Tolinda-Ridge Trail Loop Hike

Overview

This is an unusual entrance to Forest Park and takes you on a complete loop on some of the least traveled trails in the park's central section. Begin on the Tolinda Trail, which is named after a Camp Fire shelter that burned down in 1976. You will be rising up the Tualatin Hills almost to the crest and then descending to the St. John's Bridge using the Ridge Trail (A well-photographed viewpoint of the bridge is on the lower reaches of this trail). As usual, the Wildwood Trail features prominently in the outing. Note that the lowest section of the Ridge Trail has, at times, become a conduit for transients who set up camp in the woods above the bridge. A half-mile road section ties up the loop. The hike can also be started from the Ridge Trailhead and done in reverse to the description below. Walk up past a green gate on an ivy-covered roadway in Douglas-fir, cedar, hemlock, grand fir, alder woods with a sword fern and ivy carpet. A creek runs down to the left. The trail winds to the right into a clearing with cedar plantings and then heads up the ridge among red alders. There are a few short, steep sections as you head out of the invasive ivy zone to where sword fern, Oregon grape and salal make up the understory. Woodpeckers, including the large pileated woodpecker, are often active in this section. On a bench was the site of Camp Tolinda, now obscured by the undergrowth; at this point, the Tolinda Trail becomes the Water Line Trail. The path now drops down into Douglas-fir/hemlock forest and then undulates along the ridge under big-leaf maples and some larger Douglas-firs to Leif Erickson Drive. Go left for 50 yards and resume the trail, passing an old gate. The trail heads gently up on an old road bed. Come to a four-way junction with the Wildwood Trail. Go left on the Wildwood and head into a gully to cross a creek. The Wildwood generally follows a contour and winds in and out of gullies. The Wildwood in this area can be quite muddy with use. Reach Springville Road. The Wildwood resumes 20 yards downhill

Trail Stats

Photos

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