Leatherman calls Portland, Oregon, home for a reason—and we do love to explore our home city. Portland is the perfect place for people who love the outdoors, mostly because so many adventures lie just outside of the city or a short drive away. Mt. Hood’s snow-capped peak can be spotted from downtown, and the Pacific coast is only two hours away.
But there are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy within the city limits, including hiking! These Portland hikes are easy to access, even without a car, and they combine the thrilling bustle of our metropolitan home with the joy of exploring by foot.
Explore an Extinct Volcano at Mt. Tabor
Have you heard the slogan, “Keep Portland Weird?" Our extinct volcano is one example of a weird yet lovable landmark. It’s also a great hike. After exploring the popular strips of Division Street or Hawthorne Avenue, head east to Mt. Tabor to get above it all and enjoy sweeping views of the whole city.
Tabor is hardly a mountain and the hike is a mere two-miles roundtrip. But hey, it’s smack dab in Portland’s charming city limits—minutes from gourmet ice cream and local beer. After jam-packing your favorite rucksack with goodies, start at the Lincoln Street Trailhead and work your way across the dirt and pine needles, 645-feet up to the summit.
For a more direct climb to the best lookout areas on Mt. Tabor, climb the steps off 60th and Hawthorne Ave. You’ll pass by two reservoirs as you huff and puff on the steep incline. It’s a haul but the view is totally worth it. And you’ll find plenty of space to spread out with a blanket and all those goodies you collected in town.
Council Crest, Portland, Oregon
Climb to the Highest Point at Council Crest
On the other side of downtown Portland you’ll find Council Crest. It’s the highest point in Portland at 1,073 feet above sea level and offers a 180-degree view. Legend has it that Council Crest got its name because the local Native Americans built signal fires and held meetings there. The trailhead begins at Marquam Circle and the hike is 5.8 miles long.
You can see five mountains in the Cascade Range from Council Crest Park: Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens with its infamous flat top. Soak in the city while savoring the stunning nature we have at our doorstep.
Tilikum Crossing, Portland, Oregon
Find the Best Bridge Views of Bridge City
A staggering 12 bridges cross the Willamette River in Portland—so it’s no wonder the city is often referred to as “bridge city." And since the Willamette runs smack through the middle of everything, walking over the bridges is the perfect way to get the lay of the land.
Our newest bridge is also the most unique. Tilikum Crossing is the only bridge that does not allow private motor vehicles, so you can hike or bike without worrying about cars. Start on the east side and take Tilikum to Southwest Portland. From there, you can check out riverfront bars and restaurants.
If you’re feeling ambitious, try the Sellwood to Steel Bridge loop, which will cover more than 10 miles of the city.
Once you’ve checked out one or all of these city hikes, discover a route that’s all your own. Getting lost in Portland is the best way to know it. So lace up those hiking shoes and start exploring Leatherman’s home city. Whether you’re hitting remote trails outside town, or getting lost downtown, it’s always comforting to go prepared with the multi-tool you trust.