5 BEST Things to Do at Mount Tabor

I was fascinated to learn that Portland has extinct volcanoes within its metropolitan area. One of these dormant cinder cones is a city park known as Mount Tabor, in southeast Portland.

I love visiting Mount Tabor for incredible views over the city. It’s also got an extensive trail system that traverses three historic reservoirs and thickly forested areas.

My favorite walk starts at the Visitor Center, then meanders down a trail past Reservoir #5 and #6, and around Reservoir #1. Along the way there are plenty of benches and picnic tables to enjoy the spectacular views.

I noticed that visitors also bring picnic blankets and sit on the grassy slope overlooking Reservoir #5.

Mount Tabor Park has lots of amenities, like tennis courts, basketball courts, an off-leash dog park, and a fabulous playground. However, my favorite activity here is the Summer Concert Series at the Caldera Amphitheater, just across from the Visitor Center. You can check the calendar for the latest events.

After visiting Mount Tabor, I recommend you stop by the historic Bellwether Bar nearby, for drinks or dinner.

5 best things to do at Mount Tabor

1. Mount Tabor Visitor Center.

The Mount Tabor Visitor Center is near the main parking lot, and staffed by volunteers. I always stop here to pick up a map, browse the historic photos, and learn about the park's fascinating geology.

Mount Tabor is part of the Boring Lava Field that encompasses Portland and Vancouver, and hasn't erupted in 300,000 years. Other extinct cinder cones within Portland's city limits are Powell Butte, Rocky Butte, and Kelly Butte Natural Area, and you can visit all of them! The only other American cities with volcanoes within their city limits are Bend Oregon, Honolulu, and Jackson Mississippi.

2. Viewpoints from the reservoirs.

I recommend starting at the Mount Tabor Visitor Center, then following the trails that pass Reservoirs #5, #6 and #1.

These reservoirs are over a hundred years old. Reservoir #1 was built in 1894, and #5 and #6 in 1911, as part of a reservoir system that supplied Portland’s water. They were disconnected in 2015 and no longer supply Portland with drinking water.

I hope they retain these reservoirs, because they are beautiful to look at. They are also protected under the National Register of Historic Places, so will hopefully never be demolished or filled in.

There are gorgeous views from Reservoir #5, which is the most photographed part of Mount Tabor. Reservoir #6 is directly below it, but was covered when I visited.

Reservoir #1 is a short walk further down the hill. It also has a castle-like gate house and ornate, wrought iron fencing. So pretty!

I walked the full way around Reservoir #1, then back up the hill to the parking lot.

3. Hiking and biking trails.

I noticed a lot of people walking and biking the trails in Mount Tabor Park. Some of the trails are sealed, and others are dirt. It’s worth stopping by the Visitor Center to get a map.

There are so many beautiful trees at Mount Tabor, like Douglas Fir, Coastal Redwoods, Giant Sequoias, and Western Hemlocks.

The multi-use trails at Mount Tabor also allow bicyclists.

4. Playground.

I love the wooded setting of the Mount Tabor Playground. This is particularly nice on a hot day when I need shade. Parents can also find picnic tables nearby, and restrooms within a convenient walking distance.

5. Caldera Amphitheater.

The Caldera Amphitheater is a short distance from the Visitor Center. I love bringing a chair in summer and taking part in the Summer Concert Series held here, or outdoor movie screenings. It’s such a magical setting for open air performance.

The amphitheater sits in a natural bowl with tiered lawn terraces. It’s hemmed in by a wall made of volcanic rock, and surrounded by majestic trees. I also noticed the exposed wall of volcanic rock behind the amphitheater from an old lava flow.

You can check the calendar for the latest events.

Visit the Bellwether Bar in Mount Tabor.

One of the best places to eat near Mount Tabor Park, is the historic Bellwether Bar. It's open for dinner on weekdays, and lunch and dinner on the weekend, or you can just stop for a drink. There's also a patio outside.

This cosy, neighborhood bar is only 5 minutes from Mount Tabor Park, inside the historic Thomas Graham Building (1910). It's a national, historic landmark, and was one of the first commercial buildings here when this land was primarily rural.