Forest Escape Without Leaving Portland

We’re heading into Marquam Nature Park for a loop hike that feels like a proper woodland escape, even though you are still very much within city limits and will be home by lunchtime.

Expect towering trees, mossy ravines, and that quiet, calming feeling that makes you briefly reconsider your life choices in a good way. This is one of those hikes where the city politely disappears and the forest takes over, at least for a couple of hours.

There is enough elevation to remind your legs that they exist, but not so much that you regret signing up. We’ll move at a comfortable, steady pace with plenty of time to admire the scenery, catch our breath, and enjoy the smug satisfaction of having gone outside on a Monday morning.

The Stats:
Trail name: Marquam, Towhee, Flicker, and Warbler Loop
Distance: Approximately 4.0 to 4.1 miles total
Elevation gain: 950 feet
Estimated time on trail: 2 to 2.5 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trail type: Loop
Bathroom stop half way through the hike

Street Parking & Meeting Point:
1224 SW Gibbs St, Portland, OR 97239
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QkAneeMKoRFig9Gn7

This trail will be muddy. Not maybe muddy. Definitely muddy. Waterproof footwear is your friend. Poles are also welcome if you have them and enjoy staying upright with dignity.
Parking right at the trailhead is limited and tends to fill up quickly. The good news is that there is plenty of nearby parking about a five minute walk away.
To make this easy, please click this photo & park in the red areas:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/QQj1KLwhA6MceAJG6
Here are links to the prime spots where you’ll find parking o’plenty:
On 12th Avenue north of Gibbs
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qXGTjwMZxyraPa92A
On 12th Avenue south of Gibbs
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rZKUg3rXet5LGX2e8
On 11th Avenue south of Gibbs
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ubRSXvS1rwopWP6i6
On 11th Avenue north of Gibbs (Left & Up the hill)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Wr8J2fbye1sZYqV9
Plan to arrive a few minutes early, enjoy the short walk in, and congratulate yourself for being prepared and sensible. Your future self will thank you halfway up the trail.
Looking forward to a great hike.