Molly Woodstock

Molly Woodstock

Molly Woodstock has been writing and editing content for Travel Portland since 2014. Read More

Do you like walking on mountains that explode every 3 million years? Go Somewhere Different. Do you like walking on mountains that explode every 3 million years? Go Somewhere Different.
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Do you like walking on mountains that explode every 3 million years? Go Somewhere Different.

Mount Tabor Park

Open reservoirs, hiking trails and an extinct volcano await at this Southeast Portland park.

3 min read
Molly Woodstock

Molly Woodstock

Molly Woodstock has been writing and editing content for Travel Portland since 2014. Read More

Portland is home to more than 200 delightful parks of all sizes and styles — but only one is built atop a volcano. In fact, Portland is one of six American cities with an extinct volcano within its limits, thanks to the 636-foot-tall (194 m) Mount Tabor. Experience this novelty for yourself by exploring 191-acre (77 ha) Mt. Tabor Park, a century-old public space known for its open-air reservoirs, its annual Adult Soapbox Derby and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone.

Know Before You Go

Mt. Tabor Park offers ADA accessible picnic sites, restrooms and play areas, as well as paved paths up to the summit.

Mt. Tabor Park History

Named after an Israeli peak of the same name, Portland’s Mount Tabor became a city park in 1909. Parks superintendent Emanuel Tillman Mische consulted with famous landscape architect John C. Olmsted to create a design for the site, which included several walking trails, gently curving roads, long flights of stairs and plenty of space to showcase native plants.

A few years later, construction workers found volcanic cinders in the park, which were used to pave the park’s pathways. That’s right — you’re walking or rolling on ancient lava from Mount Tabor itself!

family at mount tabor park plays piano and looks at view with dogs
Every summer, Piano Push Play installs dozens of custom-painted pianos throughout the city, all free for anyone to play.
Credit: Ashley Anderson

Mount Tabor Reservoirs

Between 1894–1911, Portland built four open reservoirs on the slopes of Mount Tabor. For decades, these structures supplied water to residents across the city. In 1990, the city sold one of the reservoirs to private developers; the other three reservoirs have since been decommissioned. These days, the enormous reservoirs, which were accepted to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, simply provide a scenic backdrop to your park activities.

Mount Tabor Summit

At the mountain’s summit, you’ll enjoy spectacular views across southeast Portland, with the city skyline and West Hills in the distance. Grab a seat on one of the benches here and watch a summer sunset. Nearby, stands a towering bronze statue of Portlander Harvey W. Scott, who edited The Oregonian newspaper for four decades. Dedicated in 1933, it was created by Gutzon Borglum, better known for creating South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore National Monument.

Participants enjoy a peaceful outdoor yoga class at the crest of Mt. Tabor Park.
Credit: Catalina Gaitan

Mt. Tabor Park Trails

A mixture of footpaths and paved roads crisscross Mount Tabor, making it easy to start a hike (or stroll) from any point in the park. Need a bit more direction? Choose from among three official trails: the 1-mile (1.6 km) Red Trail, 1.7-mile (2.7 km) Green Trail, and 3-mile (4.8 km) Blue Trail. Find trail maps online. 

Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

Built in 1956, Mount Tabor’s youth soapbox derby course had gone unused for decades until 1997, when Portlander Paul Zenk founded the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Every year, on the third Saturday in August, dozens of daring amateur racers zoom down Mount Tabor, competing to become the fastest (or most artistic or crowd-pleasing) derby car on the slope. The free event draws crowds of up to 10,000 cheering spectators; visit soapboxracer.com for more information and up-to-date event details.

Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby at Mt. Tabor Park pits grown-up kids against each other every August in pursuit of speed and laughs.

Learn more

Mt. Tabor Park Amenities

In addition to leafy trails and unique sights, Mt. Tabor Park offers visitors a wide array of amenities. Entertainment options include a basketball court, horseshoe pit, playground, volleyball and tennis courts, and an outdoor amphitheater. A fenced, off-leash dog park is also located at the base of the hill. ADA-accessible picnic areas, play areas and restrooms are available throughout the park.

Visiting Mt. Tabor Park

Mt. Tabor Park is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily. The park is bordered by SE Division Street to the south, SE 60th Avenue to the west, Southeast Yamhill Street to the north, and Southeast Mountainview Drive to the east. Street parking and parking lot access is available, but limited; visitors can also opt to take TriMet bus 15, which stops at Southeast 60th Avenue and Belmont Street, only a few blocks northwest of the park.

Parks & Gardens
Food & Drink Near Mt. Tabor

  • Ya Hala

    In Lebanese, “ya hala” is a way of saying “we welcome you.” This family-owned restaurant specializes in traditional Lebanese cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients.

  • DC Vegetarian

    DC serves a veggie take on classic meat dishes (which can be made vegan by request), including the Philly Cheesesteak that uses their signature seitan steak replacement.

  • Apizza Scholls

    Apizza Scholls offers in-house dining and carryout. In addition to their gourmet pizzas, salads, desserts and draft beers are available. The arcade room features a variety of video game classics.

  • Bipartisan Cafe

    Bipartisan Cafe features handmade pies, some of which can be made vegan or gluten free. Come in for a whole pie, or savor a single slice alongside a coffee or chai. Other menu offerings include sandwiches, soups and wraps.

  • Ha VL

    This unassuming Vietnamese restaurant serves two authentic soups each day, as well as banh mi sandwiches, coffee and smoothies.