In the heart of Oregon City, Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park offers something rare in the Portland metro area: a quiet, forested place to ride, explore, and connect with nature without a long drive. Towering trees, flowing creeks, and shaded singletrack make it an ideal setting for getting outside close to home.
Thanks to a new stewardship agreement between Northwest Trail Alliance and Metro, this park is now part of NWTA’s growing network of places where trail access and long-term care go hand in hand.
A Trail System Built for a Wide Range of Riders
Newell Creek Canyon is not about extreme terrain or high-speed riding. It’s a place designed to welcome people in. The trails are well-suited for:
- Families and kids learning to ride in a natural setting
- Adaptive riders, with terrain that accommodates a variety of bikes and abilities
- Riders who enjoy mellow flow, berms, and rollers tucked into the forest
- Outdoor enthusiasts looking for an easy escape close to town
This is the kind of place where people can build confidence, spend time together, and enjoy the outdoors at a comfortable pace.
Mountain Biking and Stewardship Go Hand in Hand
In the fall, NWTA formalized a stewardship agreement with Metro to help manage and maintain trails at Newell Creek Canyon. This partnership reflects a shared goal: providing sustainable trail access while protecting the park’s natural character.
Stewardship is how trails stay open, safe, and enjoyable over time. It means caring for drainage, shaping tread thoughtfully, and making sure trails work with the landscape instead of against it. It also means creating spaces that feel welcoming to new riders and families while respecting other park users.
Why Stewardship Matters
Trail stewardship is about community investment. When volunteers show up, they help:
- Improve trail sustainability and reduce long-term impacts
- Strengthen partnerships with land managers like Metro
- Build a sense of shared responsibility for local trails
- Pass stewardship values on to the next generation
Dig days are also a great way to learn new skills, meet other riders, and see firsthand how trails are built and cared for.
Join Us for a Stewardship Day on January 17
NWTA is kicking off stewardship work at Newell Creek Canyon with a dig day on Saturday, January 17. Whether you’re an experienced rider, new to mountain biking, or simply curious about trail work, you’re welcome to join us.
Where: Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park
When: Saturday, January 17 at 9:00 a.m.
Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dig-day-newell-creek-canyon-tickets-1980142602829?aff=oddtdtcreator
Planned work includes:
- Reshaping berms and rollers to improve flow
- Improving drainage to protect trails through the wet season
- Supporting a fun, sustainable trail system for the whole community
No prior trail work experience is required. NWTA crew leaders will provide guidance, tools, and on-the-ground instruction. If you’re looking for a hands-on way to give back to a trail system right in your backyard, this is a great place to start.