Marquam Nature Park in southwest Portland offers visitors a serene forest escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. On a brisk winter walk or run through the park, one can expect a quiet environment of Douglas fir and western red cedar.

Marquam Nature Park is located in the Tualatin Mountains, but locals just refer to them as the West Hills. The 178-acre park is home to several trails, including the 3-mile Marquam Trail, and is also part of the city’s extensive 40-mile loop trail system. The park offers trails for those who prefer a shorter hike, including a 1.7-mile trek to the summit of Council Crest Park. On a clear day, Council Crest offers stunning views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. Council Crest Trail also provides direct access to Washington Park, accessible from downtown via the Red and Blue Max Lines.

The park’s proximity to downtown Portland makes it a convenient option for winter hikes, when other trails may be inaccessible due to snow and ice. The park’s entrance on Sam Jackson Park Road is just a five-minute drive from downtown, and features an adjacent shelter and mosaic natural art.

The mosaic includes a message for visitors upon their arrival to the park: “Tranquility reminds us that we are a small part of nature in a place where listening and looking inspire us.” As visitors wander through the park’s dense foliage and evergreens, they can reflect on the ways nature inspires them. The flora and fauna of the park include fern, vine maple and elderberry. Ferns vine maple and elderberry cover the forest’s floor, creating a calming presence along the park’s winding paths.

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Particularly ambitious adventurers can explore Portland’s other natural areas on the 4-T Trail, which begins with a hike from Washington Park to Council Crest. Once hikers pass Council Crest, they reach the Marquam Trailhead, and a quick walk through the OHSU Campus brings them to Portland’s aerial tram. The tram ride offers beautiful views of the city until it reaches the South Waterfront, where visitors can catch the streetcar to Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Once downtown, visitors can hit up Pioneer Place for some holiday shopping. Red and Blue Max Lines bring visitors back to Washington Park, completing the loop through the city. At Washington Park, one can visit some animals at the Oregon Zoo or take a stroll through Hoyt Arboretum, which contains accessible paved paths and hiking trails, as well 6,000 individual tree species, including one of the nation’s largest collections of coniferous trees.

Those visiting Marquam Nature Park can also check out the other natural areas nearby, including Duniway Park. While Marquam Park’s lilac garden is a bit lackluster in December, a walk up Terwilliger Boulevard offers city views. Another entrance to Marquam is accessible via Terwilliger Boulevard.