Difference between revisions of "Mount Tabor Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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=== Hike Description === | === Hike Description === | ||
| − | There are many routes you can take in this park. The one described here is a loop that gives the maximum elevation gain and distance, with varied scenery. | + | There are many routes you can take in this park. The one described here is a loop that gives the maximum elevation gain and distance, with varied scenery. Some points on this route are marked with posts painted with blue arrows. |
Begin on the west side of the park, on 60th street. Hike up the stairs near Hawthorne and 60th to the lowest of the three reservoirs in the park. Turn right to circle south around the reservoir. These reservoirs are the source of Portland's drinking water. The water is piped down from the Bull Run Watershed on the western flanks of Mt Hood. | Begin on the west side of the park, on 60th street. Hike up the stairs near Hawthorne and 60th to the lowest of the three reservoirs in the park. Turn right to circle south around the reservoir. These reservoirs are the source of Portland's drinking water. The water is piped down from the Bull Run Watershed on the western flanks of Mt Hood. | ||
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When you reach the west side of the reservoir, take the stairs that will lead up to the next oval shaped reservoir. Turn right on the access road and look for a trail heading up uphill on your left. This trail goes over a small hill and drops down again above the third and oldest reservoir in the park. Cross the access road on the trail to continue to the summit. This side of the park provides a natural wooded setting amongst huge Douglas-firs. Unfortunately Englishy ivy and blackberry bushes have invaded the understory. Soon you will reach a five trail junction. In the center is a charming old streetlight with a moss patina. Turn left here to reach the summit. | When you reach the west side of the reservoir, take the stairs that will lead up to the next oval shaped reservoir. Turn right on the access road and look for a trail heading up uphill on your left. This trail goes over a small hill and drops down again above the third and oldest reservoir in the park. Cross the access road on the trail to continue to the summit. This side of the park provides a natural wooded setting amongst huge Douglas-firs. Unfortunately Englishy ivy and blackberry bushes have invaded the understory. Soon you will reach a five trail junction. In the center is a charming old streetlight with a moss patina. Turn left here to reach the summit. | ||
| − | A circular drive surrounds the mountain top, but | + | A circular drive surrounds the mountain top, but it is closed to motorized traffic. Up here you will just find cyclists, trail-runners and dog-walkers enjoying the summit. Birders with binoculars are often out scouting for the xxx species found in the park. From the statue of Mr. Scott, traverse northerly across the summit amongst towering Douglis-fir trees. When you reach a bench near a large multi-trunked bigleaf maple, stop for a view of Mt. Hood to the east. Continue downhill northerly past the playground to visit the crater, which is now home to an amphitheater and a basketball court. Turn west from the basketball court and look for the blue signposts to find a small canyon filled with salmonberry and small cedars. Follow the signposts across the access road, and past the tennis court to return to the lower reservoir and 60th street. |
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=== Maps === | === Maps === | ||
Revision as of 01:12, 5 March 2009
- Start point: 60th Ave Trailhead
- End point: Mount Tabor Summit
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Loop
- Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 400 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: All
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Sometimes
Contents |
Hike Description
There are many routes you can take in this park. The one described here is a loop that gives the maximum elevation gain and distance, with varied scenery. Some points on this route are marked with posts painted with blue arrows.
Begin on the west side of the park, on 60th street. Hike up the stairs near Hawthorne and 60th to the lowest of the three reservoirs in the park. Turn right to circle south around the reservoir. These reservoirs are the source of Portland's drinking water. The water is piped down from the Bull Run Watershed on the western flanks of Mt Hood.
When you reach the west side of the reservoir, take the stairs that will lead up to the next oval shaped reservoir. Turn right on the access road and look for a trail heading up uphill on your left. This trail goes over a small hill and drops down again above the third and oldest reservoir in the park. Cross the access road on the trail to continue to the summit. This side of the park provides a natural wooded setting amongst huge Douglas-firs. Unfortunately Englishy ivy and blackberry bushes have invaded the understory. Soon you will reach a five trail junction. In the center is a charming old streetlight with a moss patina. Turn left here to reach the summit.
A circular drive surrounds the mountain top, but it is closed to motorized traffic. Up here you will just find cyclists, trail-runners and dog-walkers enjoying the summit. Birders with binoculars are often out scouting for the xxx species found in the park. From the statue of Mr. Scott, traverse northerly across the summit amongst towering Douglis-fir trees. When you reach a bench near a large multi-trunked bigleaf maple, stop for a view of Mt. Hood to the east. Continue downhill northerly past the playground to visit the crater, which is now home to an amphitheater and a basketball court. Turn west from the basketball court and look for the blue signposts to find a small canyon filled with salmonberry and small cedars. Follow the signposts across the access road, and past the tennis court to return to the lower reservoir and 60th street.
Maps
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- Dogs must be on leash in this park.
- The park roads are gated to all motorized traffic on Wednesdays.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Mount Tabor Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Mount Tabor Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
Hiking Oregon's Geology by Ellen Morris Bishop
More Links
Contributors
- CFM (creator)