It was a warm, sunny, early spring day in the City of Roses. A great day to break out the daypack, the Nikon camera, a good telephoto lens and enjoy a 12-mile loop hike from home.

There are many sights to see in Southwest Portland and in the urban areas near the Willamette River.

I dropped off Portland Heights, walked through the Portland State University Campus while stopping for a few minutes at the Park Blocks Farmers Market, hiked down to the Willamette River, took the Esplanade loop which includes the longest floating walkway in the country, explored the Pearl District which is a classic urban renewal of an old industrial district, walked back down the riverfront area to the tram station while stopping to marvel at all the interesting things to buy at the Saturday Market, took a fun ride in the tram to Pill Hill, hit the Conner’s Trail to the Marquam Trail, ascended to Council Crest which is the highest point in Portland, and finally made the short hike back home.

What a nice way to spend a good six hours in early spring. And, what a great variety of interesting things to see.