Difference between revisions of "Mount Tabor Hike"

Revision as of 23:06, 11 January 2017

View of Mt Hood from the summit (Jane)

One of three reservoirs on Mt Tabor (cfm)

View of Portland and the lower reservoir (Jane)

Harvey Scott statue, Mt. Tabor (bobcat)

The Crater, Mt. Tabor (bobcat)

Mt Tabor topo map

Start point: Lincoln Street Trailhead
End point: Mount Tabor Summit
Trail Log:
Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 2.0 miles round trip
High point: 645 feet
Elevation gain: 350 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Seasons: All
Family Friendly: Yes
Backpackable: No
Crowded: Sometimes

Mount Tabor is an extinct volcano, one of many that dot the landscape east of Portland and make up a complex called the Boring Lava Fields. The mountain is the center of a 197-acre city park of the same name designed by the Olmsteds. There are many routes you can take in this park: feel free to wander and visit many times! 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 Lincoln Street. Where Lincoln makes a 180-degree turn leading up the slope, take a maintenance road that heads north (left) past a gate. Descend to rectangle-shaped Reservoir #6, the lowest of the three reservoirs in the park, all constructed during the period 1894 - 1911. These reservoirs have been the source of Portland's drinking water, with the original source the Bull Run Watershed on the western flanks of Mount Hood, but as of August 2015 have been slated for decommissioning under what is known as the Long Term 2 (LT2) Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. The idea is to move drinking water reservoirs underground to avoid the spread of the gastrointestinal parasite cryptosporidium. The historic reservoirs will remain in place as scenic attractions and continue to contain non-potable water at about 85% of their usual levels.

Walk along the east side of the reservoir until, just past a pump house, go right to take the nearly 100 stairs that will lead up to oval-shaped Reservoir #5. The atmospheric gatehouse here looks like it is constructed of stone but is really reinforced concrete. Turn right on the access road and, just past the Weir House, look for a trail heading up uphill on your left. This trail goes over Poison Oak Hill, another volcanic cone, and drops down again above the third and oldest reservoir in the park, Reservoir #1, which reflects another scenic gatehouse. Below here is Warner Pacific College. 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, English 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 mossy 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 hundreds of species found in the park. Also here, though unseen, is the underground Reservoir #7, which will not be part of the current decommissioning. From the statue of Mr. Scott, traverse northerly across the grassy hilltop amongst towering Douglas-fir trees. When you reach a bench near a large multi-trunked big-leaf maple, stop for a view of Mount Hood to the east. Continue downhill northerly past the playground to visit the caldera, 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 Skunk Canyon, filled with salmonberry and small cedar trees. At the bottom of the canyon trail, follow the signposts across the access road, and pass the tennis court. Keep straight to continue above Reservoir #6 to reach Lincoln Street.

Maps

Regulations or Restrictions, etc.

Dogs on leash (The off-leash area is at the south end of the park)
Park open 5:00 a.m. – midnight
Park closed to motor vehicles all day on Wednesdays and from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. all other days

Trip Reports

Search Trip Reports for Mt Tabor

Related Discussions / Q&A

Search Trail Q&A for Mt Tabor

Guidebooks that cover this hike

Hiking Oregon's Geology by Ellen Morris Bishop
Best Easy Day Hikes: Portland, Oregon' by Lizann Dunegan
Take a Hike: Portland by Barbara I. Bond
Peaceful Places: Portland by Paul Gerald
Nature Walks In and Around Portland by Karen & Terry Whitehill
Portland Hill Walks by Laura O. Foster
Walk There! 50 Treks In and Around Portland and Vancouver edited by Laura O. Foster
Wild in the City: Exploring the Intertwine by Michael C. Houck & M.J. Cody
Walking Portland, Oregon by Sybilla Avery Cook
Portland Step-by-Step by Joe Bianco
The Dog Lover's Companion to Oregon by Val Mallinson
Canine Oregon by Lizann Dunegan

Contributors

CFM (creator)

