Storey Burn Loop Trail

Trailhead Sign

Storey Burn Loop is a lush, creek‑side forest hike with moderate effort and very little in the way of big views, best suited to people who enjoy classic Coast Range woods, flowing singletrack, and a bit of mud.​

Overall impression

• The loop (roughly 7–8 miles depending on start point) feels like a “medium” day: enough distance and elevation to be satisfying without being punishing.​

• The experience is mostly about being in deep, green forest with stream crossings, small seasonal waterfalls, and a sense of history from the Tillamook Burn, not about summit vistas.​

• Hikers who enjoy moderate mileage, classic Coast Range forest, and don’t mind mud or a lack of big viewpoints will find Storey Burn Loop a very satisfying day close to Portland.

Scenery and atmosphere

• Expect dense second‑growth forest, mossy trunks, ferny undergrowth, and frequent time alongside Gales Creek and its tributaries, which run especially pretty in the rainy season.​

• There are only a few modest viewpoints along the ridge sections, so the trail feels enclosed and tranquil, great if the goal is a woods immersion rather than panoramas.​

Trail conditions and difficulty

• The loop is generally well‑built singletrack with a mix of gentle traverses and a few sustained climbs and descents, often described as a good “early‑season” or moderate conditioning hike.​

• In the wet months, expect mud, slick roots, and wet feet from minor water crossings, with occasional hoof divots or ruts where horses have used the softer tread.​

Traffic and use

• The route is shared with mountain bikers and sometimes equestrians, but it usually feels less crowded than marquee Gorge or Mount Hood trails, especially on non‑holiday weekdays.​

• Most users describe encounters as friendly and infrequent, but hikers should stay alert on narrower downhill sections where bikes may approach quickly.