Easy hikes and walks in L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

The Skidder Row to Hares Canyon Trail offers an easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) hike through L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, perfect for a relaxing outing. You'll wander through dense forests of Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock, with abundant ferns lining the path. Expect gentle rolling hills and occasional open meadows, providing views of the Coast Range from higher elevations. This scenic route, with its manageable 398 feet (121 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hours and 36 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families and casual hikers.

To plan your visit, head to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, where you can usually find parking at the Clayhill Horse Staging Area. The park is well-equipped with amenities like picnic spots and an off-leash pet area. While the trail is generally well-signed, it's wise to carry a trail map due to the park's extensive network. Be aware that sections can get muddy and have standing water, especially after rainfall, so choose your footwear accordingly.

This trail is notable for its integration into the larger L.L. Stub Stewart State Park system, allowing you to connect with other routes like the paved Banks-Vernonia State Trail. The names, like "Skidder Row," hint at the area's logging history. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species like the Pileated Woodpecker, and you might even spot beaver ponds along the Hares Canyon section. The park is also a popular spot for stargazing, offering a unique evening experience.

The Boomescooter and Skidder Row Loop offers a delightful journey through L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, blending forested paths with open views. You'll wander through mature Douglas-fir and cedar forests, encountering the tranquil Boomscooter Pond where beaver sightings are possible. The trail's varied terrain, including dirt and gravel paths, culminates in rewarding views of the Coast Range from the Skidder Row segment.

This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) hike, with 476 feet (145 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for beginners or families, though some sections, particularly on the Skidder Row portion, do present a moderate challenge with steeper grades. Parking is readily available at the Clayhill Horse Staging Area, making access straightforward.

Beyond its natural beauty, the trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's logging history, with names like "Boomscooter" and "Skidder Row" harking back to the timber industry. This historical context, combined with the chance to spot wildlife and enjoy diverse scenery, makes the Boomescooter and Skidder Row Loop a distinctive and engaging option among L.L. Stub Stewart State Park trails.

Embark on an easy hike combining a historic rails-to-trails path with a lush forested singletrack loop on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail and Williams Creek Horseshoe. This route covers 3.8 miles (6.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 507 feet (155 metres), typically taking 1 hours and 44 minutes to complete. You will experience diverse scenery, from agricultural lands to the thickly forested foothills of the Coast Range. A highlight is crossing the impressive Buxton Trestle, which offers expansive views. The Williams Creek Horseshoe section provides a fun, flowy feel through varied terrain.

Accessing this trail is straightforward, with multiple trailheads along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail providing convenient parking and restrooms. The route is wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly, making it a welcoming option for many visitors. When planning your visit, be aware that the Williams Creek Horseshoe Trail can sometimes have muddy patches and stinging nettles, particularly during damper seasons. Consider starting early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

This trail is notable as it incorporates Oregon's first "rails-to-trails" park, offering a unique blend of history and nature. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail follows a former railway line, providing a generally gentle grade through varied landscapes. The Williams Creek Horseshoe Trail, rerouted in 2020, adds a dynamic, forested element to the experience. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a diverse and accessible outdoor adventure.