A Trail, A Tram, A Trolley and A Train
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.
Begin with a hike on the Marquam Trail to the city’s highest point, Council Crest, then pass through the campus of Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). From there, catch a free ride down the Portland Aerial Tram to the South Waterfront District along the Willamette River. There, hop on the streetcar (trolley) and enjoy the ride into downtown Portland, where you can return to the start via a MAX light rail train. The walking portion of this loop, from zoo to tram, is 3.95 to 4.5 miles, depending on the route you take. It involves steep trails that can be muddy in wet weather.
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 Association of Independent Inn in the Willamette Valley and take the short drive to the Washington Park Max Station.
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Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
