One of the Marquam Park trails
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Marquam Nature Park

4.6
·743 reviews·Portland, United States

A steep, forested urban escape with over 5 miles of trails, offering a peaceful retreat and rewarding views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light filters through trees

CrowdMedium
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One of the Marquam Park trails

Marquam Nature Park

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light filters through trees

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A steep, forested urban escape with over 5 miles of trails, offering a peaceful retreat and rewarding views.

4.6
(743 reviews)

"You would never think this is so close to the city. Absolutely loved it."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be steep, muddy, and have exposed roots. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:

Grab a trail map

The trail system can be confusing; a map at the SW Sam Jackson entrance is helpful. :world_map:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 743 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ascent to Council Crest

Ascent to Council Crest

Connects to Council Crest Park

Hike up to the city's highest point for panoramic views of mountains and the urban landscape.

Forest Immersion

Forest Immersion

Throughout the park

Wander through 193 acres of dense forest, enjoying the fresh, tree-filtered air and serene atmosphere.

Steep Workout Trails

Steep Workout Trails

Various trails

Challenge yourself on the park's steep, narrow trails, offering a great cardiovascular workout.

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Planning Your Visit

Steep Trails & City Escape

Marquam Nature Park offers a surprisingly steep urban hike, perfect for a quick workout. It's a peaceful escape with dense forest, making you forget you're near the city. Be prepared for narrow, single-file paths and potential mud after rain.

Parking & Trail Navigation

Parking can be scarce, especially on weekends. Grab a trail map at the SW Sam Jackson entrance to navigate the many interconnected paths. Some find the trail system a bit confusing initially.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light filters through trees
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Fall
Why
Stunning autumn foliage
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I love exploring and finding new places and I found this hidden gem of a place! its a beautiful park called case natural resource park in tucson arizlna with a butterfly/zen garden. It has a running trail and and patch of grass for yoga! I absolutely love this park! the sunsets are so pretty here too. LOVE LOVE 🌱 🌅 🏜️ #tucsonarizona #tucsonarizona #tucson #tucsonhiddengem #hiddengems #garden #but...
@vagabondvanessa
30K likes • 240.8K views

Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be steep, muddy, and have exposed roots. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:

Grab a trail map

The trail system can be confusing; a map at the SW Sam Jackson entrance is helpful. :world_map:

Here’s your weekend hiking inspiration, Portland. Start at Marquam Nature Park, and head up to Council Crest Park (thought to be the highest point in the city). Take in all the green trees — and houses that will make you green with envy. 🌲 At the top, you’ll find heaven (actually, it’s an off leash dog park), and views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. 🏔
thepdxtoday
165 likes • 2.9K views
A short hike at Marquam Nature park , in Portland
njangaludeyathra
17 likes • 159 views

Parking is limited

Arrive early or on a weekday to secure a spot, especially on weekends. 🚗

Dog-friendly fun

A great spot for pups, but trails are narrow, so keep them close. 🐕

📍Marquam Nature Park. Basalt to Marquam, to Shadyside loop. Last time I was here was with bb Tracy. It was the only time we tried her backpack outside. She hated it. We didn't stay long because once she freaked out in her backpack, the ground was too rocky for her paws. It was a beautiful hike but all I could think of was how much Tracy would have hated it. Miss ya, Booper. . . . #SaplingVegan #P...
sapling_vegan
17 likes • 341 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear sturdy shoes

Trails can be steep, muddy, and have exposed roots. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:

Grab a trail map

The trail system can be confusing; a map at the SW Sam Jackson entrance is helpful. :world_map:

Parking is limited

Arrive early or on a weekday to secure a spot, especially on weekends. 🚗

Dog-friendly fun

A great spot for pups, but trails are narrow, so keep them close. 🐕

Embrace the quiet

Perfect for a peaceful escape and to reconnect with nature. 🍃

What Travellers Say

4.6
(743 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Marquam Nature Park's surprising serenity and challenging steep trails, offering a true escape within the city. While parking can be scarce and trails narrow, the peaceful forest atmosphere and rewarding views from Council Crest make it a beloved local gem for a vigorous hike and a nature break.

