Transportation & Maps
Where to Walk: Getting Around Portland
In addition to navigating downtown, the Pearl District and Portland’s many other walker-friendly neighborhoods, your feet can take you to some fantastic places around town.
Waterfront Loop
Just a short stroll from downtown hotels, the Waterfront Park/Eastbank Esplanade loop is a three-mile (4.8-kilometer) route that offers walkers unparalleled views of downtown Portland and the river. The trail is accessible at any point between the Steel and Hawthorne bridges on the west side of the Willamette River. The closest MAX stations are Yamhill, Oak/SW 1st Ave, Skidmore Fountain and Old Town/Chinatown, all served by the Blue and Red lines. The Transit Mall, which carries the Yellow and Green MAX lines, as well as most downtown buses, is six blocks from the waterfront.
Forest Park
Forest Park, northwest of downtown, includes 70 miles of trails. Most trailheads are only accessible by car; the easiest access for those without cars is via Macleay Park, which is served by bus lines 15 and 17. From the park, it’s less than a mile’s hike to the 30-mile Wildwood Trail, which connects Forest Park, the Audubon Society Sanctuary, Pittock Mansion and Washington Park and is part of the region's 40-Mile Loop system.
Hoyt Arboretum
At Hoyt Arboretum, nearly 1,000 species of trees and shrubs — more than in any other arboretum in the country — are showcased on 185 acres of hilly terrain within Washington Park. An interpretive center offers restrooms, maps and brochures and a gift shop. The arboretum’s 21 trails cover 12 miles; two miles of trail are suitable for wheelchairs, baby strollers and visitors who appreciate firm footing. The arboretum visitor center is half a mile from the Washington Park MAX station (served by the Blue and Red lines); however, several trails are very close to the station. The arboretum is also accessible via bus line 63 and the Washington Park Shuttle.
4T Trail
The 4T trail is a self-guided tour that lets you explore the city—and see some of the best views—without a car. All it takes is about four hours, a little more than four dollars and a bit of leg power. The route is well marked with signs, and includes about 2.5 miles of walking. Here’s an overview:
Train: Starting downtown, catch the MAX light rail (Red or Blue line) to the Oregon Zoo stop. (Before boarding, purchase an all-day, 2-zone pass for $4.75 — this is good for the train and the trolley.) 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.
Trail: Next, you’ll hike 1.3 miles up a wooded trail to Council Crest Park, the highest point in Portland. As you rest your legs from the steep, hour-long climb, you can savor some of the city’s best views — along with a brown-bag lunch, if you so desire.
Tram: A 2.3-mile walk from the park brings you to the upper terminal of the Portland Aerial 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. There is no cost to ride the tram downhill (roundtrip tickets originating from the lower terminal cost $4 each). Back on terra firma, visit the nearby Daily Café for fortification. Note: The tram does not run on Sundays. Visit www.portlandtram.org for full schedule.
Trolley: The final mode of transport is the Portland Streetcar. Running about every 15 minutes, the European-style streetcar will carry you back to your starting point in downtown Portland.
