Woodpecker Trail

The whole Woodpecker Trail is a closed loop about 0.17 mile long. Bird Alliance’s map labels its two legs separately, but they make one trail: it leaves the Jay Trail, climbs through the sanctuary forest, and rejoins Jay a short distance from where it began. A brief spur leads to an eco-roofed gazebo — a pleasingly Portland-sized reward for a walk that takes only a few minutes.

Choose it as the leafy side-loop on a Jay outing, not as a standalone expedition. The “Strenuous” difficulty word describes gradient, not the size of the outing: Woodpecker rises to a high point around the middle, then gives that elevation back before rejoining Jay. The climb feels gentle because it ends quickly, not because it is flat — about 60 feet of relief packed into roughly 900 feet of trail.

Bigleaf maple and alder share the canopy with Douglas-fir, western red-cedar, hemlock, and grand fir; Oregon grape and sword fern fill the understory. Near the high point, that mixed forest gathers around an old-growth grove.

Listen For Bird Alliance counts the Pileated Woodpecker among the sanctuary’s common birds. Pause under the canopy and listen before scanning the trunks. A trail named Woodpecker deserves at least that much optimism.

This is sanctuary ground, not Forest Park: no dogs at all. Travel is on foot only; bicycles, horses, and smoking are not allowed. Check the Jay Trail guide for current sanctuary conditions and access before setting out.

At the high point, stop talking about woodpeckers for a moment and let the forest make the next sound.