Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
900.00 ft (274.32 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.60 mi (5.79 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Along with the Springville Loop Trail, the Ridge Trail is located in Forest Park’s quieter northern end.  Unfortunately, this recently added trail doesn’t offer a lot of parking, perhaps only enough for five cars. If you can find parking, the trail does provide an excellent departure point for an afternoon escape into the woods.  The Ridge Trail begins directly above Portland’s famed St. Johns Bridge, designed by the exceptional structural engineer David B. Steinman. Early clearings in the hike give you a wonderful glimpse of the bridge’s Gothic cathedral inspired towers. Enjoy the view here, however, as the trail quickly takes you back into the park’s dense and rich foliage.  Our recommendation for this hike takes you to Fire Lane Seven and back down again for a quick immersion into nature when time is limited.  If time is of no concern, get off of the Ridge Trail and onto the Wildwood Trail heading in either direction.  Making a loop out of this detour will surely be worth your while.

Other easy introductory hikes are the Lower Macleay Trail Loop, the Wild Cherry Trail Loop and the Springville Loop Trail.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Proximity to city. Northwest forest ecosystem.

Cons

Few vistas after the initial view of St. Johns Bridge.

Trailhead Elevation

120.00 ft (36.58 m)

Location

Comments

01/20/2015
Great little hike! Some parts are very slippery, make sure your shoes can handle mud and have good tread.
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