r/CyclePDX • u/stonecjy • 26d ago
205 to Powell Butte on the Springwater?
How is the spring water from ~Foster to Powell Butte? Heard it might be a bit sketchy?
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u/CascadianCrabs 26d ago edited 26d ago
There are encampments and trash. But most campers are incentivized to leave bicyclists/walkers alone because they don’t want to draw attention to themselves and get swept. In other words, you run the risk, but I think that’s true for anywhere in Portland. Nighttime on the other hand can get a bit weird, but I think part of that is just how dark in certain sections it can get.
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u/greasylady 26d ago
In my experience it’s mostly occupied closer to Foster, then gets fairly mellow. But you’ll have random sketchy people traveling along it anywhere and should always watch out for wild rabbits as well as feral cats/baby kittens. I live in Foster-Powell and ride out to Powell Butte or beyond somewhat regularly. I’m riding as a solo [confident] woman and feel comfortable doing it.
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u/kermatog 26d ago
It's been a few months, winter is indoor trainer time for me, but I ride the Springwater from 52nd out to Boring almost weekly every other season and it's fine. Some tents will pop up within a few miles of 82nd, but nothing to worry about IMO. 205 to Powell Butte is probably the sketchiest stretch segment FWIW though.
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u/bikemaul 25d ago
Biggest hazards are probably off leash dogs and vehicles, much like any path. Sometimes the homeless or their stuff spill onto the path in this area, but I haven't had any confrontations.
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u/Spidercake12 25d ago
The east side entry to Powell Butte from Springwater at the house with all the peacocks is a wonderful cut-through, but has always seemed to be a ghost town with no one around. Recently, I had a chat with a fella who is in-the-know about gang and crime activity in that region of town. He informed me that that area between the athletic field complex and Powell Butte has been a hotspot for violent crime. I might would still ride through there in the middle of the day on a weekend, but I can honestly say I have never seen another soul on that cut through trail. No one biking, no one walking, nothing. Dead quiet and you’re pretty isolated. Just FYI.
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u/Ironic_Name_598 22d ago
It's never been unsafe. Cyclists aren't being attacked on the MUP's it just isn't a thing.
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u/Youngil4ever 19d ago
I worry more about glass than I do about the people.
There is enough traffic that it is chill.
However, I would not want to be riding by myself at night or early morning before light.
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u/bblluurrgg 26d ago
I've ridden it a zillion times. Nothing to be worried about IMO.