Portland hikes with views

My favorite Portland hikes (in the city!)

Oregon is a nature lovers paradise. Everywhere you look there are trees and parks to enjoy. Portland, Oregon’s biggest city, is no exception. There are at least 60 hikes in 60 miles. Some of them right in the city, an easy walk, bike or bus ride to the trailheads. Portland hikes also have some amazing views.

West Portland hikes

Council Crest Park is the highest point in the city (1,073 feet) with incredible city views and a great spot to see sunrise or sunset. On a clear day you can even see the surrounding mountains including Mount Hood and Mount St Helens. There’s also a small window in Spring when the trees are blooming a brilliant pink.

To hike up to to Council Crest you will use the 4T trail which includes the Marquam trail. The 4T trail can be started at the Oregon Zoo or at OHSU. To get down from OHSU the tram is free or you can meander through the neighborhood streets and alleys including another park, Marquam Nature Park.

Washington Park offers another amazing city view and it includes the International Rose Test Garden. You’ll be able to stop and smell the roses, play tennis, have a picnic or take a tranquil stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden (entrance fee applies for Japanese Garden). In Washington park you will have access to the Fairview and Mac Trails which both connect to the Wildwood trail, a 30 mile moderately trafficked trail mostly contained in Forest Park (my favorite city park).

The Wildwood trail offers another wonder picnic and city view spot at Pittock Mansion. One of my favorite views for sunset or sunrise in the city. A great place to take out of town guests as well for a bit of Portland history.

East Portland hikes

Across town, on the Eastside you’ll find two more great city views with trails for light hiking, biking or walking. They are short trails but offer loops around the mountain and down to the city streets. The Summit of Mt. Tabor is surrounded by trees so it offers plenty of shade yet opens up to a nice sunset and city view.

A little further from the city center you’ll find Powell Butte Nature Park, another spot for taking in the sunrise. It faces east with views of the beautiful and majestic Mount Hood. As with most of these other parks you can drive up but it’s more fun to reach the summit if you make your way by foot. There are a network of trails that spur off of the summit. To reach the summit you can walk along 162nd Ave or take the Johnson Creek Trail.

Closer in the city is Rocky Butte which can be a little confusing. It’s a lot like Powell Butte but closer in and you can drive or hike up. Amazing river and mountain views.

Your visit to Portland would not be complete without experiencing one (or all!) of these parks and their amazing views.