In 2012, the City opened the Willamette River Trail, a 5k soft surface trail loop that runs from the Riverview Park Amphitheater to the North Riverfront Ballfield Complex and back. The trail passes in and out of the Willamette River’s riparian zone offering excellent birdwatching and nature viewing opportunities, and also passes the Independence Dog Park. Primary access for the trail is from the north side of Riverview Park where a pedestrian bridge crosses Ash Creek. Trail access parking is also available at the dog park on Grand Street, and a the new Independence Boat Ramp and future ballfield development located at 10 DeAnn Drive.
Photo Credits: Zach Urness, Statesman Journal
Other Walking Paths in Independence
Independence has two off-street walking paths and running trails in town. The first is phase 1 of the Ash Creek Trail, a half mile concrete path running along Ash Creek between 16th Street and Gun Club Road. The path has excellent views of the creek and features a shelter with interpretive signs about the community and a large tile mosaic depiction of the creek.
The City also has two mapped walking tours:
- The Walk Independence brochure identifies a long and short loop through downtown Independence and the riverfront.
- The Historic District Walking Tour is a guide to many of the key buildings in the downtown.
