Newell Creek Canyon Hike

Overview

Metro officially opened the Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park in December 2021 although there had long been unofficial trails in this natural area below Highway 213. It took some time to clear the area of unofficial campers as well. The new trail system is split into three types of trails. The Canyon Spring Loop, for hikers only, is a narrow trail that can be very slick and muddy in the winter months. The main Tumble Falls Trail runs into the Cedar Grove Trail, and is graveled the entire length, passing Tumble Falls to reach the best part of the park, the groves of western red-cedar above Newell Creek. One-way mountain bike trails descend to these trails, and bikers are allowed to ride uphill on the gravel trails on their return to the trailhead. You can walk left to loop around the picnic area above a maple-forested slope. When you come to a powerline corridor, bear left to pass around a gate to begin the gravel Tumble Falls Trail. As you descend, you’ll pass the biker-only Shady Lane trail on the right. The trail soon veers off to the right out of the powerline corridor to enter maple woods with a sword fern understory. You’ll make a sharp left at another junction with Shady Lane and loop down. Note the large rotting stumps here, reminders of a once majestic forest. When you reach the junction with the Canyon Spring Loop, turn left. This trail rises to cross the powerline corridor, switchbacks, and reaches the loop junction at a ridge crest. Then the trail switchbacks down at a cedar grove and passes above two tall cottonwoods. The route levels to traverse above a deep gully, winding through the undergrowth under alders and maples before switchbacking up three times to close the loop on the ridge. Head left to return to the Tumble Falls Trail. Keep left on the wide gravel trail and cross a large footbridge before gently rising in a more mixed forest that includes cedars and Douglas-firs. You’ll pass the lower junction with Shady Lane before arriving at the long footbridge below Tumble Falls. Here Tumble Cr

Trail Stats

Photos

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