The Portland Aerial Tram is one of the Ts in this trek.

4T Trail

Trains, trails, trams and trolleys — oh my!

Updated Oct. 2, 2023 2 min read Southwest Portland

The unique 4T trail (the four “Ts” being a trail, tram, trolley and train) is a self-guided urban nature tour that lets you explore the city — and see some of the best views — without a car. It takes about four hours, $5 and a bit of leg power. The route is well marked with signs and includes about 2.5 miles of walking. (Visit here for a map of the trail.) Here’s an overview:

Train

Starting downtown, catch the MAX light rail (Red or Blue line) from Pioneer Courthouse Square (or nearby) to the Oregon Zoo stop. (Before boarding, purchase an all-day pass for $5 — this is good for the train and the streetcar.) The zoo stop is 260 feet (79 m) below ground level, in the nation’s deepest tunnel. Ride the elevator to the surface, where you have the option of exploring the zoo before following the “4T” signs for the next leg of the journey.

As you rest your legs from the moderately steep, hour-long climb, you can savor some of the city’s best views.

Trail

Head downhill, across the Highway 26 overpass, and exit the city landscape on the well-maintained Marquam Trail (also signed for the 4T). You’ll hike 1.3 miles up a wooded trail to Council Crest Park, the highest point in Portland at 1,073 feet. As you rest your legs from the moderately steep, hour-long climb, you can savor some of the city’s best views — along with a brown-bag lunch if you so desire.

Hikes in and Near Portland

With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers — explore the city’s urban walks, verdant parks and lush gardens, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

a girl in a wheelchair on nature trail with a man and a dog

Accessible Trails in and Near Portland

Portland and the Columbia River Gorge are filled with hiking opportunities for everybody, many of which have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible trails.

A family with two small children a hike along a tree-shaded stream.

Kid-Friendly Hikes

Portland has numerous kid-friendly hiking spots with trails under 4 miles (6 km) close to the city and bursting with natural beauty.

Tram

Know Before You Go

Masks are required while riding the tram.

The tram’s shiny, pod-like cars whisk passengers downhill while providing panoramic views of the Willamette River, the city’s east side and the Cascade Mountains. One-way fares aren’t available on the tram, so you’ll need to purchase a round-trip pass from the terminal (which costs $5.65 each). Note: The tram runs Monday-Saturday year-round. Visit www.gobytram.com for a full schedule.

Walk downhill from Council Crest, crossing Southwest Greenway and Fairmont streets, and pick between 1) following the trail on a 2.2-mile hike through hilly Marquam Nature Park or 2) taking a 1.6-mile walk downhill on city streets without sidewalks. Both paths lead to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) campus, where 4T signs point to the upper terminal of the Portland Aerial Tram. (Tip: there are also public restrooms available at OHSU.)

Portland Aerial Tram

If you’re looking for epic views and a unique perspective, look no further than the Portland Aerial Tram.

Try The Tram

Trolley

The final mode of transport is the Portland Streetcar, which you can board from the stop near the tram terminal. Running about every 15 minutes, the European-style streetcar — or trolley — will carry you back to downtown Portland, only one stop from your starting point at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Download a description and map of the route.

Outdoors, Tours & Itineraries