want a coastal experience for your 5K, while there are many options on the Coast, South Beach State Park near Newport is a great option. Newport’s Ocean to Bay Trail is a roughly five-mile journey from Agate Beach State Recreation Site to Yaquina Bay. Opened in the early 2000s, the trail saw rejuvenation efforts about a year-and-a-half ago that brought it back to life.The park features a paved trail that runs along the coastline, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The trail is easy to navigate and offers a great mix of beach and forest landscapes, making it a perfect spot for a scenic 5K . Plus, the sound of the ocean waves provides a relaxing backdrop, creating a truly unique running experience. Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun! Learn more about the Run for the Trees at: www.orparksforever.org |
Race Swag you will be sent when you register.