Exploring the Pacific Greenway: from Portland to the Coast

Firelane 1 and Nature Trail Loop

“Portland Wilderness Walks” by Jim Thayer and published by Timber press will be released in the Spring of 2008. It will describe this trail in detail including professional maps, photos, comprehensive coverage of the fauna, flora and history of the area.

I have retained a brief summary of the walks on this site along with the my original maps, but would urge the interested hiker to purchase the book as it contains a much more in-depth coverage of directions and the context of each of the walks. Moreover there is much more in the book that will give more meaning to these walks than could possibly be conveyed by these funky GPS generated maps. The experience of finding, recording and understanding the significance of these walks brought me a whole new understanding of how important the wild outskirts of Portland are to our culture and to our heritage. And my hope is to acquaint you not only with some exquisite wilderness hikes, but perhaps also a new way to consider the importance of what lies on the outskirts of our fair city.

Us this site for easily downloadable rudimentary maps, but do consider investing in the book (it’s designed to fit in your pocket) for a more thorough and meaningful look at these forests. - Jim Thayer

Distance:  4.9 miles round trip

Walk duration: 2.5 hours

Brief summary: I often walk this trail when time is short and the skies (at least at lower elevations) are clear enough to enjoy panoramic views of North Portland, Swan Island and across the industrial portion of NW Portland to Mt. Hood. To the North Mount St. Helens and Mt. Adams are also clearly visible, as well as much of the commercial river and rail traffic that throngs this part of the town. This neighborhood has a gritty kind of beauty and this trail allows you to gaze down over this industrial playground from the solitude of a remote forested trail.

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