5 Places To Run In The Corvallis Fall
by Gerhard Behrens
We are in the sweet spot. It’s chilly in the morning, but it’s more brisk than cold. Afternoons might bring on a sweat, but the cool air is pretty refreshing. And there isn’t a bad place to run in Corvallis. There are, however, some must do runs in this glorious fall, before the low clouds and regular rain hit the valley.
1. Peavy Arboretum
Photo by @zeusthefloofypup
Sure it’s a long drive in Corvallis terms, but the scant 15 minutes is really worth it. Old Growth
at its best: a lush forest floor with ferns and grasses: a vibrant understory resplendent in yellows, oranges, reds from alders and oaks;a soft green canopy of evergreen conifers. Needles and leaves underfoot make the trails colorful and soft. GET DIRECTIONS
2. McDonald Forest
Photo from The Logging Road Cyclist
Number two is just about anywhere in the nearby Mac Forest. But, the Powder House trail from Peavy or the Saddle rewards you with a “Sound of Music” panorama of Soap Creek Valley. From there, you see the colors of the forest from up high, in a Monet-like tableau. Bonus: the hills will work your lungs and legs; speed work in disguise. GET DIRECTIONS
3. OSU Campus
Photo by @pogomoki
Being an Ag school, the university has planted a zillion trees that are turning colors and
dropping their leaves. Best ones? 30th Street, highlighted by ginkos in an unforgettable yellow. Next best: Campus Way path toward Bald Hill with a panorama of the coast range. GET DIRECTIONS
4. Waterfront Bike Path
Photo by @laineymorsel
Number four is the waterfront bike path with the turn west to Philomath, through Pioneer Park, and then a lap or two around Avery Park. It’s a celebration of decent city planning: no traffic along the riverfront to 15 th street; plenty of deciduous trees and bushes to bring color to the run; an iconic city park with a bit of single track and lots of expansive grass fields. GET DIRECTIONS
5. Your Neighborhood!
Photo by @wade.penner
Run through the piled up leaves. Look for a nearby neighborhood park with a grassy stretch for strides and some majestic trees to weave around. Check out your neighbors’ landscaping or decorating touches. Go down some street you’ve never been on, just for the heck of it.
And the absolute best part? These are still GREAT runs even when those low clouds and regular rain hit the valley.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arguably one of the most knowledgeable runner in Corvallis, Gerhard Behrens been a fixture in the running community for years. Gerhard co-founded the Heart of the Valley Runners and has organized numerous races and events throughout Corvallis including the largest youth cross country meet that attracts over 9,000 runners from across the region.