Crown Zellerbach Trail

The Crown Zellerbach Trail is part of Oregon’s “rails-to-trails” program, as it follows the Portland Southwestern Railroad route that began in 1906. The railroad was sold to the Crown Zellerbach Corporation and turned into a logging route in 1945. After years of disuse, the trail opened to the public in 2014.

Also known as Crown Z or simply CZ, this 21-mile trail is a scenic place to hike, bike, or horseback-ride. With both gravel and asphalt trails, this adventure is suitable for all levels of hikers and bikers. Some trip highlights include the 15-foot waterfall at Bonnie Falls, the abounded 1920 Nehalem Divide Railroad Tunnel, and sightings of Oregon’s snowcapped mountains.

There are 10 trailheads, each located just 2-4 miles apart, making it easy to choose your own adventure. Visitors who want to camp along the trail can stay overnight at the Scaponia Park or Vernonia Lake campgrounds. Alternatively, tourists staying in Scappoose or Vernona can explore different sections of the trail as a day trip. The eastern end of the trail in Scappoose is flatter while the western end in Vernona has a steep incline. This end of the trail connects to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail for adventurers who want to continue exploring Oregon’s abandoned railroads.