The Port of Portland, City of Troutdale, Metro and local community members celebrated the opening of the Ch'ak Ch'ak Trail with a ribbon-cutting and ceremonial first ride on Oct. 10. 

The new 3-mile path closes gaps in the 40-Mile Loop in Troutdale and Fairview, providing a safe, car-free alternative to busy roads and access to nature near the confluence of the Sandy and Columbia Rivers. 

Completion of this trail was key to the Port’s development of nearby Troutdale Reynolds Industrial Park, a 700-acre former brownfield that now features natural areas and open spaces, wetland habitat and a business park where nearly 5,000 community members are employed.  

Community impact and quality of life in the surrounding areas are a key consideration to partnerships at Port properties, from the availability of low-barrier, family-wage jobs, to cleaning up rivers, preserving green spaces and natural areas, and building safe, car-free connections. 

"Whether it’s used for commuting to work or for exercise and fun, the trail provides a safe, car-free alternative for those using busy roads with heavy traffic," Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said. "This project is a partnership, and it’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we understand needs and work together to make big things happen – in this case, fulfilling a generational vision to connect communities."

The Port has a longstanding partnership with communities in East Multnomah County, and the new section of trail involved collaboration between a range of partners, including the city of Troutdale, city of Fairview, Metro and others. The Port, the City of Troutdale and federal funding paid for the project, which the Oregon Department of Transportation managed for the Port. 

Troutdale Mayor Randy Lauer said the city partners with indigenous communities on parks projects, including consulting with a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde when selecting a name for the Ch’ak Ch’ak Trail. "Ch’ak ch’ak" means "bald eagle" in the Chinuk Wawa language. 

"We are excited that the Ch’ak Ch’ak Trail will connect to the new Sandy Riverfront Park and Trail, a project we expect to open by the summer of 2025," he said. "This project enhances and grows the planned pedestrian trail network in Troutdale, connecting families, visitors and cyclists to downtown and the greenspaces along the Sandy and Columbia Rivers." 

Metro Councilor Ashton Simpson represents many communities in East Multnomah County and is a longtime pedestrian and transportation safety advocate. 

"Trails are an important and vital part of our region to move people for work or play, while also taking pedestrians, cyclists and others using active transportation off of the busy streets and arterials, something especially needed in East County," he said. "A project like the Ch’ak Ch’ak Trail helps move the region towards its goal for everyone in the greater Portland region to have safe, reliable, affordable, and climate-friendly travel options – travel options that support equitable, resilient, healthy and economically vibrant communities."  

After a ribbon was cut near the trailhead, community members were invited to ride bikes and walk on the freshly paved path. 

The Ch’ak Ch’ak Trailhead is located at 1100 NE Harlow Road in Troutdale.