Thurston Hills Natural Area
Thurston Hills Natural Area provides 665 acres of land dedicated to recreation and habitat restoration in east Springfield. This area opened to the public in 2017, providing a growing trail system for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers.
There are currently over 12 miles of trails in Thurston Hills Natural Area. Two of these trails provide separate, dedicated mountain bike access for downhill use only. These are the region's first natural-surface mountain bike trails, providing both beginner and intermediate mountain bike experiences. Trails are accessible from the North Trailhead (7575 McKenzie Hwy), just south of McKenzie Hwy on the eastern edge of Springfield. The trailhead includes restrooms, an information kiosk, picnic table, water, and a bike cleaning and repair station.
Notices
- Crews will be conducting pile burning on the west side of the natural area on Friday, Dec. 13. This is part of ongoing fuel reduction efforts in the natural area. The trails will remain open, and there will be minimal impact to visitors.
- All hiking trails are open. Park users should proceed with caution and be aware that storm debris and impacts on the trail bed are still present following the January 2024 ice storm.
Mountain Biking at Thurston Hills Natural Area
In order to preserve the structure of the trails through winter, the North Trailhead at Thurston Hills Natural Area is now closed to bikes for the rainy season. This seasonal closure includes the Acer Spades, Chinquapin Chutes, Super Maple, and Yew Haw trails.
The North Trailhead, accessible from McKenzie Hwy, and the Mossy Maple (Upper and Lower) trails are also closed to bikes.
The Basalt Rim Trail, Camas Crest (Upper and Lower) Trail, and Cervus Road remain open to bike traffic all year.
Trail Status:
- Acer Spades: Closed
- Basalt Rim: Open
- Chinquapin Chutes: Closed
- Camas Crest (Upper and Lower): Open
- Cervus Road: Open
- Mossy Maple (Upper and Lower): Closed to bikes
- Super Maple: Closed
- Yew Haw: Closed
Explore the Trails
Download Trail Maps
Mossy Maple Trail (lower)
- 1.5 miles
- Hiking and uphill mountain biking
- Connects to Mossy Maple Trail (upper)
- Accessible from North Trailhead
- Closed to bikes during rainy season
Mossy Maple Trail (upper)
- 1.5 miles
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Connects to Yew Haw Trail and Basalt Rim Trail
- Closed to bikes during rainy season
Camas Crest Trail (upper and lower)
- .3 miles
- Hiking and uphill mountain biking
- Connects to Cervus Road
- Open to biking all year
Basalt Rim Trail
- 1 mile
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Connects to Mossy Maple Trail and Cascadian Thumb Trail
- Open to biking all year
Cascadian Thumb Trail
- .4 miles
- Hiking only, 1-way traffic
- Connects to Basalt Rim Trail and Super Maple Trail
Acer Spades Trail
- 1.1 miles
- Intermediate downhill mountain biking only, no hilking
- Connects to Mossy Maple Trail (lower) and Chinquapin Chutes Trail
- Accessible from North Trailhead
- Closed during rainy season
Super Maple Trail
- 1 mile
- Beginner mountain biking downhill only, no hiking
- Connects to Basalt Rim Trail
- Closed during rainy season
Yew Haw Trail
- 1 mile
- Beginner mountain biking downhill only, no hiking
- Connects to Mossy Maple Trail (upper)
- Closed during rainy season
Chinquapin Chutes Trail
- .6 miles
- Double black diamond mountain biking downhill only, no hiking
- Connects to Acer Spades Trail
- Closed during rainy season