Difference between revisions of "Mount Tabor Hike"
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[[Image:Reservoir2.jpg|thumb|250px|One of three reservoirs on Mt Tabor ''(cfm)'']] | [[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: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]] | [[Image:Mttabormap.gif|thumb|250px|Mt Tabor topo map]] | ||
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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. | 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 look for a trail heading up uphill on your left. This trail goes over | + | 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. | 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. | ||
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{{Hikemaps|latitude=45.51188|longitude=-122.59412}} | {{Hikemaps|latitude=45.51188|longitude=-122.59412}} | ||
* [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/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. === | === Regulations or Restrictions, etc. === | ||
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=== Guidebooks that cover this hike === | === Guidebooks that cover this hike === | ||
| + | * ''Take a Walk: Portland'' by Brian Barker | ||
| + | * ''PDX Hiking 365'' by Matt Reeder | ||
* ''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 | * ''Best Easy Day Hikes: Portland, Oregon''' by Lizann Dunegan | ||
Revision as of 21:16, 31 January 2018
- 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
Contents |
Hike Description
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
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Mount Tabor Park Trail System (Portland Parks & Recreation)
- Southeast Portland Bike/Walk Map (Portland Bureau of Transportation)
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
- Take a Walk: Portland by Brian Barker
- PDX Hiking 365 by Matt Reeder
- 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
- Mt Tabor Park (Portland Parks & Recreation)
- Friends of Mt. Tabor Park
- Mount Tabor (Oregon) (Wikipedia)
- Mount Tabor Park (Oregon Encyclopedia)
- "Mount Tabor, Oregon" (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)
- "Hiking Mount Tabor: The best way to explore Portland's urban volcano" (Oregon Live)
- Mount Tabor Park (Things to do in Portland with children)
- Mount Tabor Park (The Landscape Architect's Guide to Portland, Oregon)
- Mt. Tabor Park (Portland Family Adventures)
- Reservoir History Brochure
- Mt. Tabor Adjustment Project (Portland Water Bureau)
- "Portland explained: Why the city is taking Mount Tabor, Washington Park reservoirs offline" (Oregon Live)
Contributors
- CFM (creator)