Springwater Corridor Run

On our very first day in Portland, Meredith and I laced up our running shoes and headed out to explore our new city. Heading west towards the river, we ran into the Springwater Corridor. Within the first quarter mile, we knew this path that connects the Southeast Industrial district and Sellwood (one of our favorite neighborhoods), would become one of our go-to runs.

Running along the Willamette River, the Springwater Corridor path is an easy distance from our home, allowing Meredith and I one of the best places in the city to relax, enjoy the beauty of the city, while not having to deal with cars, buses or trains.

On this sunny and warm (a record-breaking 75 degrees!) March day, the beautiful views of the river, kayakers, paddle boarders, chirping birds, blue skies and budding trees, made this run one to remember.

Here's the Run-O-Meter breakdown for my Springwater Corridor run:

Rating scale is 1-5: 


1 = the worst;  5 = the best

1--•--•--•--5
Enjoyment
It might be rainy, windy and cold, but a good running route can always bring happiness.

5 - A steady stream of runners, bikers and walkers, a panoramic view of the river, abundant trees and plants, and the most darling little pine tree (pictured right). And there's a not-so hidden Amusement Park called Oaks Bottom about 2.5 miles in.

1--•--•--•--5
Scenery
Mature trees, flowers, green grass, views of the Willamette River and the West Hills are all welcome sights.

5 - Our scenery category description pretty much sums up the Springwater Corridor. Beautiful views of the Willamette, blooming flowers and trees and the occasional bald eagle and deer sighting.

1--•--•--•--5
Safety
Traffic, intersections, sidewalk and road conditions tell us a lot about a neighborhood and can turn any run into a zen moment or a terrifying trial.

4 - Despite the high traffic of path goers, Springwater's safety is a big draw. No cars, a well groomed path and limited twists and turns means never feeling unsafe. To avoid a bike collision, stay right and move even further right when you hear bike bells.


1--•--•--•--5
Difficulty
Charging up hills every mile is hard, thus it will be judged.

5 - Picture running up Mt. Everest. The Springwater Corridor is the exact opposite.


1--•--•--•--5
Sound and smell
Loud sounds, quiet sounds, good smells, bad smells. A neighborhood defines itself by appealing to the senses.

4 - I heard a girl screaming at the top of her lungs, like she was dying. Don't worry, she wasn't, she was merely riding the flying saucer ride at Oaks Bottom. Other Sounds: plenty of bike bells as cyclists rode around walkers and runners, all sorts of birds chirping and the occasional dog barking. Smells: The smell of summer. Blooming flowers and trees, grass and cotton candy (okay, I didn't smell cotton candy, but I wish I did).


1--•--•--•--5
Hellos and waves
Because Midwest-nice is important to us.

2 - Despite the overall happiness of folks on the path this day, few said hello and none waived.


1--•--•--•--5
Number of puppies
Once we get a house, we're getting a puppy...and of course our puppy will need friends.

3 - Believe it or not, very few puppies walked the path, until...I came upon the dog park near the turnaround point in Sellwood. Thank god for the Sellwood dog park.

1--•--•--•--5
People watching
Who lives in the neighborhood?

4 - Puppies riding in baskets, a dad blazing the path pushing his newborn in a stoller and carnies.

1--•--•--•--5
Parks
We're keeping an eye out for picnic spots, puppy playgrounds, budding trees and only-in-Portland spectacles.

5 - On this sunny day, the entire Springwater Corridor felt like a park. Families sitting on benches overlooking the river, packs of cyclists getting their workout on and TONS of people walking in and around Oaks Bottom.


1--•--•--•--5
Shops and restaurants
Coffeeness and quirkiness are appreciated.

1 - A path surrounded by a river, railroad tracks and nature doesn't leave much room for shops and restaurants...which is a very good thing on the Springwater Corridor.


1--•--•--•--5

Home potential
Can we see ourselves living in this neighborhood?

Since the Springwater Corridor isn't liveable (legally), lets focus on Sellwood. We adore Sellwood.  Being one of our top two choices, Sellwood's value is increased by having the Springwater connection. If we can find a decent house at the right price point, we're all in.