4T Trail
Trains, trails, trams and trolleys — oh my!
The unique 4T trail (the four “Ts” being 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. All it takes is 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.
More Hikes and Trails
For a dose of outdoor recreation, head to these favorite local trails and hiking spots.
Favorite Hiking Spots in Portland
Put on some comfortable shoes and start walking — you’ll be surprised how easy Portland makes it.
Accessible Trails in and Near Portland
Portland and the Columbia River Gorge are filled with hiking opportunities, many of which have Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible portions.
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
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.)
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. There is no cost to ride the tram downhill (round-trip tickets originating from the lower terminal cost $5.10 each). Note: The tram runs Monday-Saturday year-round. Visit www.gobytram.com for full schedule.
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 away from your starting point at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Download a description and map of the route.
Getting Around
Explore Portland like a local by using TriMet, the city's public transportation system.
Portland Streetcar
In 2001, Portland built the nation’s first modern-day streetcar: the sleek and modern Portland Streetcar.
MAX Light Rail
Portland's efficient light rail system connects the metro area and downtown core. Learn how to ride and where to go on MAX.
Bus Service
The TriMet bus system, which covers the city and its suburbs, offers low fares, friendly drivers and full wheelchair accessibility.
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