Group run schedule
When to Show Up
Saturdaymornings at 8:30 AM (start running at 8:35 AM)Thursdayevening runs at 6:30 PM
Trail
Portland Trail Runners
Portland, Oregon
Portland Trail Runners is a trail running group that has been bringing runners together for 15+ years as the original trail running group in Portland. The group meets Saturday mornings at various trailheads to explore Portland's best trails with runs typically 5-7 miles, shorter options available (3-4 miles), and all paces welcome. Post-run coffee and conversation are part of every outing.
About This Club
Portland Trail Runners has been running Portland's trail network for over 15 years, and they say they are the original trail running group in the city. They meet on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings at trailheads across Portland, including Forest Park, Tryon Creek, and Marquam. If you want to actually learn these trails rather than just run laps around your neighborhood, this is a practical way to do it with people who know the routes.
Highlights
- Post-run coffee
- Group community
- Route guidance
- Multiple difficulty options
Who It Suits
This club suits anyone who wants to run Portland's actual trail system, from someone who has never left pavement before to someone looking for a regular Saturday long run with company. It is less suited to you if you only want road miles or if you need a structured training program with paced workouts, since this is a social trail group, not a coached setup.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
Saturday mornings kick off at 8:30 AM with the group moving by 8:35, so showing up on time matters. The standard run is 5-7 miles on singletrack and forest trail, but there is a shorter 3-4 mile option at every outing, so you are not locked into the longer distance.
Saturday runs most often start from Forest Park trailheads, but occasionally the group travels further out, like Hagg Lake, so it is worth checking before you drive to your usual trailhead. Thursday evenings run at 6:30 PM, though the Saturday schedule is the more consistent anchor of the week.
Distance3-4 miles, 5-7 miles
PaceAll paces and experience levels are welcome
TerrainTrail, Singletrack, Forest Park trails, Tryon Creek trails, Marquam trails
Post-runPost-run coffee and conversation at trailhead; bring your own mug
Your First Run
Show up a few minutes before 8:30 AM at the listed trailhead, wearing trail shoes, and you are ready. The group says all paces are welcome, and having both a short and a long route option means you are not stuck trying to keep up with someone running their seventh trail race of the year.
After the run, there is coffee at the trailhead, and they ask you to bring your own mug, so tuck one in your pack. Turning up alone is genuinely normal here because people rotate in as new faces constantly over 15-plus years of weekly runs.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Portland
15 upcoming races in Portland. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026Rose City Relays Portland, ORFrom $5Details Thu, Aug 6, 2026OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland Fun Run Portland, ORFrom $40Register Thu, Sep 3, 2026This is our Trailhead - Fleet Feet Block Party Portland, ORFreeRegister
See all Portland races
Common Questions About Portland Trail Runners
Do I need to sign up or pay anything before showing up?
They do not mention any registration or fee. Based on what they share, you can just show up at the trailhead before 8:30 AM on a Saturday.
What if I need to cut the run short?
Every Saturday run has a 3-4 mile option alongside the 5-7 mile route, so you can take the shorter version without holding anyone up or making it awkward.
Which trailhead do I go to on Saturday?
Saturday runs most often start at Forest Park trailheads, but the location rotates and occasionally moves further out. Check their current schedule before you head out so you end up at the right spot.
Do I need trail running shoes, or can I wear regular running shoes?
They specifically ask you to bring trail running shoes. Portland's singletrack, especially in Forest Park and Tryon Creek, gets muddy and rooted, so road shoes will make the run harder and sloppier than it needs to be.
What happens after the run?
The group has coffee and hangs out at the trailhead after every outing. They ask everyone to bring their own mug, so pack one. It is part of the normal Saturday routine, not an optional add-on.
Where this comes from: Club details come from each club’s own channels (their site, Meetup, Strava and social posts) and are checked by hand. Group runs move, so confirm the meeting spot on the club’s latest post before you head out. Last updated July 2026.