Portland Heights

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 landscape is predominantly forest, mainly Douglas firs, bigleaf maples and cedars. The mountains have many deep ravines flowing to the east. These are mainly green spaces.

Marquam Nature Park

The entire area is a fun place to hike in the summertime. A favorite of mine 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.

As I hike the trails, songbirds are singing their songs, butterflies are fluttering and the warm sunshine is bringing out the best in all.