Katy Trail - Portland Trailhead

We have visited many times and usually ride to the east, at least as far as 5 miles to Bluffton, which does not have a trailhead, but does have a few places to park by the trail. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the Katy Trail with huge bluffs on one side and the Missouri River on the other for part of the way, and other water nearby most of the rest of the way. It is shady all the way from Portland to Bluffton..so shady that the magnificent tops of the bluffs are better viewed in spring and later fall.
The trail head at Portland also has a campground (privately owned w fee) and a bar with food right next to the trail. See pic. You can also walk right down to the Missouri River from the trail or campground.
You can drive to either of these campgrounds and camp with your bikes and then ride the trail

A little east of Bluffton is a house made from a old steamboat that had gotten grounded in the river near there! , and has a campground (fee) behind it. The trail is shady to it and beyond it for a few miles, but not all the way to Rhineland.
A few miles east of Bluffton it gets a sunny and isn’t as comfortable in the summer.

If you also ride to the west, it is shady and cool for a few miles and the river runs right beside you and beautiful bluffs rise next to the trail on the other side. These bluff (pic) are so close that summer leaves don’t block the view of them.

We stopped and walked briefly on the trail. It was a beautiful afternoon for a walk.

Love riding the Katy Trail! The Portland Trailhead is a nice, quiet place to start. Shade for parking is pretty limited midday in the summer months.

Very Pretty!

Just yer basic gravel lot with the usual Katy trailhead bench/sign/roof structure to make it official. Didn't notice any running water, but there is a very basic restroom facility as well. Adjacent to the lot is a quite steep concrete ramp, ideal for launching your boat and/or vehicle into the mighty Missouri.

Good place to ride.

Nice!!

Nice area. No issues. Pleasant riding.

Great trail and friendly people

Good parking
Camping right there

Riverview set back enjoy

Quiet trailhead on the Katy Traul.

Great view of the river