Vernonia, Oregon is the Best!

Enjoy these mediocre photos (except for the drone shot, which is not mine.) of what is now my favorite skatepark. You’re looking at a semi-new a park in sleepy little Vernonia, Oregon, built by Evergreen Skateparks. About an hour outside of Portland, Vernonia has less than 3000 people. The axe on the left side is a nod to its logging history. You can tell you’re riding an Evergreen skatepark if it’s got that moonscape feel with bits of coping sticking out of what might otherwise be a tribute to the best parts of 70’s era skateparks. This version features the usual connected low bowls, bumps, and berms with the addition of a pump track round the outside. But again, they’ve improved on the traditional pump track with subtle variations on either side, so you can ride the track multiple times in various combinations, hitting (or ignoring) obstacles along the way, reversing course without losing speed. So many combinations for fun. There’s also a medium sized, mellow bowl in the middle. I can’t tell you enough how much love this park. I can’t wait to get back there.

Evergreen isn’t known for the deep stuff, so if you’re craving vert you’ll have to look elsewhere. The same goes for street elements, present in small does but nowhere near being a street plaza. Still, in my mind this is a thoroughly modern skatepark. Keep your eyes peeled for the muscle cars (Superbird!) and the sweet Doberman’s next door. These pics don’t do it justice, you have to ride it. See more (and better!) photos in Evergreen’s gallery.