 |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
 |
|||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
The 4T trail network was created to give Portland residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the features that make Portland so unique: its unique aerial tram, the sleek street cars that glide through downtown, the impressive light rail system and not least Portland’s easily accessible wilderness trails.
 The 4T trail system was conceived of in two versions, The “Marquam Version” uses 3.75 miles of trail networks to link the Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) to the MAX Station at the Portland Zoo. This route features forested footpaths that wind in and out of the many remote valleys lining the steep slopes of Portland’s West Hills. This hike ascends from the OHSU aerial tram station to SW Gibbs and SW 9th. At the north end of SW 9th the route descends the Connor trail into the Marquam Gulch. Pause at the Marquam Interpretive Center to enjoy the historical descriptions and drawings of flora and fauna before climbing to the summit of Council Crest. The complete 4T circuit using this route is 8.5 miles, of which only 3.5 miles entails walking. The balance can be enjoyed from the comfort of the train, trolley or tram. Plan about 4 hours to complete the circuit.
 Don Baack, the driving force behind the Southwest trails network was the originator of this “4T” concept, and his “Urban trails” version of the 4T trail uses mostly streets and neighborhood paths. Using the Urban Trails variant the walker leaves the OHSU aerial tram station and climbs SW Gibbs to SW Fairmount, and from there progresses northwards by way of SW Talbot Rd to SW Patton where the route uses a .9 mile portion of the Marquam trail to reach the MAX Station at the Portland Zoo. The “Urban Trails” variant is 7.9 miles in length and requires about 3 hours to finish.
Logistics, fares, hours of operation, etc. The following description is an in-depth guide to the 4T Trail - Marquam Trail version: Trailhead location: Multnomah County Library 801 S.W. 10th Avenue Portland, OR 97205 How to get to the County Library from the City center (Pioneer Courthouse Square): From Pioneer Courthouse Square it is literally a one minute ride to the Central Library. From the north side of the square board any Westbound MAX train and alight at the Galleria and SW 10th Station. From there walk .1 mile south to the Central Library. Also located at Pioneer Courthouse Square is the main TriMet ticket office where you can purchase tickets for both the MAX tran and the Portland Street Car (trolley). The entrance to the office is located at the lower level of the plaza and is accessed by crossing a short walkway between two pools of water. MAX train (light rail) tickets: For this trip you will require only a 1 zone ticket. This will cost $1.75 per adult, $1.40 for students and children, and $.85 for honored senior citizens. The tickets are valid for one hour after issuance on weekdays and two hours on the weekends; this allows you to board a connecting bus, trolley or MAX Train using your transfer (receipt). Portland Streetcar (trolley) tickets: The Portland streetcar fares are the same as the MAX train fares. Downtown locations where you may purchase MAX and Streetcar tickets: TriMet Ticket Office 701 SW 6th Ave In addition to these location each of the MAX stations has a ticket vending machine that will dispense the appropriate ticket for the requisite payment. Each of these tickets, as well as the trolley tickets need to be validated in the validators located at the stations. The trolleys also have validators on board . Portland Aerial Tram tickets: The tickets for the Aerial Tram can only be purchased at the base station for the tram located on SE Gibbs St. All tickets are for the round trip ride. The fares are $4.00 per adult. Children 6 and under ride free. Holders of the TriMet monthly passes or the C-Tran monthly Portland Express passes can ride for free. The Tram ticket machines located at the lower terminal only accept credit and debit cards, and quarters. They do not accept paper bills or other coins. The total transportation cost for this trip will be $7.50 per adult. You may also choose to purchase a $4.25 all day ticket and the $4.00 Aerial tram ticket for a total of $8.25. This will allow you to ride the system for the rest of the day. 4t Trail- The Marquam Trail variant. The following description is an in-depth guide to the 4T Trail - Marquam Trail version: Walk duration: 4 hours Trailhead location: Multnomah County Library 801 S.W. 10th Avenue Portland, OR 97205 Elevation change: Lowest point on the route is at the base of the Aerial Tram located at 55 ft; highest point is at the peak of council Crest at an elevation of 1090 feet. Trail Conditions: Footpath, portions can be muddy, but mostly graveled. Light hiking boots are recommended for the wet season, but sneakers will suffice in the dry months. 1. The route begins on the steps of the Central Library. Facing outwards turn right and walk to the corner (SW Taylor St.) and turn right. Walk to the back of the library building and across the street (11th Avenue) you will see the Trolley station. 2. Cross 11th Avenue and wait there for the next trolley; they run about every 20 minutes. The Portland Streetcar is manufactured by Skoda-Inekon in Plzen in the Czech Republic. They are about 8 feet wide and 66 feet long. That’s about a 1/3 the length of a MAX double car train. They run in mixed traffic and accommodate existing curbside parking and loading. The Portland Streetcar is owned and operated by the City of Portland. Most recently, Oregon Ironworks, a local manufacturer was awarded the newest contracts to build the first American-made streetcars for the Portland streetcar system based on a similar Czech design. Board the trolley when it arrives and enjoy the smooth ride u p 1 1 th. At W market the trolley turns east and passes through the university district as it crosses the South Park Blocks (see view below looking south into the South Park Blocks). From there it travels past the PSU Urban center and crosses SW Front St. to enter into the Harborside area. Traveling along SW River Parkway, it turn south at SW Moody and passes under the Marquam bridge (I-5) before arriving at the end of its 7.2 mile run from Good Samaritan Hospital in Northwest Portland at SE Gibbs st - the location of the base station for the Portland Aerial Tram.
|
|||||||||||