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    CZ Trail (Crown Zellerbach Trail)

    • Length:
      5.4 miles
    • Difficulty:
      Moderate
    • Attributes:
      Mountain Views, Non-technical, Rail-to-Trail
    Get directions to the start of this trail via Google Maps

    Trailhead Elevation: 128 ft

    • Region:
      Greater Portland
    • Nearby Cities:
      Scappoose, St. Helens, Columbia City

    We need more urban places to ride, and bike paths for both inexperienced and experienced riders. The CZ trail is a great place to take the children to learn how to ride in a safe environment. The CZ trail is short and mostly flat and offers a great view of wildlife in the Multnomah Channel.

    The trail is an old converted rail line. The terrain is slightly downhill from the market to the Multnomah Channel. Part of the trail is paved and part of it is a hard-packed gravel surface. This is an out-and-back trail that is 5.4 miles one way or 10.8 miles out and back. This is an excellent trail to take the family along. This end of the trail is the other end of the Banks to Vernonia Trail. Soon there will be an off road bike path from Scappoose to Banks.

    From Portland head north on Hwy. 30 toward Saint Helens. Look for the last light-signal in Scappoose, just past the fire station. Turn left at the light, onto Scappoose-Vernonia Road and follow the signs toward Vernonia. The trailhead is located approximately 2 miles off Hwy. 30 and just across from the Scappoose B&B Market at the corner of Scappoose-Vernonia Road and Sam Blehm Road.

    Comments

    1. I’m fully documenting the Crown-Zellerback trail at http://easyrider.easyrider.com/Crown-Zellerback.htm

      Posted by Frank Jones on December 16th, 2010

    2. I would rate this closer to moderate than mild. From the parking lot to the end of the trail its a straight incline and most of the path is gravel. It was tricky at times to navigate with my kids in the bike trailer and with no leveling out areas my 6yr old got tired quicker than usual. That being said its a beautiful ride through the forest will definitely do again without a bike trailer.

      Posted by zwahllyfam on August 1st, 2011

    3. I tried to ride down from Chapman but came to a dead end there just past Cater Hill Road. Big pile of rocks and no apparent way to get across the creek. Does any one know a way past that point?

      Posted by Keith Phillips on October 18th, 2011

    4. I have done the “trail” fromScappoose to Vernonia on a fat tire (not a mountain)bike. Ther are two creeks that you have to ford.
      I dismount and hop from rock to rock. You could wade or balance on a downed tree. I’ve seen all three methods done.

      Posted by Ray Ogilvie on November 17th, 2011

    5. I’ve ridden the trail for a while on a road bike. It’s all about comfort level, and skill. The avalanche and creek crossings are by-passable, as long s you know the adjoining highway well. I’d recommend getting to know it now before it gets paved, on any bike you want.

      Posted by Doug Moak on January 1st, 2012

    We’ve done this

    We want to do this