Explore the best rated trails in Salem, OR, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Highway 26 Bike Path and Waterfront Bike Path . With more than 47 trails covering 209 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I love that this trail is here and I ride it often, but the section between Manning and Buxton is becoming unpleasant to ride because of neglected upkeep. As has been noted in other reviews, the bridge transitions are dangerous if you are unaware and hit them at speed (which is likely on the steep downhill run below Buxton). Also in that area, tree roots have pushed the asphalt into ridges big enough to unseat you or to bounce your chain off. Many of these are hard to see in shady areas. There’s a section just above the Manning trailhead where the asphalt has been torn up and heavily grooved for years. I recently met a rider in that area pushing his bike back to the Manning car park with a shredded road tire. I am sure money is tight. Although I want to see new trails built, I would not want it to result in neglecting to maintain this regional gem of a trail, particularly the heavily used lower half of it.
We moved from Bellevue (Omaha) Nebraska 3 years ago and we loved riding our bikes on the Papio Creek 20+ mile trail. However this ride is one for the “record books”. It’s got to be one of the most scenic rides in America and worth the one-hour drive from our home north of Vancouver Washington. This is a “must be there” ride!
My husband and I just got here bikes and use this trail for our second expedition on them. It was such a beautiful ride. The trail was rather busy, but not a problem. There were picnic tables where we enjoyed a packed lunch at the park. Would do this again.
It has been 6 years since I last ride the Banks to Stub Stewart State Park section. As before the transitions on and off bridges are abysmal. The bridges are 4 to 6 inches higher than the trail surface. Strongly advise riders slow way down when approaching bridges. Riding surface continues to deteriorate with longitudinal cracks wide enough to catch a 19 mm tire if not paying attention. Pavement is breaking up in places. That’s the bad. Maintenance appears to be painting white paint to highlight the more dangerous roots The good is the scenery once into the frosted parts is truly beautiful. And the sour face
Wonderful wildflowers, yummy blackberries to snack on, beautiful views and lots of smiling others (dog walkers, individuals riding their bicycles, joggers and morning leisure walker!). It's been extended from 8 miles to 11 at this point in time
The first part - Vancouver Avenue to Interstate Avenue was fine, new macadam. The part from Interstate Avenue to Portland Road was needs repaving, with gravel between patches of macadam in bad shape. Given that your on top of a narrow lever, it was bit dicey.
Really great connecting trail to get you from the Trolley Trail to the Milwaukie Max stop, high school, food cart pod and east downtown access to main street and the library. Great public art and view of the rail bridge. Peep down in the river for a spooky surprise on a scooter!
Really nice trail that connects three parks. Decent enough tree cover on some to keep rain at bay.
This trail and it's construction is nothing short of amazing. Yet the pictures on the Rails to Trails website tell it all. It is not being used. Maybe it is because people are afraid of the homeless encampments that you see or because it is next to a freeway. But the homeless encampments would be much less of a problem if there were more people on bikes utilizing the trail. This trail I am sure cost millions yet just a few people use it. Get out there people!
Stayed at cabins at mid trail…cabins are small and clean…showers/bathrooms close… though went at mid-day, the trees make the trail eerily dark, headed to Veronia first (~12 miles). Short distance to hilltop (switchbacks and short), then pretty flat. In Veronia, loop around lake. After back to mid-point from Veronia, all downhill, then flat. Huge open field is highlight here. Tressle was goal and cool, but overrated. From Banks (the return way) chunk is all uphill. At trailhead (downhill and fast from cabins), you then must make it back up to cabins which is ~half mile and pretty steep.. drained my battery…battery drained just short of coasting down into cabins. downhill into cabins.
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