A Hike Up Portland's Mount Tabor Park
Portland's Volcanic Gem: Mount Tabor Park
Sunshine and spring in the air – it was the perfect day to explore one of Portland’s hidden gems: Mount Tabor Park! This extinct volcano offered a beautiful and educational hike within Portland’s city limits.
Our hike started with a moderate climb – nothing too intense, but enough to get the heart pumping and the legs working. The views along the way were already stealing the show. Trees woke from their winter sleep, showing off their delicate buds.
Halfway up the trail, we saw something unexpected—three giant water reservoirs. These pools of water are remnants of a bygone era. Built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, they were once the whole city’s water supply, providing fresh drinking water to all Portland’s residents.
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The climb to the summit was worth it. Our reward was a mesmerizing panoramic view of Portland’s neighborhoods and bridges.
On our way down from the summit, we stumbled upon a surprise: the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) known as Heritage Tree #152. This giant is not native to Portland and was planted here around 1900. Today, it is a designated Portland Heritage Tree, recognized for its historical and ecological significance.
Date
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Distance
4.82 miles
Moving Time
1:21:39 hours
Weather
54 °F, moderate breeze, sun