Most of us are familiar with the Springwater Corridor, a 21+ mile paved multi-use path connecting the Sellwood area with Gresham and points east. This history-laden former trolley line is a nice escape from traffic, with every half mile marked and most major intersections guarded by a traffic signal.
The pavement ends at the eastern trailhead in Boring, where you'll find a nice, clean restroom, plenty of parking, and even a children's play area. Across Highway 212 is where the adventure begins, however, on Cazadero Trail.
Cazadero Trail is a 3-mile gravel section of former railroad grade, where traffic noise quickly gives way to the sounds of North Fork Deep Creek and the surrounding forest.
Metro has recently cobbled together trail-adjoining properties, which provides habitat for native flora and fauna and serenity for walkers, runners, and bicyclists.
Your secluded trek through the Deep Creek canyon ends all too soon, where a long-gone trestle once crossed the creek. Turn back and complete your 6-mile round trip.
Cazadero Trail has no steep climbs and is generally passable for runners and walkers of all abilities. You may encounter blackberry brambles encroaching on the trail.
This description at OregonHikers.org explains a bit of the history and plans for Cazadero Trail. The same site provides instructions on how to explore the neighboring Metro Deep Creek Natural Area on your excursion.
Parking can be found at the developed Boring Station trailhead mentioned above, which would require crossing the highway at a major intersection with a traffic light.
A small gravel parking area with space for about eight cars is located at the actual start of unpaved Cazadero Trail, at the intersection of Hwy. 212 and Richey Road.
Directions from Portland: Take Hwy. 26 east of Gresham about two miles to Stone Road (left exit). Take Stone Road east to SE 282nd Ave.; turn right and drive two miles to Boring. Turn right at Hwy. 212 and again at Dee Street to park at the restrooms; or drive 1/4 mile farther on Hwy. 212 to its intersection with Richey Road, turn left on Richey and then an immediate right into the gravel parking area.
-Phil Orlowski
