Posted in Portland February 09, 2018 by

This Quaint Little Trail Is The Shortest And Sweetest Hike In Portland

If you are looking for a short trail to stretch your legs on a sunny day, this one in SE Portland’s Mt Tabor Park is a great place to explore. Clocking in at just 1 mile, the trail is easy, features some lovely views, is mostly shaded, and perfect for some fun outdoors.

The Red Trail picks up at the Kiosk adjacent to the main parking area and the volcano.
Dawn Dandy / Flickr
Mt Tabor Park sits an extinct volcanic vent that is part of the Boring Lava Field.
brx0 / Flickr
It is thought that the large network of cinder cones and small shield volcanoes that span from Boring, OR to SW Washington became extinct more than 300,000 years ago.
From the Kiosk, follow the color-coded trail posts the whole way for an easy-to-navigate adventure any time of year.
LostinIN / Flickr
On the hike, you will pass by one of the park's historic reservoirs.
Tim Lauer / Flickr
The park's three remaining above-ground reservoirs no longer serve up our city's drinking water, but were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
There are plenty of great views from all over the park.
Herman Sylvester / Flickr
And in spring, the flowers and other foliage can put on quite a show.
andrew / Flickr
But most of all, the hike is a great way to escape into nature for a break from everyday life.
Brett Chalupa / Flickr
No matter the season, this short trail is a delight.
brx0 / Flickr
Dogs are allowed on all the trails at Mt Tabor Park, so be sure to bring them along to enjoy the trail with you.
Gates close at 10 p.m. each night, giving you just enough time — even on warm summer nights — to catch an incredible sunset.
Tomas Quinones / Flickr
The park is open until midnight daily, but when the gates close they are closed... make sure your car is on the right side of them.
On Wednesdays, Mt Tabor is closed to vehicle traffic, but visitors can still park outside the park and walk in.
Jeremy Poehler / Flickr

Mt Tabor Park is located at SE 60th and Salmon Street.

Have you hiked the Red Trail at Mt Tabor? Let us know about it in the comments below.