Council Creek Regional Trail

The Council Creek Regional Trail will convert a former railroad corridor into a 15-mile shared-use path connecting downtown Hillsboro, Cornelius, and Forest Grove. The corridor has been inactive since 2015. When complete, it will be the only off-street trail connection across the far western side of Washington County.

Why It Matters

Hillsboro to Forest Grove is currently served only by OR-8 (TV Highway) and rural roads. A protected trail along this corridor would open cycling access across the western county for commuting, school trips, and recreation — serving communities that currently have very little protected infrastructure.

Current Status

Total project cost is currently estimated at $28 million. To date, $19 million in committed funding from multiple sources, including:

• $12.2 million RAISE grant (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) from the U.S. Department of Transportation
• Metro, regional, and local matching funds

Initial 6-mile segment — Pacific University in Forest Grove to the Hatfield Government Center MAX Station in downtown Hillsboro:

• Construction start: summer 2026
• Estimated completion: spring 2028

North-south segment connecting Forest Grove to Banks: design beginning spring 2026.

Washington County invited public feedback on trail plans in April 2026.

Get Involved

• Washington County Land Use & Transportation is the lead agency
• Forest Grove City Council is a key partner for the Forest Grove segments
• The public comment period in April 2026 is an example of when community input matters most — watch for future engagement opportunities as design progresses
• See Get Involved for how to participate in county transportation planning

Resources

• Council Creek Regional Trail — Washington County
• Council Creek Trail — City of Hillsboro (funding announcement)
• Washington County invites feedback — Hillsboro News Times (April 2026)

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