Portland West Hills

The Tualatin Mountains dominate the western skyline of Portland, Oregon. The mountains form the high ridge running from southeast to northwest, separating Portland from Beaverton and other cities of the Tualatin Valley to the west.

The entire area is a fun place to hike in the wintertime when the weather cooperates. But, the weather can turn to the dark side. These photos were taken after a polar freeze hit Portland in January for an entire week. 

As I hiked the trails and roads soon after the temperature warmed, it was clear much damage had been done by the storm. Large mature trees, mainly Dougals Firs, had fallen due to the heavy ice loadings on their branches and the heavy winds. The sound of chainsaws was ubiquitous. Many tree service trucks were parked along the way.

One stretch of the Marquam Nature Trail had 12 large trees fallen over a one-quarter mile stretch. I spent a bunch of time crawling over or under fallen trees and bush-whacking to get around them. I was a tired lad by the time the hike was over. Happy to say there was already trail crews clearing the trail. Kudos to them!

But, as a sign of good things to come, I spotted some snowdrops in bloom. Spring must be right around the corner.

After-storm clean up

Power line damage

Fallen trees over the Maquam Nature Trail