6. Delta Park Dash

Delta is a large city park located on the Columbia River flatlands straddling I-5 north of Portland near Portland Meadows race track. It’s a great running and jogging place with plenty of wide roads, spacious grassy areas, and relatively little traffic. The flatness of the area appeals to many runners, and the 18.6 mile Oregon Roadrunners race over this same course in early February is a popular training run for the Seaside Marathon.

Take the Delta Park Exit off I-5 and drive to the park headquarters/field house in the East Park. The run starts by the yellow phone booth. Run 50 yards to the STOP sign and go left between the athletic fields.

As you come back by the field house on North Marine Way, keep going straight another 1/4 mile or so to the road’s end at the turn-around. Take the path leading south across the grass from the circle, picking up the road again by the STOP sign near the service station. Take a right and go under the freeway, up the small hill and right towards the Exposition Center. Turn around at the entrance to the Center’s parking lot by the NO PARKING IN THIS BLOCK sign and retrace your steps.

Turn right at the first intersection, heading west along the slough. Turn left at the STOP sign by the fence and then turn right at the golf course sign. Follow the road to the golf course entrance gate, turn around, and retrace your steps back out to the second STOP sign. Turn right and stay on the road back to the field house.

There are restrooms and water at the building in season.