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Outdoor Activities

New Columbia Slough Trail opens

Portland, OR –Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announce a major new biking and walking path along the Columbia Slough in north Portland.

The newly paved Columbia Slough Trail is now open for cyclists, walkers and runners.  The trail segment provides safe passage for bikes and pedestrians under I-5, mountain views and access through habitat for birds and other wildlife.  Bicyclists, runners and walkers can access the trail at entry points at Vancouver and Denver Aves and will benefit from painted striping and directional signs. Photos courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland, OR.
The newly paved Columbia Slough Trail is now open for cyclists, walkers and runners.  The trail segment provides safe passage for bikes and pedestrians under I-5, mountain views and access through habitat for birds and other wildlife.  Bicyclists, runners and walkers can access the trail at entry points at Vancouver and Denver Aves and will benefit from painted striping and directional signs.
Photos courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland, OR.

The Columbia Slough Trail, between N. Denver and Vancouver avenues, is now open for use.  The paved path, more than a mile in length, is a major part of the 40 mile loop trail.  It offers bicyclists and pedestrians an off-street alternative while providing amazing views of surrounding scenery, birds and wildlife from the shore of the slough.
The Columbia Slough Trail project cost an estimated $610,000.  PP&R staff completed the project design and construction management.  ODOT contributed $460,000 via ODOT Community Enhancement funding. PP&R provided the balance. The project is the final of ODOT’s seven I-5 Delta Park Community Enhancements.  These projects were funded with the Community Enhancement funds, based on the recommendations of the Community Enhancement Advisory Board convened by ODOT. Seven projects were selected to receive funding, most of them City of Portland projects focused on bicycle, pedestrian and livability improvements.
“I am glad to hear this valuable project is complete and can begin further enhancing Portlanders’ quality of life,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “I appreciate the extensive work of both our PP&R staff and ODOT to provide these improvements with enhanced bike and transportation options for everyone to enjoy.”
Among the benefits of the trail are safe passage for bikes and pedestrians under I-5, mountain views and access through habitat for birds and other wildlife.  Bicyclists, runners and walkers can access the trail at entry points at Vancouver and Denver Aves.  PP&R also created a connection from the trail to N. Schmeer at Whitaker Road for additional access.  Future improvements include a trail extension to Delta Park.
Col Slough Tr 3“ODOT was pleased to provide funding to make this project possible,” said Jason Tell, ODOT Region 1 Manager.  “ODOT is now designing another project that will connect the Columbia Slough Trail across Denver Avenue to complete this section of the 40-mile Loop. This new connection will serve recreational riders and commuters traveling to jobs in the industrial area. We continue to enjoy a great partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation.”
For more information, call 503-823-5300 or visit portlandparks.org.