The T’s of the 4T Trail stand for Trail, Tram, Trolley (Portland Streetcar), and Train (MAX). When combined, these T’s create an approximately nine-mile loop and a quintessential Portland experience. The 4T highlights some of the city’s best assets: urban parks and trails, stunning views of volcanoes and cityscapes, a tram ride, and our legendary public transportation. For all these reasons and more, the 4T makes for an excellent family outing.
The 4T website provides maps and all the directions you could hope for. However, we found the signage along the route to be so good we only occasionally glanced at our printed map to track progress.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
There are four different trailheads, one for each T of the trip. The recommended route starts at the Oregon Zoo with the trail segment of the loop, a 4.5-mile hike over to OHSU. From the Washington Park MAX station, walk over to the zoo and head downhill along the sidewalk. You’ll soon notice the first 4T sign of your journey.
You’ll cross over Highway 26 and begin hiking up the Marquam Trail towards Council Crest. This spot is the highest point in Portland proper, and some of you may remember it as the jumping off point for some amazing happenings in Terra Tempo: Ice Age Cataclysm! Soak up the views and take a well-earned breather before descending into the Marquam Nature Park. Please note that as of August, 15, 2011, a portion of the Forest Trail to OHSU is closed for repair. When the trail reaches Fairmount Blvd., turn right to take the Urban Shortcut to the Tram.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
The next segment is the Tram at OHSU. Hours vary, but the ride is free since you’re heading down. The ride is brief but breathtaking. Once you exit the Tram, the OHSU Commons Streetcar (Trolley) stop is just steps away. Since this stop is out of the Free Rail Zone, you’ll want to purchase tickets for the family at one of the fareboxes located at the stop, or on the Trolley itself. Hold on to these, as they are valid on the MAX train as well.
The streetcar signifies the end of hiking or standing, so take a load off. Enjoy the ride for ten full stops, exiting the streetcar at the Central Library. Again, 4T signage is great here. Follow signs north one block to the MAX station on SW Morrison.
With only one leg left in your 4T adventure, this downtown location is an optimal spot to grab lunch or dinner. There are a number of options here, so you should be able to find something that suits the kids’ taste buds as well as your budget. When you’re ready, hop on a westbound MAX train towards the zoo. This part is really cool. You might want to alert the kids that you are about to enter a tunnel that takes you deep beneath the zoo. At 260 feet below the surface, the MAX station at Washington Park is the deepest transit station in North America! Get off here and take the elevator up to the zoo parking area and the end of the 4T loop.
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
