The Crown Zellerbach Trail
March - May 2019
Hiking the Crown Zellerbach Trail
The Crown Zellerbach Trail is also known by locals as the CZ trail. Like the Banks-Vernonia trail, the trail is a former logging railroad. This rail-to-trail road is 23 miles long, and gives picturesque views of the beautiful forests and the mountains in northwest Oregon. It took us 5 days to walk a whopping 46+ miles!
A Little Disappointing Start ...
We started at the Chapman Landing on the Multnomah Channel in Scappoose, at the edge of the City of Vernonia. Not the most inviting way to start a walk. No trailhead to signal the trail starts or ends here! No official parking lot, just a spot at the side of the road. Chapman Landing is an abandoned landing with massive concrete pieces decorated with graffiti. We first thought we were at the wrong spot! Apparently plans are underway to transform this uninviting waterfront site as a city park. The two miles through suburban Scappoose to the trail crossing Highway 30 were pleasant though due to the beautiful views of the mountains.
- Sunday, March 31, 2019
- 8.59 mi
- 2:29:12 hrs
... But Still Curious Enough to See The Rest
It took us almost a month to go back where we left off. Since our first impression wasn’t the greatest, we were reluctant to go back because Oregon offers so many great alternatives! However, we wanted to give it another try, and we were glad we did!
- Sunday, April 28, 2019
- 10.07 mi
- 2:55:06 hrs
The trail kept following the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway for a couple of miles. Then the trail broke away from the highway to go deeper into the forest and the silence became noticeable. The climb became steeper as the route didn’t follow the rail track anymore but the former logging truck road. At the top of the climb, the trail turned back again to the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway. The path continued under a bridge and became the Columbia Forest Road and descended to Vernonia for a few miles..
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- Sunday, May 19, 2019
- 9.78 mi
- 2:40:34 hrs
- Sunday, May 26, 2019
- 11.73 mi
- 3:18.58 hrs
And to Let It All Sink in with A Great Lunch!
The last part of the trail has scenic views and surprises, as well as a steep descent and climb to Vernonia.
And ofcourse, we deserved lunch and refreshing beverages after the last strenuous leg with a steep climb. As always, we love to try out local restaurants. “All In Pub & Eatery” proved to be an excellent choice; the restaurant has the local feel, friendly service, great food, and reasonable prices.
- Monday, May 27, 2019
- 9.90 mi
- 2:55:33 hrs