SW Trails Urban Hike #17: John’s Landing Berry Loop
The name of this urban hike elicits thoughts of sweet berry treats and hot summer days. Unfortunately, this hike doesn’t deliver in a way that’s as enjoyable. Part of it was due to doing it earlier in the summer before the berries were ripe enough to enjoy. The bigger part was that this hike took us through an area that was less comfortable to walk through.
In most cases, my husband and I love these urban hikes because they take us to interesting areas that are hidden in plain sight. But as such, some of these spots are also perfect for those who want to be hidden as well.
Part of this trail takes you through a tree and bush-covered area that is in between I-5 and Barbur Boulevard. It’s the green space you drive by when you’re cruising by on the freeway but pay little attention to.
SW Hike #17: John's Landing Berry Loop
Neighborhood: Hillsdale/S. Portland
Distance: 3.72 miles
Elevation Change: 359 ft
Start/End Location: George Himes Park
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This is not a long part of the trail but when you’re keeping your senses heightened, it feels endless. We didn’t actually see anyone or any active living spaces. But there were enough remnants that you didn’t know that would stay true until you were all the way through.
To be fair, the SW Trails website was very honest about what might be encountered on this footpath.
It’s a shame because the other parts of the trail go down by the river. On a sunny day, that part of the walk is really pretty.
I think it’s obvious I wouldn’t recommend this one hike. All the rest have been great. But this one just stuck with me in such a way that I would read through the directions of the other hikes to make sure they didn’t take us through this same area.
If you’re still interested in doing this hike, I would suggest that you do it when it’s dry. I would also suggest that you start and finish where we did. I think it’s easier. The instructions suggest you start and end at George Hines Park. We started in John’s Landing at South Carolina Street and South Virginia Avenue; heading west up to George Hines Park. This allowed us to go through the sketchy area in a downhill motion and make quicker work of it.
The SW Trails web site description of the hike is pretty easy to follow. It also includes some good trivia about areas along the hike.
