Kid-Friendly Bike Paths in Portland, OR

From the classics to new favorites, these trails are perfect for young riders!

Eastside Bike Trails in PDX

Springwater Corridor

Whether you’re running, riding, or rolling, the Springwater Corridor is a wonderful, flat, and looooong trail (40 miles in all) that’s great for beginner riders. (Just be conscious of bike traffic—commuters can get aggressive.) While the trail goes all the way out to Boring, Oregon, we are especially fond of the stretch between the Sellwood and Tilikum bridges. You’ll get a chance to ride by Oaks Park, see the salmon-friendly habitat along Oaks Bottom, and maybe even see a deer or two. From the Sellwood Bridge to where there is a break in the trail by Ross Island Sand and Gravel is about 3.5 miles.

East Bank Esplanade

If you’re comfortable with navigating foot and bike traffic, East Bank Esplanade is a great option for young bikers. You’ll get great views of the city and the Willamette, along with all those bridges that give Portland its Bridge City nickname. For a bigger adventure, make a loop of it—a loop from the Steel Bridge to Hawthorne Bridge is about 3 miles. (One staffer’s son still talks about the time he and his family were lucky enough to be on the Steel Bridge when it lifted for a boat to pass underneath.) Or add on a bit more by going over Tilikum Crossing—since this bridge is closed to car traffic, it feels pretty special to get to cross it.

North Clackamas Trolley Trail

The six-mile path of the North Clackamas Trolley Trail, which has paved and gravel sections, stretches from Milwaukie to Gladstone and runs along an old streetcar line that began operating in 1893! The path is generally not too crowded, relatively flat, and features lots of cool installation art along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be treated to some of the wildlife that makes its home along the trail, including beavers, herons, and even opossums. Head out on a Sunday over the summer and plan to start or stop at Milwaukie Riverfront Park — there’s a farmers market just across the street there that runs from 9:30 to 2 beginning in May.

Westside Bike Trails in PDX

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

Banks-Vernonia State Trail has the honor of being the state’s first rail to trail. Where train tracks used to be, you’ll now find a multi-use trail that stretches for 21 miles of easy, tree-lined riding. Our favorite part of this trail is the bridges—along the trail you will discover no less than 13 old bridges to ride over. We also love how out-of-the way this trail feels, even though it’s only 26 miles west of Portland.

Tualatin River Greenway Trail

The paths of the Tualatin River Greenway Trail are nice and wide, great for newbie bike riders. The scenery is lovely, meandering through trees, by the Tualatin River and creeks, and past wetlands. Ride slowly and take breaks so that you can explore the interactive interpretive elements. As you travel the west section, you’ll find signs and art that guide you on a “walk through time” as you explore the geographic transition from the last Ice Age through to the present. (The cast fossils along the way are super cool, and kid approved.) This segment is ¾ of a mile, but the entire trail is about 4.5 miles.

Willamette River Greenway

The Willamette River Greenway travels along the west side of the waterfront, with the easiest stretch to bike being from the Sellwood Bridge to the Old Spaghetti Factory. (The trail stops at the Spaghetti Factory, but picks up again to connect to the downtown waterfront around the Hawthorne Bridge.) Along the way, you’ll be treated to lots of views of the river, a cast-iron beaver always dressed for the season, and birds aplenty. There are generally more joggers than bikers on this trail, so it’s a good option for kids who are just learning to ride and are scared of other bikers.

Rock Creek Trail

Rock Creek Trail is home to multiple playgrounds, including Pirate Park, one of our Top 10 Destination Playgrounds. The stretch by Bethany Lake is very long and flat, perfect for new learners.

Commonwealth Lake Park

A gem nestled in Cedar Hills, this stroller- and newbie-friendly loop circles a 20-acre man-made lake (≈0.8 mi). Ideal for tots to teens – they’ll love spotting ducks, herons, frogs and even mink. There’s open grassy shorelines perfect for picnics, fishing, scooter/rollerplay, and a playground on the west side. Benches and picnic tables are scattered around, making it a lovely spot for a relaxed family outing.

Barrows Park to Progress Ridge

Start at Barrows Park’s two age‑appropriate playgrounds along Summer Creek and follow the smooth paved Southwest Regional/Westside Linear Trail east toward Progress Ridge Town Square. The route features gentle up‑and‑downs ideal for littlies, and you can stop for lunch or an ice cream at the nearby town square—accessibility meets convenience in this relaxed neighborhood run.

Champoeg State Heritage Area

This picturesque paved trail winds ~4 miles from Riverside Day Use to historic Butteville. Pro tip: there’s an incredible ice cream shop nearby. It’s easy to moderate, with a slight climb but very doable for young riders (ages 6+ can handle it with encouragement). Expect wildflower meadows, wetland wildlife, shaded woodlands—and plenty of historical exhibits. Restrooms and picnic areas ensure a comfortable family ride steeped in Oregon history.

Cedar Mill Creek Trail

An ADA‑accessible paved loop (~1 mi within a larger 3.5 mi network) runs through a neighborhood with a couple of playgrounds, wetlands, wooded glades, and alongside Cedar Mill Creek, featuring a charming boardwalk overlooking the creek. Perfect for families and strollers alike. Bring snacks and binoculars for birding and creek wildlife viewing.

Cook Family Park

Tigard’s newly expanded (the video above shows the previous iteration of the playground) park packs it all: multi-use trails connecting into Fanno Creek Path, playgrounds, picnic shelters, butterfly garden, nature trails, pavilion, and a paddling-friendly riverfront spot. The paved path integration makes it easy for a quick ride or introduction to Fanno Creek Trail segments, ideal for families seeking variety and play combined.

Summerlake City Park

A quiet suburban park in Tigard with a mostly paved 1-mile loop encircling a rhododendron‑fringed lake—with three footbridges and wooded offshoots. Strollers, scooters, and bikes glide easily along, and kids can spot ducks and fish. Amenities include playgrounds, sports courts, pickleball facilities, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas—great for a relaxed half-day outing.

Orenco Woods Nature Park

Set in Hillsboro along Rock Creek Trail, this 42-acre former golf-course turned nature park offers gently rolling paved loops with spectacular creek crossings, wetlands, an accessible nature playground, and abundant wildlife viewing—herons, deer, raptors. (Please note there are some areas where dogs are not allowed.) There’s a big playground near the entrance plus restrooms and water fountains. Kids can bike and stop to explore nature, with smooth transitions onto the larger Rock Creek Regional Trail for a longer ride.

Vancouver Bike Trails

Vancouver’s Salmon Greenway Trail

Toddlers to teens will love the smooth ride of the 3-mile Salmon Creek Greenway Trail just 20 minutes outside of Portland. Opened in 1996, this paved trail follows Vancouver’s Salmon Creek through 850 acres of forest, meadows and wetlands. Park at the lot near Klineline Pond and go from there.

More Fun by Bike

And don’t miss kid-friendly cycling events, including Sunday Parkways and Pedalpalooza! Keep up with our Kids Calendar to know when they’re happening.

Family Fun

Family Resources

Education