Every time I went to the Oregon Zoo, I’d see signs for the 4T Trail. One day, I finally asked Nathan what those were. He explained to me that the 4T Trail is a big loop around Portland. It consists of Trail (hiking), Tram, Trolley, and Train. The hike starts near the Oregon Zoo. It winds through the woods and some urban neighborhoods up to the OHSU campus. From there, we took the OHSU aerial tram down and caught the street car. The street car took us to the Yamhill stop on the MAX where we rode back to our car. It was a beautiful day for it. When we got up to Council Crest, it was still in a cloud and there was no view! But we stopped to give Elias a break from the back pack, and by the time we got back on the trail, almost all the clouds had burnt off. The trail was still a bit muddy, but not too difficult to navigate. We once again got to spend a few hours amongst God’s glorious creation. I was just amazed by how much biomass there is in the Pacific rainforests. There is just green everywhere! Here is the tale of our 4T Trail in pictures:
An experienced MAX passenger!
On the hike!
So much green! I thought this was an interesting tree trunk.
Almost up to the top! It was a bit eerie...all misty and cloudy.
At the top! Nathan was interested in this radio tower.
Elias taking a break from the backpack. He brought me some dandelions!
The view of St. Helens from the tram platform.
Elias' first aerial tram ride!
Don’t you just love the gifts of dandelions? You know the Five Iron Frenzy song called “Dandelions,” don’t you? My son (who is about your age) chuckles because I always cry when I hear it.. (Ok “Rainbow Connection” also makes me cry and the last verse of “I want to walk as a child of the light.” (and half a dozen other hymns…)