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 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.
Order Oregon B&B Gift Certificates Now. The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. And with an 18 months expiration recipients have plenty of time to redeem them at the Inn of their choosing. They are available in $50 increments and can be redeemed at any one of our member inns..
Three Ways to Order Gift Certificates:
Order online. Don’t include your credit card information on that form. We will call you for payment information
E-mail info@obbg.org or call OBBG at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers. We’ll get back to you for the details: who will be the recipient of your thoughtful gift, acquire your payment method and shipping information. We’ll send them by mail, to either you or the recipient, with delivery confirmation. The recipient will have a great time getting away to a high-quality destination of their choice.
Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.
Although mask guidelines are lifted:
● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.
● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.
We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.
