coffee
Coffee is part of the ritual.
It slows us down long enough to connect before the miles ahead and gather again after.
coffee is more than a drink. It is warmth on cold mornings, conversation around the tRailgate and the thread that brings people together outside. It lives at the center of our trail days, basecamps, and community gatherings because some of the best moments happen before the run, after the hike, and somewhere in between.
friday
trail + coffee social
When: Every Friday / 7:45 - 8:45am
Where: Forest Park /Veterans Parking Lot
Meet us in the parking lot where the iconic Wildwood Trail begins. Before we head into the forest, we gather around Big Doug, our 1995 Chevy Sportvan turned coffee van, to share a cup and ease into the morning together. Big Doug is named after one of the oldest documented Douglas firs in Forest Park, estimated to be 400–500 years old, a grounding presence that reflects everything we love about being in these woods. We also visit him on a majority of our socials.
We’ll be brewing fresh Coava Coffee (both caffeinated and decaf) along with tea to warm your hands before and after. Whether you're starting your morning hike, jog, or trail run, or simply popping open a camp chair (yes, we’ll bring a few of those too) to sit and listen to the breeze in the trees, this is your space to show up exactly as you are.
No pressure. No pace too slow. No speed too fast. Just community, fresh air, and time in the forest.
In the spirit of sustainability, we encourage everyone to bring their own mug. We’ll have a few extras if you forget, but bringing your own helps us enjoy the forest together while keeping our footprint small.
Swing by for a cup, say hello, and start your time in Forest Park with us.
Routes: The overall vibe for this is more based on time, at whatever pace suites your mood. That way we can get back with time to enjoy a little coffee time together. Our recommendation is to go out 15-20 minutes and turnaround. There are many trail options out there so it’s easy to make little baby loops and explore different spots each week. Just let us know if you need a suggestion.
Bonus: If you’re signed up for one of our upcoming adventures, the Friday Social is a perfect chance to meet fellow travelers, build camaraderie, and even get some training miles in.
Pour over
Pop up
Some Sundays, you’ll find us tucked into a Forest Park trailhead with coffee brewing and the doors open.
Our pour over pop ups are slow mornings built around trails, connection, and really good coffee. There’s no strict schedule and no single location. Most pop ups happen on Sundays at different Forest Park trailheads around Portland, though every now and then we’ll venture farther out in search of new views, new trails, and new conversations.
We serve fresh brewed Coava Coffee, made to order as pour overs, with both regular and decaf options available. Whether you’re heading out for a long run, an easy hike, or simply stopping by for a cup and a chat, the goal is always the same: create a welcoming trailhead space for people to gather before or after time outside.
Alongside the coffee setup, we bring a small trail side shop stocked with snacks, Alpenglow Trail Co. merch, Hodo Labs skin care and a selection of Snow Peak trailhead coffee brewing essentials.
Follow along on Instagram and/or Strava for the latest pop up locations, timing and last minute adventures so you don’t miss the next one.
big doug
the coffee
van
Big Doug is a 1995 Chevy Sport van converted into a coffee van and mobile basecamp. Most often, you’ll find him near trailheads, bringing coffee to runners, hikers, and wanderers heading into the woods or returning from miles on the trail. Big Doug is built around a simple idea. Coffee tastes better outside, especially when it’s shared.
If you’ve joined us for a Friday trail + coffee social in Forest Park, you’ve likely visited Big Doug, the tree. He’s the towering Douglas fir we frequently return to. Rumored to be the oldest tree in Forest Park, he’s become a quiet landmark for our community. A place where people pause, take in the scale and stillness of the forest, and remember why they came out in the first place. Steady. Grounded. Enduring. A little mystical and a little magical. Big Doug represents longevity, deep roots, shelter, community, and quiet strength. Naming the van after this tree felt right. The van that gathers people now shares a name with a tree we gather around.
Our Friday trail + coffee socials will continue as a simple way for people to connect before heading out onto the trail or to linger a little longer afterward.
Beyond Fridays, Big Doug occasionally shows up at gatherings and events, some planned, some spontaneous. If you’d like to be part of it, subscribe to the newsletter below or follow along on social.
Big Doug is also available for private events including races, fundraisers, weddings, community gatherings, and outdoor celebrations. Coffee, warmth, and a story on wheels. We’re continuing to shape what this looks like. If you’re interested, reach out at hello@thealpenglowtrailco.com.