Running, Yamhill Style
By Katie Willson

Runners visiting the Yamhill Valley vineyards have some scenic choices whether you're looking for a casual run, looking for some hills or simply want to get in some speedwork.

Here are some suggestions from Vic Downs, McMinnville High School's longtime track and cross-country coach. Most courses have been clocked from McMenamin's Hotel Oregon on the corner of Third and Evan streets in downtown McMinnville.)

In-town trails

Hotel Oregon to Joe Dancer Park - Take Third Street .8 mile east from the hotel to Joe Dancer Park.

You'll find a root-free 1-mile bark path that loops beneath the cover of deciduous trees. The high school track team built the path in 1990 for cross country races. It's a great option for folks who want bark even during the rainy season as it drains fairly well.

Linfield Wellness Trail - Drive to the Linfield Wellness Trail - a flat, well-maintained bark path that's part open field, part landscaped woods. The path is great for speed work, nine months out of the year. But opt for the streets during the rainy months as the path doesn't drain well.

Go one block south to Take Second Street and one block west to Davis Street. Drive south to Linfield Avenue. Turn right on Linfield and left onto Lever Street. You'll see the park half a mile down the street.

Looking for a hill?

We've got an out-and-back route that will leave you rubbing your rear for days to come.

You can either take off on foot (7 miles total), park and run from Duniway Middle School (5 miles total) or park and run from the hill's base (2 miles total).

From the hotel, head west on Second Street to Duniway Middle School, .8 miles. Turn right (north) onto Michaelbrook then left onto Wallace Road - a wide, flat street passing through new residential developments and by the city's posh golf course.

Wallace spills onto Hill Road surrounded by corn and grass fields. Turn left (south) and follow Hill as it bends to the right (west). Hill then takes a hard turn to the left, but you want to head straight ahead on to Fox Ridge Road.

Now the fun begins.

The hill, one mile to the top, offers a steady climb with three plateaus and an amazing view of the vineyards, the valley and the Willamette River. Take an early morning run and you may see hot air balloons overhead.

The country roads

The foothills northwest of McMinnville harbor a treasure trove of low-traffic, highly scenic routes where the beauty starts the moment you step from your car.

Don't waste your precious steps on the city streets. Hop into your car, drive north on Baker Street one mile and turn left on Baker Creek Road. About 2.8 miles after turning onto Baker Creek, you'll see the newly paved Hill Road North veer off to the right. Stop the car and get ready to run.

The first mile is paved before the route turns to gravel. Traffic is rare on these rolling hills laden with vineyards, oak forests and peppered with 100-year-old farmhouses and cattle. You have the out-and-back option - 2 miles or 10. Or you can veer onto a side road and tack on miles with a loop.