Portland: Marquam Trail to Council Crest

Located in the heart of urban Portland, this 3.9-mile hike follows an unspoiled forest canyon and ends at the city's highest point, yielding views of four iconic volcanoes.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 3.1

Waypoints

MTC001

Location: 45.5025405883789, -122.691680908203

Marquam Park Shelter (water available). After 20 yds. on trail, continue on middle trail @ 3-way fork

MTC002

Location: 45.5029640197754, -122.697952270508

R @ Y through heavily wooded forest; start up switchbacks

MTC003

Location: 45.5027503967285, -122.699714660645

L @ T; trail climbs again. Caution: slick mud in wet weather

MTC004

Location: 45.4989013671875, -122.703666687012

Cross blacktop; pick up trail again

MTC005

Location: 45.4995498657227, -122.705986022949

Cross blacktop again; ascend switchbacks to Council Crest, Portland’s highest point

MTC006

Location: 45.4986915588379, -122.707023620605

Council Crest Summit (1,073 ft.). Views of four classic volcanoes–Hood, Adams, St.Helens, and Jefferson. Backtrack 1.4 miles to waypoint 2

MTC007

Location: 45.5029525756836, -122.697906494141

R @ Y; follow nature trail loop down to Marquam Shelter

MTC008

Location: 45.5018119812012, -122.695587158203

Bridge crosses babbling brook

MTC009

Location: 45.4999580383301, -122.69506072998

L @ T; green moss laces a corridor of trees

MTC010

Location: 45.5025405883789, -122.691680908203

End hike @ trailhead