Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park is an urban park situated on an extinct volcanic cinder cone that rises roughly 636 feet (194 meters) above Portland. The grounds feature interconnected walking trails, open-air reservoirs, and recreational facilities distributed across its slopes.

The park was established in 1909 and incorporates four open-air reservoirs constructed between 1894 and 1911 to supply water to the city. These early infrastructure projects took advantage of the volcano's natural elevation.

The park hosts an annual soapbox derby in August that draws crowds to watch homemade vehicles race downhill. This event brings the community together and has become a local tradition that defines the summer for many residents.

The park opens daily from 5 AM to midnight and can be entered through multiple access points near Southeast Division Street and Southeast 60th Avenue. Trails climb uphill throughout the grounds, so comfortable hiking shoes are advisable for navigating the slopes.

The entire site sits atop an extinct volcanic cinder cone, and some pathways were constructed using volcanic rock discovered during the park's initial development. This geological foundation gives the grounds a distinctive character unusual for an urban setting.

Location: Portland

Website: https://portland.gov/parks/mt-tabor-park

GPS coordinates: 45.51189,-122.59430

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:06