The best running trails around Fern Ridge Reservoir

There are several excellent running routes around Fern Ridge Reservoir. Our guide features 4 highly-rated routes, offering a mix of easy and moderate options for joggers.

You'll find a diverse landscape for jogging, characterized by the expansive reservoir, surrounding wetlands, and lush forests. The area offers a mix of paved and unpaved paths. The popular Fern Ridge Pathway is a 6.5-mile paved, multi-use trail that is mostly flat, while other trails like those in the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area provide more natural, unpaved surfaces.

Yes, Fern Ridge Reservoir is very welcoming for beginners. Our guide includes an easy route, the Jessen and Beltline Path Golden Gardens Loop, which is about 3 miles long and mostly flat. The main Fern Ridge Pathway is also celebrated for being accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

Many areas around Fern Ridge Reservoir are dog-friendly, but rules can vary, especially within the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash to protect the abundant wildlife. Always check local signage for specific regulations in different park units or wildlife areas.

Absolutely. The mostly flat and well-maintained trails, particularly the paved sections of the Fern Ridge Pathway, are ideal for families. Parks like Orchard Point Park and Richardson Park offer amenities such as picnic areas and swim beaches, making them great starting points for a family outing that includes a run.

Several waterfront parks around the reservoir provide convenient access points and parking. These include Orchard Point Park, Perkins Peninsula Park, and Richardson Park. These locations offer good starting points for accessing the trails.

Yes, many of the routes around Fern Ridge Reservoir are circular, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. Examples include the Kirk Pond and Orchard Point Parks loop run and the Zumwalt Park and Fern Ridge Trail Loop, both popular choices for runners.

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a haven for wildlife. Joggers can often spot numerous bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and herons, especially in the extensive wetlands and wildlife preserves. Deer, raccoons, and foxes are also common sightings in their natural environment.

While jogging, you can enjoy scenic views of the reservoir and its surrounding natural beauty. Notable points of interest include Orchard Point Park, which offers waterfront access, and the Fern Ridge Dam. The area also features the tranquil Coyote Creek.

The duration depends on the specific route and your pace. For example, the Kirk Pond and Orchard Point Parks loop run, which is about 3.7 miles, typically takes around 39 minutes. Longer routes, like the Zumwalt Park and Fern Ridge Trail Loop (7 miles), can take about 1 hour and 11 minutes.

While many trails around the reservoir are relatively flat, for those seeking a more rigorous workout, the Mount Baldy Trail (located nearby) offers steeper inclines and panoramic views of the Willamette Valley. Within the immediate reservoir area, most routes have minimal elevation changes, such as the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area loop via Sideridge Trail with only about 5 meters of elevation gain.

The trails within the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, such as the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area loop via Sideridge Trail, offer a unique experience by winding through natural habitats. These routes provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and immersing yourself in the serene environment, making for a peaceful and scenic run.