The Ridgeline Trail from Blanton Ridge to the Willamette Street trailhead for Spencer Butte has become our home base lately for quick hikes after work. From Blanton Ridge Parking Area the trail gradually climbs to a summit of 1280 feet and then gently meanders downhill almost all the way to 52nd and Willamette with a slight incline toward the end. The trail is 1.6 miles and is lined with lush greenery in the form of ferns, pines and oak trees with a beautiful meadow on either end. Small springs feed marshy areas that are home to frogs, snails and other fauna.
It is worth mentioning that there is PLENTY of poison oak all along the ridgeline and on Spencer Butte as well. (See top right photo) It seems to stick to the more sunny open areas around the oaks vs. the heavily wooded sections of pine and fern growth, but still be careful! Make sure to wash yourself, your clothes and your canine companions as soon as you are done hiking if you go off trail!
If you’d like to explore the Blanton Road Ridgeline Trail yourself you can find a map here.