Laurelhurst Park Run

Laurelhurst Park path

Laurelhurst Park is easily one of the nicest parks we've run in. Mature evergreens, quiet Firwood Lake, blooming flowers and a variety of trails make the park an ideal running spot. Our route to and from Laurelhurst runs along Clinton, Division and the Hawthorne neighborhoods, each providing a unique take on the multifaceted, independent spirit of Southeast Portland.

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

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.

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

1--•--•--•--5
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 

1--•--•--•--5
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