Trail Running in Champoeg State Park

I believe that everyone can be a trail runner, regardless of experience or skill level. For those newer to running, or those who simply don't enjoy big hills and dirt trails, Champoeg State Park provides an alternative. You can be fully immersed in the forest, while still comfy on a paved path with minimal hills.

For those looking for a more traditional trail run, check out my other posts:

• Trail Running in Oregon's Wine Country

• Chehalem Ridge Nature Park

• Miller Woods Conservation Area

(And check out my interactive map of my favorite trails in SW Portland here)

I am clearly such a Serious Runner that I am too busy breaking speed records to stop and take photos. Therefore, one of the only photos I have from Champoeg State Park is me cosplaying as a pioneer woman waiting for her husband to return from war.

Champoeg State Park at-a-glance

For those in a hurry, here are the fast facts on Champoeg State Park:

• About 45 minutes from Portland - see Google Maps pin

  
  

• Trail map

  
  

• Trail Policies

  • Dogs and bicycles allowed!!!

  • Oregon State Parks pass required (unless you park in Butteville and access the trail from the other end... more on that below)

  • Water fountains and bathrooms are plentiful

    
    

• Official website

• I typically run the bike path from the Oak Grove Day Use Area to the Butteville store (2.5 miles each way), but you can make larger loops

• Bike path is paved and mostly flat, other trails may be dirt or gravel, but there's really no elevation gain to speak of

Map of Champoeg State Park trails and points of interest

Exploring Champoeg State Park

I like to run the paved bike path, but I have ventured out and made a variety of loops here. My secret tip - park by the Butteville General Store, and access the trail from that end. You'll avoid the Oregon State Parks fee that way, but there is a self-pay kiosk at the entrance to the park (I don't want to encourage taking advantage of the parks system, but I believe the outdoors should be accessible regardless of economic status - if you can afford the pass, please pay it. I always buy the annual pass, but frequently forget it in my husband's car and don't want to buy a day pass).

My go-to route is from the Butteville General Store to the Oak Grove Day Use Area and back. There are restrooms in the Oak Grove parking lot, so sometimes I'll start there. You can also park in the Riverside area or at the Visitor's Center and start your run from there.

The bike path is flat and paved, with a bridge and some rolling hills towards the end. It's the perfect intro to trail running - the forested vibe, without a need for trail running shoes or hill climbs.

Bear in mind - some of the trails by the Riverside Day Use Area will be flooded in the rainy seasons! Stitch was a little confused why we wouldn't follow him on this trail.

Champoeg State Park Visitor's Center

The best part of the park is the little museum that's free to enter with your Oregon State Parks pass. The town of Champoeg flooded in 1861 and was totally destroyed. Artifacts from the flood are displayed in the museum. The hours are 10 am to 4:30 pm, but vary wildly (so I'd call ahead).

Image courtesy of Oregon State Parks - the map of the original town of Champoeg, before the 1861 flood

Let's make a day of it!

Champoeg State Park is about 45 minutes away from Portland, depending on traffic. It does require traveling south on I-5, so travel times will be worse during rush hour. It is close to Newberg, which is a surprisingly fun small town to visit.

Here are some of my favorite local stops in Newberg by Champoeg State Park:

• Coffee Cat (10 minutes away): A non-pretentious, cozy cafe with amazing cinnamon rolls. I love the vibe here - it feels like stepping into the early 2000s before $7 lattes and brutalism took over the Portland coffee scene. Unfortunately they do close at 1 so I usually can't make it in time.

• Lyrics Cafe (12 minutes away): Another incredible coffee shop with amazing cinnamon rolls. I actually designed two rooms in my houses based off the decor here - vintage hardwood floors, olive green trim, cream walls, and bronze accents. I love to write my blog here on weekends, but it gets a little crowded.

• Critter Cabana (12 minutes away): This was such a fun surprise to wander into. There are so many animals to interact with, including free roaming tortoises, a ferret with learning disabilities, and a parrot that loves bearded men (including my husband).

• Wine Country Antique Mall (12 minutes away): Just across the highway from Lyrics Cafe! I love antique stores in old historic houses. There are so many little rooms to explore.

It took all of my willpower not to take this ferret home with me. He had a "learning disability" which somehow made him incredibly trusting and friendly. He kept asking to be picked up, and I let him destroy my sweater with his little claws - worth it.

You know what's next...

Thanks for reading and following along with my trail running adventures! Now for the best part - the one star Google review spotlight.

Shawn Sloan says "One star because I don't know how to pronounce it."

It is pronounced sham-poo-ee, Shawn. Maybe give it another chance now that you know.