Looking for a great way to spend a Saturday? Or any other day? Experience an adventure on Portland’s Famous 4T Trail Loop — where a trail, a tram, a trolley and a train combine for a one-of-a-kind, multi-modal way to enjoy Portland, Oregon, one of the nation’s most walkable cities!


First, get your blood moving with a brisk hike uphill among the trees from the Oregon Zoo to Council Crest Park—at 1,073 feet, the highest point in the city—and then enjoy an easy stroll down to Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), where you will board the Portland Aerial Tram and glide 3,300 linear feet downhill—in 3 minutes!—to the riverfront. From there, board the trolley (aka the Portland Streetcar) and ride to the heart of downtown Portland. Enjoy downtown’s shops, restaurants and food carts and then hop on the MAX light rail train back to the start to complete the loop. Or do it in reverse!


Activity Notes

Plan to meet at the Zoo at the 4t trail kiosk, near the east end of the MAX elevator. You can buy an all-day MAX pass here—good for the MAX and the trolley.

From the Zoo, we will follow the 4T signs on the forested trail. The Trail is about 4.1 miles long and has an elevation gain of about 800 ft. Dress for the weather and wear good shoes—there is always a chance for mud. With some luck and good weather, we could have great views from the top of Council Crest. This hike will take about 3 hours. Bring water and snacks for yourself.

From the trail, we will emerge at OHSU. From there, we will take the Tram down to the south waterfront. This will take about 3 minutes.

The next "t" is for the Trolley, which we will take from the waterfront to downtown Portland, where we will transfer to the MAX Train for the trip back to the zoo.

We can pick a place for lunch on this hike. OHSU has a nice cafeteria or there are many fine places downtown.

Hope for good weather!

 

Leader: Buzz Lindahl. Please call my cell phone (503-781-8956) or email me (erlindahl@gmail.com) and let me know if you plan to attend.

Other Information
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
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