Portland, a city renowned for its vast landscapes and outdoor activities, boasts many fun adventures, including hiking trails, parks, attractions, and scenic river beaches. Among its most exciting experiences is the 4T Trail, which seamlessly combines all these elements.
The 4T Trail is an approximately 9-mile urban loop offering a panoramic exploration of Southwest Portland. The journey spans from the picturesque Willamette River to the breathtaking heights of Council Crest, passes through Washington Park, and weaves through downtown. The name ‘4T’ stands for the four different modes of transportation encountered along the way: tram, trail, train, and trolley.
One of the appealing features of the 4T Trail is its accessibility. With numerous entry points, adventurers can embark on the journey from various locations including the Oregon Zoo, Council Crest Park, Marquam Nature Park, Oregon Health & Science University, or quite simply any part of downtown. A top recommendation for beginning this adventure is the Tilikum Crossing, where multiple public transit options converge. This central location allows visitors to either utilize public transportation to reach the west bridgehead or to conveniently find parking at OHSU.
For those who may not enjoy steep inclines, it’s best to start this urban expedition with a readiness for a downhill return, which can be more forgiving. Here’s a detailed exploration of how to navigate the spectacular 4T Trail in Portland.
The adventure begins with the tram ride. Located on South Moody Avenue near Whitaker Street, the lower terminal of the Portland Aerial Tram transports riders to OHSU in just a few minutes. A ticket price of $8.50 per person grants a round trip; however, riders generally use this ticket for a singular direction on their urban journey. This tram primarily attracts both tourists and OHSU staff, which means that local adventurers may find themselves enchanted by the breathtaking views and vistas that await at the tram’s upper terminal.
Next is the trail section, which constitutes the longest segment of the adventure. Stretching about 4 miles from OHSU to Washington Park, this part highlights some of the most beautiful landscapes of Southwest Portland. An essential tip for explorers is to carry a trail map. Maps are available online on the 4T Trail website or on AllTrails, allowing hikers to navigate through the many winding paths of the area’s lush parks.
To initiate this lengthy hike, begin at the upper tram terminal. Once you pass through the hospital building, take a left onto Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road. After approximately 1,000 feet, take a right onto Southwest Ninth Avenue to discover a trailhead that leads into the serene forests. From here, follow the Connor Trail for half a mile, then take a right turn onto the Basalt Trail that brings you to Marquam Nature Park’s parking area. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the stunning mosaic art installation before heading upwards on the Shadyside Trail. This trail eventually leads to the Marquam Trail, known as one of Portland’s longest continuous trails. Keep right and proceed for about a mile until you reach Council Crest Park, a scenic location with benches, picturesque viewpoints, and even portable restrooms.
After enjoying the views, hikers will experience a brief stint on busy roadways. From the viewpoint at Council Crest, proceed along the park road until discovering another trail leading north. This path leads to a four-way intersection on the street, allowing you to cross over Southwest Fairmount Boulevard. Turn right and walk along Southwest Talbot Road while remaining cautious of your surroundings on the shoulder. When you reach the crosswalk to Southwest Patton Road, take a right, and soon thereafter, look for a set of stairs directing you back down to the Marquam Trail.
Continuing onward, the trail approaches the shoulder of a freeway onramp to U.S. 26. At this point, turn left and walk along the shoulder briefly before crossing the road via an overpass. This walkway quickly guides visitors into the enchanting expanse of Washington Park, eventually leading to the Oregon Zoo entrance. As a cherry on top, keep walking past the zoo to reach the MAX station.
The train leg of the journey begins next, as adventurers descend to the MAX station located just across the street from the World Forestry Center. A TriMet fare of $2.80 for most adults applies, with a maximum of $5.60 for an entire day. Those without a Hop Fastpass app can effortlessly use a contactless credit card at the Hop reader. Riders can hop on either the blue or red line heading toward the city center, and it’s a quick ride—only three stops until they disembark at the Library/Southwest Ninth Avenue stop. This area features various casual and affordable lunch spots, making it an excellent place to refuel.
Lastly, the adventure concludes with the trolley portion of the 4T Trail. Riders can board the Portland Streetcar at the Southwest 11th and Taylor stop downtown. Any streetcar that arrives will lead riders southward toward the waterfront. Much like the train, fares can be paid with either a Hop Pass or a contactless credit card; increased affordability is highlighted here with a $2 fare for adults. The journey continues until the South Moody & Meade stop, mere steps from the Tilikum Crossing, thus completing the full loop and the exhilarating trek along the 4T Trail.
image source from：oregonlive
