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.

As February swings into March, many signs of spring have sprung. Domestic and wildflowers are in bloom, little songbirds are singing and coyotes are exploring.

One of my favorite hiking venues is nearby 205-acre Marquam Nature Park. Several miles of trails lead to 1,070-foot Council Crest, at the top of the Tualatin Mountains with jaw-dropping views of the snow-covered Casccade peaks.

As I hike the trails, I look for those early signs of spring. They always bring a smile to my face.

Spring flowers