• Rating: Easy
  • Activity: Bike
  • Distance: 18 miles round-trip
  • Time: 1½ hours

The Peninsula Crossing trail is a testament to the city’s ingenuity in preserving and connecting Portland’s green spaces. What starts as a city ride, spinning through cozy north Portland neighborhoods, and appreciating the sweeping views along N Willamette Blvd, ends with a peddle through Smith & Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area, with its beavers, bald eagles, herons, turtles and waterfowl.

ROUTE: From the south end of Peninsula Park (700 N. Portland Blvd), head west on N Ainsworth St. for 1.5 miles to N Willamette Blvd. Turn right, and follow the road for 2.5 miles along the bluff. Turn right at N Carey Blvd, just before the bridge over the railroad. Follow the Peninsula Crossing Trail for 1 mile to N Columbia Blvd. Turn right along the bike path for 0.25 miles. turn left at the first traffic light, and follow the bike path for 0.5 miles through the Columbia Blvd Wastewater Treatment Plant’s landscaped park onto a pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the Columbia Slough. Turn left after the bridge, then right at N Portland Rd. Continue for almost 1 mile to the pedestrian crossing onto the old N Marine Dr, signposted for Smith & Bybee Lakes. Bike parking and facitilies are on your right after about 1 mile; continue on foot to the short-but-sweet, pedestrian-only Interlakes Trail.