Trail Facts at a Glance
Name: Aspen Trail
Location: The closest address for this trailhead is 2079-2099 NW Aspen Avenue, Portland OR 97210.
Hours: 5:00 am—10:00pm
Public transit: TriMet 26 bus.
Length: proposed hike is about a quarter of a mile (0.23 miles) to intersection with Wildwood Trail
Permitted activities include pedestrian use only; no bicycle or equestrian use is permitted on Aspen Trail. Motorized mobility devices allowed for people with disabilities. Dogs on-leash only.
Prohibited activitiesinclude off-leash dogs, fires, drones, motorized vehicles, camping, fireworks, hunting and fishing, and possession of firearms.
Date of trail assessment: January 30, 2025
Summary
The Aspen Trail is a short, wooded, winding, soft-surface trail that connects NW Aspen Avenue to the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park. The trail is approximately 0.23 miles long from the trailhead on NW Aspen Avenue to the intersection with Wildwood Trail. In general, the trail is 3-5ft wide with variable grade; several sections have grades of 10-15% or more. The trail surface is packed dirt, which may include mud during rainy periods. As the trail climbs a hillside that connects the neighborhood at NW Aspen Avenue to the Wildwood Trail, the trail tread is worn into the hillside and cuts down to the roots of the trees that line the trail. This creates some trail sections with noticeable camber or cross-slope, and also results in exposed tree roots within and alongside the trail. Other obstacles along the trail include rocks or low depressions in the trail in which mud can form during rainy periods. Obstacles range in height from 1-6 or more inches and are irregularly located on the trail.
It is a popular route for hiking between the neighborhood and Wildwood Trail, and is used to connect with other trails in Forest Park. See more information about the rest of Forest Park on the Forest Park webpage.
The closest public transit is TriMet bus 26. View detailed transit instructions.
The Aspen Trailhead features limited amenities including a dog bag dispenser and garbage can.
There is no designated ADA parking. Parking is available along NW Aspen Avenue or other nearby city streets.
Some city noise is audible from the trail, including faint industrial noise in the background from a distant railyard and manufacturing area in another part of NW Portland.
The trail is in moderate to complete shade at all times of year.
Plant species are typical of Northwest forests including trees such as Douglas fir and Western red cedar, shrubs and forbs such as ferns and osoberry, and other native and non-native plant species.
This is trailhead is used by runners and hikers, sometimes with dogs. Use is highest on the weekends and during the warmer, drier months.
Location and Arrival
The location of the Aspen trailhead is approximately 2099 NW Aspen Ave, Portland, OR 97210. It can be found on Google Maps.
The trailhead is accessed via NW Aspen Avenue; there are two entrances along NW Aspen Avenue fewer than 50 feet apart. Both are hard-packed dirt and feature green signs that read “Aspen Trail.”
After traveling fewer than 30 feet each the two entrance trails meet at a junction featuring a garbage can and dog bag dispenser.
The trail proceeds uphill from this point.
There is no designated ADA parking. Street parking is available along NW Aspen Avenue or other nearby city streets.
TriMet bus line 26 provides access to the Aspen trailhead. You can plan your trip with TriMet, or use TriMet Lift Paratransit services. You can also access an accessible taxi service via Portland WAV by visiting their website or by calling 503-865-4928.
Trailhead Amenities
This trailhead has limited amenities, featuring only a garbage can and a dog bag dispenser.
The trailhead is marked by a small green sign that reads “Aspen Trail.” The closest restrooms are located at the Holman Lane Trailhead (approx. 0.25mi away), at the Lower Macleay Trailhead (approx. 0.5mi away), and at the intersection of Wild Cherry Trail and Leif Erikson Drive (approx. 0.75mi away).
Description of Trail
From the initial junction at the trailhead, the trail parallels a small ephemeral waterway with a split rail fence on one side.
From this trailhead junction, the trail climbs steadily for approximately 160 horizontal feet at over 15% grade before making a switchback to the right, heading away from the ephemeral creek.
After this switchback, the trail climbs to the northwest for approximately 530 horizontal feet at an average 10% grade (maximum 18%).
After approximately 700 feet from the trailhead, the trail begins a two-part arc to the west and then southwest to meet with the Wildwood Trail.
The grade along this curve averages 10% grade, ranging between 1 to nearly 20%.
As the trail travels 28 horizontal feet to the junction with Wildwood Trail, the grade reaches a maximum of approximately 20% for a short section before leveling out as the trail meets the Wildwood Trail.
A concrete marker with a signpost denotes the intersection with Wildwood Trail and provides a wayfinding map. Several angled rock pieces from old signage and staircase infrastructure protrude from the ground at the location of the signpost.
Along the length of the described trail, several obstacles protrude from the surface of the trail including roots and rocks.
Signage and Wayfinding
Operations and Maintenance
Portland Parks & Recreation strives to maintain the trailhead, trailhead amenities, trails, and surrounding natural area to provide a safe experience for all users.
Be aware that wind, rain, and high water can leave trails and roads a bit of a mess with hazards like downed trees, landslides, and flooding. Portland Parks & Recreation addresses weather-related impacts as soon as resources allow. Visit Trail Closures and Delays for current information.
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For information about PP&R's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II, visit the Portland Parks & Recreation Civil Rights protections webpage.