Mount Tabor, Extinct volcanic vent and city park in Southeast Portland, United States
Mount Tabor is an extinct volcanic vent and city park in Southeast Portland that rises 636 feet above the city. Its slopes are forested with Douglas firs, and from the summit visitors can see Mount Hood and downtown Portland in the distance.
Road construction workers discovered the volcanic nature of this peak in 1913, recognizing it as part of the Boring Lava Field formed during the Plio-Pleistocene era. This finding revealed that Portland sits atop an area shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
Four open reservoirs built between 1894 and 1911 stand on the grounds, now protected as historical sites that show how Portland once stored and managed its water supply. Visitors can still see these structures as they walk the trails.
Three marked trails loop around the volcanic peak at different distances: the Red Trail covers roughly 1 mile, the Green Trail roughly 1.7 miles, and the Blue Trail roughly 3 miles. All paths are well-maintained and provide options for different fitness levels and time availability.
In 2023, this park earned recognition as the first Urban Quiet Park in the United States, setting new standards for silence and sustainability in city green spaces. This designation highlights how the site preserves nature within the urban landscape and offers visitors a tranquil retreat.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
