The 4T, Trail, Tram, Trolley, Train and some B&Bs

4Ts and some Oregon B&Bs

When I overheard our Portland guests suggesting the 4T Trail in Portland to our Portland bound Minnesota guests I was all ears. We had to go into Portland so after a bit of research on the trail we headed out Monday morning. Our Plan: Drive the hour and a half into Portland, do the 4T Trail then run errands, mixing adventure with necessity.

Washington Park is the crown jewel of Portland. This 410-acre park is home to the Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center, Portland Children’s Museum, Hoyt Arboretum, International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden.

Our hike started at the parking lot of the Washington Park Max Station at the Oregon Zoo.

The Trail section takes you through the thick forests of the West Hills, to Portland’s highest point, Council Crest, and on into OHSU. Oregon Health and Science University has a campus on the hills overlooking Portland and the Cascade Range. In 2006 a Tram was built to connect OSHU and the Waterfront and it has become quite a tourist destination. Take the tram down to the waterfront, disembark and walk about 50 steps and catch the Portland Trolley to downtown. Then the Train (Max) back to your car. There you have the 4 Ts.

One can begin the loop at any point and the trail is marked numerous places, even downtown. Since we hiked the trail first, we arrived downtown in time for lunch and a gelato, with plenty of time to stroll, before heading taking the Train back to our car.

This is one of many urban hikes in Portland. Combine one of these with an Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member in either the Portland or Willamette Valley region and take the short drive to the Washington Park Max Station.

Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.

Hospitality Update: Things are looking up. The CDC has updated mask wearing protocol and some inns may still be requiring masks to be worn in some situations. Please check with individual B&Bs to inquire about their specific policies. 

Let’s all be respectful and safe and follow the guidance of our individual counties, inns and businesses. Our inns will continue to do everything in our power to keep you safe. Not sure if your favorite inn is open? Give them a call as they just might be.