13 Mount Talbert Nature Park

Located in Southeast Portland not far from Clackamas Town Center, Mount Talbert Nature Park is located on an old lava dome and is a great forest escape. There are 4.2 miles of trails that crisscross this quiet nature park that features a rare, revitalized section of oak woodland and wet prairie meadow.

Distance: 2.6-mile figure 8 (with options)

Hiking time: About 1 to 2 hours

Elevation gain: 430 feet

Trail surface: Gravel and dirt path

Best season: Year-round

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Dogs not permitted

Fees and permits: No fees or permits required

Schedule: The park is open 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset

Maps: USGS: Portland

Trail contact: Metro Regional Center, 600 Northeast Grand Ave., Portland; (503) 797-1700; www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=22177

Finding the trailhead: From I-205 North in Southeast Portland, take Sunnybrook Boulevard/Sunnyside Road (exit 14). At the end of the off-ramp, turn right toward Sunnybrook Boulevard East/Boring. Go 1 block and then turn right on Southeast 97th Avenue. Go 1.0 mile to the Mount Talbert Natural Area–Mather Road trailhead, located on the left side of the road. DeLorme: Oregon Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 60, A4. GPS: N45 25.22' / W122 33.14'

The Hike

This hike starts at the Mather Road trailhead, which has restrooms, water, and a picnic area. The route begins by exploring the short 0.1-mile Prairie Loop Trail. During the spring and summer months, you can see a variety of wildflowers in this small meadow, including the yellow blooms of Woolly Sunshine (the petals of this flower were used by Northwest tribes as a love charm), Camas (this sweet and starchy plant was cooked and eaten by Northwest tribes), purple lupine, and many more. After finishing this short loop, you will continue the hike on the Mather Road Trail, which hooks up with the Park Loop Trail. You will follow the Park Loop Trail as it circles the park through a second-growth forest of Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, alder, and a restored oak woodland. As you are hiking, be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife, including raccoon, deer, coyotes, pileated and hairy woodpeckers, and Western gray squirrels. Please note that this nature park does not allow dogs.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start hiking on the gravel Prairie Loop Trail.

0.1 Finish the Prairie Loop Trail. Continue straight past the picnic shelter and restrooms. Turn right and start hiking on the Mather Road Trail.

0.4 Turn right on the Park Loop Trail.

0.5Go left and continue hiking on the Park Loop Trail. (The Willingham Court Trail goes right.)

0.6 Turn right and continue hiking on the Park Loop Trail. (The Summit Trail goes left.)

1.0Turn left and continue hiking on the Park Loop Trail.

1.5 Turn left and continue hiking on the Park Loop Trail. (The Talbert Drive Trail goes right.) Continue a short distance and arrive at another trail junction. Turn right and continue on the Park Loop Trail. (The West Ridge Trail goes left.)

1.9 Turn left and continue hiking on the Park Loop Trail.

2.0 Turn left and continue hiking on the Park Loop Trail. (The Park Mountain Lane Trail goes right.)

2.2 Turn right and continue on the Park Loop Trail. (The West Ridge Trail goes left.)

2.3 Turn right on the Mather Road Trail.

2.6 Arrive back at the trailhead.