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
+[[Category:Portland Area]]
+[[Category:Portland]]
 [[Category:Easy Hikes]]
-[[Category:Family Friendly]]
+[[Category:Urban Hikes]]
-[[Category:Portland Hikes]]
+[[Category:All Season Hikes]]
-[[Category:Geology]]
+[[Category:Geologic Features]]
+[[Category:Volcanic Features]]
+[[Category:Family Hikes]]
+[[Category:Loop Hikes]]
+[[Category:Hikes]]
-[[Image:Taborhoodview.jpg|thumb|400px|View of Mt Hood from the summt ''(Jane)'']]
+[[Image:Taborhoodview.jpg|thumb|400px|View of Mt Hood from the summit ''(Jane)'']]
 [[Image:Reservoir2.jpg|thumb|250px|One of three reservoirs on Mt Tabor ''(cfm)'']]
+[[Image:Taborportland.jpg|thumb|250px|View of Portland and the lower reservoir ''(Jane)'']]
+[[Image:Harvey Scott statue, Mt. Tabor.jpg|thumb|250px|Harvey Scott statue, Mt. Tabor ''(bobcat)'']]
+[[Image:The Crater, Mt. Tabor.jpg|thumb|250px|The Crater, Mt. Tabor ''(bobcat)'']]
 [[Image:Mttabormap.gif|thumb|250px|Mt Tabor topo map]]
+{{Start point|Lincoln Street Trailhead}}
-{{Start point|60th Ave Trailhead}}
 * End point: [[Mount Tabor Summit]]
-* Trail Log: [[Mount Tabor Hike/Log|Trail Log]]
+* Trail Log:
 * Hike Type: Loop
-{{Distance|2.5 miles}} round trip
+{{Distance|2.0 miles}} round trip
-{{Elevation gain|400 feet}}
+* High point: 645 feet
+{{Elevation gain|350 feet}}
 {{Difficulty|Easy}}
 * Seasons: All
@@ Line 22: / Line 32: @@
 === 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.
+Mount Tabor is an extinct volcano, one of many that dot the landscape east of Portland and make up a complex called the Boring Lava Fields. The mountain is the center of a 197-acre city park of the same name designed by the Olmsteds. There are many routes you can take in this park: feel free to wander and visit many times! 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 Lincoln Street. Where Lincoln makes a 180-degree turn leading up the slope, take a maintenance road that heads north (left) past a gate. Descend to rectangle-shaped Reservoir #6, the lowest of the three reservoirs in the park, all constructed during the period 1894 - 1911. These reservoirs have been the source of Portland's drinking water, with the original source the Bull Run Watershed on the western flanks of [[Mount Hood]], but as of August 2015 have been slated for decommissioning under what is known as the Long Term 2 (LT2) Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. The idea is to move drinking water reservoirs underground to avoid the spread of the gastrointestinal parasite cryptosporidium. The historic reservoirs will remain in place as scenic attractions and continue to contain non-potable water at about 85% of their usual levels.
-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.
+Walk along the east side of the reservoir until, just past a pump house, go right to take the nearly 100 stairs that will lead up to oval-shaped Reservoir #5. The atmospheric gatehouse here looks like it is constructed of stone but is really reinforced concrete. Turn right on the access road and, just past the Weir House, look for a trail heading up uphill on your left. This trail goes over Poison Oak Hill, another volcanic cone, and drops down again above the third and oldest reservoir in the park, Reservoir #1, which reflects another scenic gatehouse. Below here is Warner Pacific College. 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, English 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 mossy patina. Turn left here to reach the summit.
-A circular drive surrounds the mountain top, but don't expect any motor traffic up here.
+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 hundreds of species found in the park. Also here, though unseen, is the underground Reservoir #7, which will not be part of the current decommissioning. From the statue of Mr. Scott, traverse northerly across the grassy hilltop amongst towering Douglas-fir trees. When you reach a bench near a large multi-trunked big-leaf maple, stop for a view of [[Mount Hood]] to the east. Continue downhill northerly past the playground to visit the caldera, 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 Skunk Canyon, filled with salmonberry and small cedar trees. At the bottom of the canyon trail, follow the signposts across the access road, and pass the tennis court. Keep straight to continue above Reservoir #6 to reach Lincoln Street.
