On a nice, sunny weekend day in mid-February, I did a pleasant 14-mile loop hike from Portland Heights. This is the second half of the photographic journey.
After passing Harborside on the Willamette River, my next destination was the Tram Station.
The goal was to buy a $4 pass to ride the Tram to the Oregon Health & Science University, saving one-half the 1,000-foot elevation gain to Council Crest. But no, due to a cable break a tram car was stuck in the air with a full compliment of riders. Thankfully, the operators backed the tram car down to the terminus while I watched. The tram rides were finished for the day.
After finding a footbridge above I-5, I followed a series of roads to the west before finally hitting one of the SW Urban Trails. Soon the upper terminus of the Tram was reached at OHSU.
From there I connected with the Marquam Trail and ascended to Council Crest in about two miles. The views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and the City of Portland were spectacular.
It was clearly a time to take a break and enjoy the moment.
In another 1 1/2 miles I was home.
What an outing and what a city!
Song Sparrow
An empty ship ready to be loaded
Tram Car momentarily stuck
Yellow Violet growing wild along the Marquam Trail
White Magnolias coming into bloom
Mallards
New bridge across the Willamette – – – everything but cars and trucks allowed
Crocuses
Canada Goose
Homeless folks on the Willamette River and below the Hawthorne Bridge
Footbridge over I-5
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