Not everyone knows it, but Portland is just one of four cities in the country that has an extinct volcano within its city limits. Part of the Boring Lava Field, Mt Tabor has been extinct for over 300,000 years, so there is no need to be concerned that the sleeping force will awaken.
Located between SE Division, SE 60th Avenue and SE Yamhill, Mt Tabor park was built around 1903, and was the largest park in Portland until 1947 when Forest Park was created.
At its peak, Mt. Tabor stands at 636 feet, giving you a great new of the city from the top.
Between 1894 and 1911, the park's above-ground reservoirs were built.
At its peak, there is a statue of Harvey Scott, an Oregonian editor in the late 1800s and instrumental force in leaning the state towards the Republican Party viewpoints.
Today, the park is a wonderful place to explore with shady trails that start at the main parking lot, accessed from 69th and Yamhill.
From there you can go in any direction on one of three trails, and all will circle by what remains of the volcano, adjacent to the parking lot.
Next to the amphitheater and basketball court, the rock from the cinder cone has been cut away, revealing the the rock.
There are 196 acres to explore, and every bit of the park is lovely for a stroll no matter the season.
If you are there on a clear day, you can have a great view of our other famous mountain to the east, Mt. Hood.
What is your favorite part about Mt. Tabor? Let us know in the comments below.
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