"You would never think this is so close to the city. Absolutely loved it. The trails are great, and you get a little incline. Great scenery, the sheer beauty of this park. I sat down in a couple of the areas. It was extremely peaceful. Plenty of parking, and some people had dogs with them. Check it out."

Michael DeGori

"So many trail options, and you decide the length of your adventure. In the city, but covered with beautiful trees. Quite shady. About a 40 minute hike UP to Coucil Crest. The trail is mostly clear, but there are some roots to manage. There was a trail map to grab at the start of the trail on SW Sam Jackson just past Twilliger. This is a part of the 4T's."

Faye Comer

"A great hike for you and your pup!! Definitely very steep & narrow! Most of the time the trail is a one person at a time. I went on a hike today and encountered the friendliest people there! And such lovely dogs(none which were aggressive.) As we are in a time of a pandemic it was nice to see most people complying with the mandatory mask regulation! And if they didn’t have it on as soon as they saw us they would put it on(which is just fine if you ask me!) it’s definitely a good hike to do even if it’s slightly raining but if it was raining a lot previously I don’t recommend going as it could be quite dangerous with the amount of mud and how steep this hike truly is. I think the only cons of this hike was that it is a little bit confusing to get to the trails and parking is very scarce"

Lesley Cervantes

What People Like

Peaceful forest escape
Steep, challenging trails
Rewarding city views

What People Dislike

Scarce parking
Narrow, confusing trails
No restrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Marquam Nature Park is accessible by car, with the main entrance often cited as being on SW Sam Jackson Street. Parking is available but can be scarce, especially during peak times. Public transportation options might require a walk from the nearest stop. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but it's often described as scarce and the lot level isn't always ideal, though usually manageable for smaller cars. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

While direct public transport to the park's core might be limited, you can likely reach the general vicinity via bus and then walk to the park entrance. Check local transit schedules for routes near SW Sam Jackson Street. Reddit

The trailhead is often found off SW Sam Jackson Street. It's advisable to grab a trail map at the start to help navigate the park's network of paths. Reddit

Marquam Nature Park is primarily known for its hiking trails. While some may be suitable for mountain biking, it's best to check local regulations or stick to walking to avoid trail damage and ensure safety on the narrow paths. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Marquam Nature Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to explore its trails and natural beauty. TikTok

As an undeveloped natural area, Marquam Nature Park generally does not have strict opening or closing hours like a typical park. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

There is no admission fee to enter Marquam Nature Park. It's a free public space for recreation and enjoying nature. TikTok

There's no need to reserve a spot as it's a public park. However, due to limited parking, arriving early is recommended, especially on busy days. Reddit

The main restrictions would be standard park rules, such as leash laws for dogs and respecting the natural environment. During the pandemic, mask-wearing was observed by visitors. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Many visitors enjoy the steep trails that lead up to Council Crest Park for rewarding views. The Basalt to Marquam to Shadyside loop is also a popular choice for a varied hike. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Marquam Nature Park is highly recommended for its steep, challenging trails that provide an excellent urban workout. Reddit

Unfortunately, there are no local restrooms within Marquam Nature Park itself. Visitors should plan accordingly and use facilities before or after their visit. Reddit

Yes, Marquam Nature Park is dog-friendly. Many visitors enjoy hiking with their pups, though the narrow trails mean keeping dogs close. Instagram

Expect dense, forested scenic views with plenty of trees that create a shady and peaceful atmosphere, making you feel far from the city. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The trails leading to Council Crest offer stunning panoramic views, especially during golden hour. The dense forest itself provides beautiful, dappled light for nature photography. InstagramReddit

Yes, the views from higher points like Council Crest can be spectacular at sunset, with the city lights beginning to twinkle below. TikTok

The park is ideal for landscape photography, nature shots, and capturing the serene forest environment. The steep trails also offer opportunities for action shots if you're hiking with others. Instagram

The primary viewpoint is at Council Crest Park, which is accessible via trails from Marquam Nature Park. This spot offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and city. Instagram

Late afternoon, especially leading up to sunset, offers beautiful golden hour light filtering through the trees. Early mornings can also be peaceful and offer soft light. Reddit

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