Southwest Fairmount Boulevard is a relatively level public roadway, absent any sidewalks, that…read moreforms a 3.5 mile loop. It's used by runners, bicyclists, walkers, and even ski rollers, for recreation and training. The road has many curves, is tree shaded, and admits views, so you won't be bored. It circles Portland's highest hill points, Southwest Council Crest Park and Healy Heights. A residential area, and adjacent to OHSU, motor vehicle parking is a sticky wicket. A common parking area for visitors is the intersection of Fairmount, Gaston and Talbot, which holds about 5 cars. There are gravel pullouts for one to a few vehicles throughout the rest of the boulevard.
The route has several sections. Fairmount/Gaston/Talbot passing Mitchell to Marquam Hill Road is owned by pedestrians and bicyclists. There are motor vehicles, but they are on local missions. Between Marquam and Talbot Road is used by OHSU commuters. Be very careful here, especially commute hours. Talbot is a mix, is short, but has safer sight lines.
The custom is to travel clockwise on the route, keeping to the right. If you are traveling counter clockwise, travel to the left on foot, in the lane on bike. Keep your ears out for motor vehicles, the route is 100% blind curves. Take off that iPOD, a ton vehicle vs you = death.
Many bicycle racers make a figure eight loop of Fairmount/Talbot with Humphrey and Hewett Boulevards, similarly level. Humphrey is a dangerous to bikes OHSU commuter route connecting to Highway 26 at Sylvan. But running out and back on Hewett or up into the Greenhills or Council Crest neighborhoods are a pleasure.
The area is crossed by the SW trails system: http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=100449. That means it's possible to connect with longer routes or arrive by foot rather than motor vehicle.
If you are an out of town visitor looking for a training spot, bus service is spotty - weekday commute times only on route 51. More frequent service is to Sylvan, then run in on Hewett. You could take the tram to OHSU, but the upper section of Marquam is narrow for walkers and dangerous for bikes. Taxis know the area well, and you could chill at Stroheckers waiting for a return taxi pickup.
This is a great spot for serious training or leisurely walking. Out of town visitors looking for a run will love it. The homes along the way are spectacular and it's fun to speculate with your companion on what it would be like to have a home footing on such a lofty perch (when the big one comes...).
