Exploring the Westside of Portland – II


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

Song Sparrow

An empty ship ready to be loaded

An empty ship ready to be loaded

Tram Car momentarily stuck

Tram Car momentarily stuck

Yellow Violet growing wild along the Marquam Trail

Yellow Violet growing wild along the Marquam Trail

White Magnolias coming into bloom

White Magnolias coming into bloom

Mallards

Mallards

New bridge across the Willamette - - - everything but cars and trucks allowed

New bridge across the Willamette – – – everything but cars and trucks allowed

Crocuses

Crocuses

Canada Goose

Canada Goose

Squatters on the Willamette River and below the Hawthorne Bridge

Homeless folks on the Willamette River and below the Hawthorne Bridge

Footbridge over I-5

Footbridge over I-5

 

 

Categories: Portland Area HikesTags: , , , , , , ,

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