Lower Macleay Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Lower Macleay Trail is singletrack and for pedestrian use only. It is one of the most popular trails in Forest Park, partly due to its easy accessibility from either Upper- or Lower Macleay Parks. It also offers a great example of the diversity to be found in Forest Park. The trail is handicap accessible from the lower end.

It breaks off of the Wildwood Trail - National Recreation Trail at the 5.5-mile markerthe location of the Stone House, which was built by the City of Portland in 1929 as a rest station with bathrooms and running water. It suffered from repeated vandalism, and during the Columbus storm of 1962 resulted in severe damage to the plumbing and the roof. The city decided not repair the building, and instead removed all the fixtures, doors, and roof. All that remains is the stone framework.

The trail runs along Balch Creek, a home to native cutthroat trout and very environmentally sensitive. There is a split-rail fence along much of the trail as well as locations for sitting to rest and enjoying the surroundings.

The trail is home to some medium-growth Douglas fir, big-leaf maple, vine maple, and horse chestnut trees. Seasonal wildflowers are abundant, including the popular Western trillium. Near the Western end is also the tallest tree in Portland, a 242-foot tall Douglas fir.

A variety of birds and small animals may be found and even a barred owl might be spotted perched in the trees.