Marquam Trail Outing


For as far north as Portland is, north of the 45th Parallel,  it typically receives mild weather during the winter. The first Saturday of the New Year was no exception.

I decided to take advantage of the mid-30’s degree temperatures and do a loop hike from home to Council Crest, the highest point in the City.

Southwest Urban Trail no. 6 to the Marquam Trail was the first leg of the hike. I can always tell when I reach the Marquam Trail by the totem pole near the road. Then it was up and onward to the top of Council Crest.

Unlike a few days ago when I could see far north to Mt. Baker, the low-lying clouds obscured most  of the view. But, I couldn’t complain, it was too nice a day. After watching a murder of crows foraging for food, I finished the loop hike to home.

What a pleasant way to spend a n hour or so. And it provided some exercise too – – – 3.7 miles and 700 feet of elevation gain.

Totem Pole near the Marquam Trail

Totem Pole near the Marquam Trail

Low-lying clouds spoiling the view from Council Crest

Low-lying clouds spoiling the view from Council Crest

Sacajewa statue at Council Crest

Sacajewea statue at Council Crest

You know you live in an old part of town when you see these on the curbs

A sure sign of living in an older part of town

Marquam Trail

Marquam Trail

Life from death

Life from death

Crow

Crow doing the two-step

Gray Jay with a tasty morsel

Gray Jay with a tasty morsel

Categories: Portland Area HikesTags: , , ,

2 comments

  1. Your “Life from death” photo looks familiar! See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7230309@N05/6827696673/ (your photo is better than mine, of course)

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: