Banks–Vernonia State Trail in Oregon, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-26. Check linked official notices before travel.

Banks-Vernonia State Trail follows a former railroad for 21 miles between Banks and Vernonia in northwestern Oregon. The paved path serves walkers and cyclists, with a separate horse route alongside much of it. Choose a trailhead and a manageable out-and-back section rather than assuming a visit requires traveling the full corridor.

A rail corridor through fields and forest

• Buxton Trestle: The 733-foot-long bridge stands about 80 feet above the creek and is open to walkers and cyclists; horses use a ground-level bypass.
• A changing landscape: Agricultural and riparian areas give way to the forested foothills of the Coast Range toward Vernonia.
• Flexible starting points: Multiple trailheads let visitors choose a shorter walk or ride.

Share the trail and plan your return

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Slow down at bridges and around other users

Ride at a controlled speed, announce yourself before passing, and allow space for walkers and horses. Bridge decking can be uneven or slippery. Cell service is limited, so tell someone your route and return plan. The Shoofly Trail’s southern bridge, on the connection toward the mountain-bike area at Stub Stewart, is closed for safety with a temporary crossing; follow the posted route rather than assuming that bridge is available.

Keep the corridor welcoming

Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet and remove their waste. Stay on the designated route and respect adjacent private land. Do not bring ash, olive, or white fringe tree material into Oregon state parks; the corridor has an emerald ash borer quarantine advisory.

Separate an overnight stay from trailhead use

For camping or cabins, book an authorized overnight site rather than leaving a vehicle at a day-use trailhead. L.L. Stub Stewart State Park provides nearby overnight facilities, with advance booking required for cabins. Contact the management office before organizing a special event on the trail.

Choose a trailhead between Banks and Vernonia

The corridor connects Banks in Washington County with Vernonia in Columbia County. Use the official trail map and elevation profile to select parking and a route. Posted access hours control your return. Limited overflow parking in Banks has its own permitted times, so a space available after work is not permission to remain beyond trail hours.

Nearby parks

• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park: Park trails connect directly with the rail trail; use the park’s official directions for vehicle access.
• Vernonia Lake: This municipal park is in Vernonia. Municipal parking rules apply separately from state parking permits.

Walk, cycle, or ride a horse

The main paved path is about 8 feet wide, and the parallel gravel horse path is about 4 feet wide in most sections. Pick a section that suits your time and energy, allowing for the return distance and closing hour. Qualifying e-bikes may use routes open to bicycles unless local signs prohibit them. Check the official e-bike classifications and riding rules for your equipment, and follow posted restrictions. For a longer outing, combine the rail corridor with an appropriate trail inside Stub Stewart, while checking surface conditions and the Shoofly crossing notice.

Trailhead services and access limits

Trailheads provide parking and restrooms, and the Banks trailhead has two electric-vehicle charging stations. The rail grade is generally gentle, but one area has a steeper grade. Use the elevation profile and ask the office about the section you intend to travel if slope, surface, or mobility needs affect your plan.

From lumber railway to public trail

A railroad right-of-way reused

The railway carried logs, lumber, freight, and passengers from the 1920s. Rails were salvaged after abandonment in 1973. The state purchased the right-of-way in 1974 and transferred it to the parks department in 1990, creating Oregon’s first rails-to-trails state park.

Fields, waterways, and Coast Range forest

The route passes agricultural land, riparian areas, and forested foothills. These changing habitats are part of the experience even on a short outing. Observe wildlife from the trail and avoid entering neighboring timberland or farms.

Trail information

Call 503-324-0606 for location, route, and current access information. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages the trail.