Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint – Clayhill Horse Staging Area loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint – Clayhill Horse Staging Area loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
3.3
(5)
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hikers
Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint – Clayhill Horse Staging Area loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
00:51
2.95km
80m
Hiking
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
35 m
Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
72 m
Clayhill Horse Staging Area
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
2.95 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.70 km
221 m
Surfaces
2.32 km
319 m
221 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (340 m)
Lowest point (270 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 16 June
22°C
11°C
11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a quick, rewarding hike with great views near Portland, the Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint – Clayhill Horse Staging Area loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is an excellent choice. This easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) hiking route, with 251 feet (76 metres) of climbing, can be completed in about 51 minutes, making it perfect for a short outing or a family-friendly adventure.
What to expect on Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint – Clayhill Horse Staging Area loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
This loop immerses you in the diverse landscape of L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, guiding you through dense forests of Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock. The trails feature rolling hills, so expect some gentle ups and downs, but nothing too strenuous. A major highlight is the Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint, which offers expansive westward views of the Coast Range, a perfect spot to pause and take it all in. You'll also pass through the Clayhill Horse Staging Area, part of the park's extensive multi-use trail system, so be prepared to share the path with mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Planning your visit
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is about 34 miles west of Portland, making it a convenient day trip. The Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint area serves as a day-use hub with amenities like restrooms, picnic shelters, and water, making it a great starting point. Trails can be muddy and have standing water, especially in cooler or wetter weather, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended. The park is an outdoor heaven year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.
Trail details
- Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 251 feet (76 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 51 minutes
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