 === Maps ===
 {{Hikemaps|latitude=45.51188|longitude=-122.59412}}
-* [http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewFile&PolPdfsID=322&/Mt Tabor Trail Map.pdf]
+* [https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewFile&PolPdfsID=1712&/Mt%20Tabor%20Park%20Trail%20Map.pdf  Mount Tabor Park Trail System (Portland Parks & Recreation)]
+* [https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/322256  Southeast Portland Bike/Walk Map (Portland Bureau of Transportation)]
 === Regulations or Restrictions, etc. ===
-* Dogs must be on leash in this park.
+* Dogs on leash (The off-leash area is at the south end of the park)
-* The park roads are gated to all motorized traffic on Wednesdays.
+* Park open 5:00 a.m. – midnight
+* Park closed to motor vehicles all day on Wednesdays and from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. all other days
-{{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}
+{{TripReports|Mt Tabor}}
-{{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}
+{{RelatedDiscussions|Mt Tabor}}
 === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
+* ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop
-''Hiking Oregon's Geology''  by Ellen Morris Bishop
+* ''Best Easy Day Hikes: Portland, Oregon''' by Lizann Dunegan
+* ''Take a Hike: Portland'' by Barbara I. Bond
+* ''Peaceful Places: Portland'' by Paul Gerald
+* ''Nature Walks In and Around Portland'' by Karen & Terry Whitehill
+* ''Portland Hill Walks'' by Laura O. Foster
+* ''Walk There! 50 Treks In and Around Portland and Vancouver'' edited by Laura O. Foster
+* ''Wild in the City: Exploring the Intertwine'' by Michael C. Houck & M.J. Cody
+* ''Walking Portland, Oregon'' by Sybilla Avery Cook
+* ''Portland Step-by-Step'' by Joe Bianco
+* ''The Dog Lover's Companion to Oregon'' by Val Mallinson
+* ''Canine Oregon'' by Lizann Dunegan
 === More Links ===
-*[http://www.mazamas.org/your/adventure/print/C460 Mazamas Navigation Practice Course]
+* [https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=275&action=ViewPark  Mt Tabor Park (Portland Parks & Recreation)]
-*[http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=149337 Reservoir History Brochure]
+* [http://www.taborfriends.org/  Friends of Mt. Tabor Park]
+* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tabor_(Oregon)  Mount Tabor (Oregon) (Wikipedia)]
+* [https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/mt_tabor_park/#.WGW-AZJB7UM  Mount Tabor Park (Oregon Encyclopedia)]
+* [http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/mount_tabor.html  "Mount Tabor, Oregon" (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)]
+* [http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2016/04/mount_tabor_hike_is_a_perfect.html  "Hiking Mount Tabor: The best way to explore Portland's urban volcano" (Oregon Live)]
+* [http://www.thingstodoinportland.org/mount-tabor-park/  Mount Tabor Park (Things to do in Portland with children)]
+* [https://www.asla.org/portland/site.aspx?id=43604  Mount Tabor Park (The Landscape Architect's Guide to Portland, Oregon)]
+* [http://www.pdxfamilyadventures.com/2008/04/27/mt-tabor-park  Mt. Tabor Park (Portland Family Adventures)]
+* [http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=149337 Reservoir History Brochure]
+* [https://www.portlandoregon.gov/water/64097  Mt. Tabor Adjustment Project (Portland Water Bureau)]
+* [http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/06/portland_explained_why_portlan.html  "Portland explained: Why the city is taking Mount Tabor, Washington Park reservoirs offline" (Oregon Live)]
 === Contributors ===
 * [[User:CFM|CFM]] (creator)

Difference between revisions of "Mount Tabor Hike"

Difference between revisions of "Mount Tabor Hike"

From Oregon Hikers Field Guide

Revision as of 23:06, 11 January 2017

Contents

Hike Description

Maps

Regulations or Restrictions, etc.

Trip Reports

Related Discussions / Q&A

Guidebooks that cover this hike

More Links

Contributors