Exploring the Pacific Greenway: from Portland to the Coast

Lower Newton and BPA 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

Brief summary: I especially enjoy walking this trail during the hottest part of the summer, since the deep forest cover along much of the trail offers shade and cooler temperatures. In mid-winter when snow and ice are present this remote corner of the park is resplendent with a kind of primitive beauty. Lower Newton is a rugged old road that climbs upwards from a wild stream bed through one of Forest Park’s oldest stands of Douglas fir trees. Via the Wildwood Trail, it connects to the BPA Road which offers a pastoral walk along a long open ridge. At the promontory the trail offers panoramic views of the Cascades and the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia River.