Portland, OR: Mount Tabor
Get a quick hiking fix without leaving town by exploring the network of trails that crisscross this extinct volcano in southeast Portland.
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You don’t have to travel far (or even out of the city) to get your fill of shady woodlands, vibrant wildflowers, and postcard-worthy views of Mount Hood. This scenic 2.6-mile route crisscrosses—and crests—Mount Tabor, an extinct volcanic cinder cone in southeast Portland. Start at the south side trailhead in Mount Tabor Park (junction of Harrison and Lincoln Streets), and hike northeast up the Stairway to Heaven. Take the next two right forks and contour around Tabor’s eastern slopes, which are covered with buttercup and rhododendron.
After half a mile, cross the road, descend a flight of steps, then take a quick left to reconnect with the trail. From here, the route travels northwest, then rounds to the south, passing a playground, soap box derby track, and the banks of the middle reservoir. A mile later, the trail reaches Summit Park, where shady benches offer prime views of Mount Hood to the east and downtown Portland to the west. The return route travels across the western slopes of Mount Tabor (look for periwinkle wildflowers and blackberry bushes) back to the trailhead.
Info: Mount Tabor Park
-Mapped by Eli Boschetto, Bosco Mountain Photo
Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.2
Waypoints
TAB001
Location: 45.508084, -122.593485
Trailhead: Hike northeast up the Stairway to Heaven.
TAB002
Location: 45.509452, -122.592224
Bear right at trail fork.
TAB003
Location: 45.511894, -122.59162
Bear right. Enjoy rhododendron and buttercup.
TAB004
Location: 45.514374, -122.592724
Cross the road, descend a set of stairs, and reconnect with the trail on the left.
TAB005
Location: 45.514879, -122.594608
Kid’s playground.
TAB006
Location: 45.514561, -122.595089
Cross road and take middle fork.
TAB007
Location: 45.513967, -122.594848
Bear right.
TAB008
Location: 45.51364, -122.595164
Bear right.
TAB009
Location: 45.513779, -122.595593
Bear left.
TAB010
Location: 45.512599, -122.597138
Bear left (east) at junction. The trail cuts across a shady, hillside meadow.
TAB011
Location: 45.510321, -122.595784
Views extend to the north across the reservoir. Next, turn left (east).
TAB012
Location: 45.510452, -122.594381
Cross the road and continue up to the Stairway to Heaven junction.
TAB013
Location: 45.509456, -122.592265
Take the left fork and head north to the summit.
TAB014
Location: 45.511625, -122.592916
Cross the road to the Summit Park.
TAB015
Location: 45.511541, -122.592432
Statue of Harvey W. Scott, editor of The Oregonian newspaper from 1865-1872 and from 1877-1910.
TAB016
Location: 45.51236, -122.593338
Benches with nice views over downtown Portland.
TAB017
Location: 45.512926, -122.593099
Mt. Tabor: Find shady benches and views of Mt. Hood.
TAB018
Location: 45.51302, -122.593643
Stone restroom chalet (often closed).
TAB019
Location: 45.513148, -122.593759
Fork right (north), descending back to road.
TAB020
Location: 45.514437, -122.594555
Cross the street, then take the short, steep descent to the left (southwest).
TAB021
Location: 45.514176, -122.59558
Cross another street and descend into The Canyon.
TAB022
Location: 45.513986, -122.596374
Fork left.
TAB023
Location: 45.513766, -122.598718
Another street crossing.
TAB024
Location: 45.513587, -122.599061
Fork left at tennis courts.
TAB025
Location: 45.511264, -122.598329
Go straight through this 4-way junction.
TAB026
Location: 45.510344, -122.597753
Fork right (southeast).
TAB027
Location: 45.509172, -122.596854
Trail meets the road. Ahead, reconnect with the trail 50 yards on the right.
TAB028
Location: 45.508181, -122.595524
Snack on summer blackberries!
TAB029
Location: 45.508076, -122.593574
The trail ends back at the trailhead.
Views of Mt. Hood
Location: 45.513106, -122.592799
Find windows in the trees for views of Mts. Hood and St. Helens. © Eli Boschetto
Stairway to Heaven
Location: 45.508948, -122.592401
Climbing the steep trail on SE side of Mt. Tabor. © Eli Boschetto
Columbia Windflower
Location: 45.511016, -122.591211
Look for on Mt. Tabor’s eastern hillsides. © Eli Boschetto
Agoseris
Location: 45.513678, -122.592037
Large patches on northeastern slopes. © Eli Boschetto
West Side Meadow
Location: 45.512189, -122.595872
Lots of grassy slopes and shade trees above middle reservoir. © Eli Boschetto
Daisy Meadow
Location: 45.510926, -122.595169
Find large grassy slopes covered with English Daisy. © Eli Boschetto
Middle Reservoir
Location: 45.510336, -122.59573
View over Portland’s Reservoir Number 5. © Eli Boschetto
Summit Park
Location: 45.51176, -122.592455
Lots of shady benches and grassy for snacking and relaxing. © Eli Boschetto
Perfect Spot
Location: 45.513189, -122.593217
Pick your own for chatting, reflecting, or whatever suits you at the moment. © Eli Boschetto
The Canyon
Location: 45.514076, -122.597959
Descending through the heavily wooded western canyon. © Eli Boschetto
West Side
Location: 45.510903, -122.598002
Enjoy some sun in this break between wooded areas on open, grassy trail. © Eli Boschetto
Periwinkle
Location: 45.508016, -122.595213
this pretty purple flower is sprinkled amid blackberry on the south side of the mountain. © Eli Boschetto
