The Banks-Vernonia State Trail offers a unique recreational experience by combining natural beauty with rich historical context. This 21-mile trail is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a gentle, scenic route for biking, hiking, or horseback riding. Its well-maintained surface and gentle slopes make it accessible to visitors of all ages and skill levels. What makes this trail especially special is its transformation from an old railway line into a beautiful greenway that preserves the region’s logging heritage. Along the way, visitors enjoy expansive forest views, impressive trestles, and a tranquil environment that invites exploration and relaxation.
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail stretches 21 miles through the picturesque landscapes of northwest Oregon, featuring a smooth, crushed basalt surface ideal for biking and walking. Visitors traverse gentle grades through lush forests of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and bigleaf maple, offering serene natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. The trail crosses several historic trestle bridges, including the impressive Buxton Trestle, providing striking views of the surrounding valleys and streams. Wildlife is abundant along the trail, where hikers and bikers might spot deer, birds, and other woodland creatures. The route connects the small towns of Banks and Vernonia, making it both a scenic escape and a practical corridor. Seasonal wildflowers and changing foliage add to the trail's appeal throughout the year.
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail was officially opened in 1990 as Oregon's first state trail, converting a former railroad corridor into a multi-use recreational path. The trail follows the historic route of the Oregonian Railway, which was integral to transporting timber and goods in the early 20th century. Its establishment aimed to preserve the corridor's cultural heritage while promoting outdoor recreation and conservation. Over the years, the trail has become a cherished community asset, reflecting the region’s logging history and rural development. The trail's preservation has also helped protect the surrounding natural environment and wildlife habitats along the route.
Address: Banks-Vernonia State Trail, Oregon, USAGet Directions
Total Trail Length: 21 miles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banks%E2%80%93Vernonia_State_Trail
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm
https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/destinations/parks-forests-wildlife-areas/banks-vernonia-state-trail/
https://tualatinvalley.org/trip-ideas/2023/09/banks-vernonia-state-trail/
https://wanderingyuncks.com/2021/01/18/banks-vernonia-state-trail-buxton-trestle-to-tophill-trailhead-01-16-2021/
https://www.aboomerslifeafter50.com/travel/a-beautiful-cycling-adventure-on-the-banks-vernonia-state-trail/
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Banks-Vernonia_Traverse_Hike
https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2016/january/19/oregons-banks-vernonia-state-trail/
Last Updated 2 days ago
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