Scenic Mt. Tabor Park is Fun for the Family - a Portland Jewel!

Mt. Tabor is a large urban park on top of a dormant volcanic cinder cone in southeast Portland. You can spend anywhere from one hour to the entire day exploring the trails, riding your bike, playing on the playgrounds and creating the perfect picnic experience with a view of downtown Portland and southeast neighborhoods. It’s not uncommon to see potlucks and young families congregating with their hammocks and blankets in the several picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Amenities include a playground, off-leash dog park, several picnic areas, tennis courts and a basketball court. 

Mt. Tabor boasts a large shaded playground and pavilion for events nestled in groves of large pines. While there are several places to park, there is a large parking lot next to the playground that is accessible by the sidewalk. Kids can enjoy several slides, monkey bars, swings and a tiny rock wall.

Large, beautiful pines offer ample shade, so it’s alright if you forget the hats and sunscreen at home. If parents want a quick workout or a way to show off, while the kids play, they can try out the larger monkey bars on the periphery of the playground. There are two basic bathrooms in the park. They have flushing toilets and running water but no soap, paper towels or changing tables, so make sure to bring your hand sanitizer and travel changing pad.   

In addition to the playground, enjoy the many trails that wind through Mt. Tabor. Bring your hiking shoes, baby carrier and stroller and enjoy the tall pines, two reservoirs that once held the city’s water, and view of downtown Portland from the top. Trails vary in incline and material so there are options for everyone. For a more gradual and casual experience, opt for the paved roads that gently wind their way to the top. Gates close off the last half of the road to cars so pedestrians and cyclists have the paved road to themselves after this point. All gates are closed to cars on Wednesday, however, so bikes and pedestrians have full access to the roads without worrying about car traffic. For a more natural experience, use the several well-maintained dirt trails, most of which are jogging-stroller friendly (don’t use your car seat buggy here). Some are also open to mountain bikes, so just make sure to read the trail signs and be aware of others around you.  

For those interested in the history of Mt. Tabor, check out the visitor’s center next to the playground parking lot. It’s operated by a group of volunteer stewards of the park, Friends of Mt. Tabor Park, and open every day from 8:30 am-5 pm. Learn about Mt. Tabor’s volcanic history and how the reservoirs once supplied the city’s water.