![]() |
Laurelhurst Park path |
Here's the Run-O-Meter of our Laurelhurst Park 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 - It's a rare loop route; covers multiple neighborhoods, great variety, positive vibes throughout, people always seem happy
1--•--•--•--5
Scenery
Mature trees, flowers, green grass, views of the Willamette River and the West Hills are all welcome sights.
5 - The combo of Laurelhurst Park, eccentrics on Hawthorne, bike brigades on Clinton and one of the best views eva of the West Hills on Harrison makes for a delicious treat of a run.
![]() |
View of the West Hills from Harrison |
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.
3 - Clinton and Laurelhurst are quiet, but Division and SE 37th between Hawthorne and Belmont pose many obstacles - beware of cars, car doors, bikes, scuttling children, packs of people, jagged sidewalks and tourists.
1--•--•--•--5
Difficulty
Charging up hills every mile is hard, thus it will be judged.
2 - A steady incline through the first mile and ups and downs through Laurelhurst park. Beware - the paved paths at Laurelhurst are very slippery when wet. It's a thrill to run down Harrison on the home stretch to Ladd's Addition. Open your arms and take in the city.
![]() |
One of the most beautiful intersections in Portland |
Sound and smell
Loud sounds, quiet sounds, good smells, bad smells. A neighborhood defines itself by appealing to the senses.
4 - Sounds: Ice cream trucks, accordions, ducks, shrieking children, barking dogs, wind through the trees; Smells: depends on time of the year - from fragrant trees and flowers, to eggs, bacon and coffee to people who don't bathe for political reasons.
1--•--•--•--5
Hellos and waves
Because Midwest-nice is important to us.
2 - People notice us and usually make way for our passing, but rarely say hello.
1--•--•--•--5
Number of puppies
Once we get a house, we're getting a puppy...and of course our puppy will need friends.
5 - We've saw 19 puppies on an early spring run. Who let the dogs out?
1--•--•--•--5
People watching
Who lives in the neighborhood?
5- We've seen every type of person you can imagine on this run. Literally. It makes us feel boring.
1--•--•--•--5
Parks
We're keeping an eye out for picnic spots, puppy playgrounds, budding trees and only-in-Portland spectacles.
5 - Nothing beats Firwood Lake, the Douglas Firs, the Cedars, rose trees and secret path in Laurelhurst Park. We've seen just about everything here - jugglers, sword fights, professional tree climbers, birthday parties, picnics, frisbees and film crews.
![]() |
A serene view of Firwood Lake |
Shops and restaurants
Coffeeness and quirkiness are appreciated.
5 - Plenty of indie coffee shops, a branch of Powells Bookstore and our favorite crepe and cupcake place all fall along this route.
1--•--•--•--5
Home potential
Can we see ourselves living in this neighborhood?
1 - If we find a home with a cracked foundation, a poltergeist or if we had a $100,000 more in the bank. A distant, dream neighborhood.
![]() |
Our Laurelhurst Park run route |
0 comments:
Post a Comment