Mt. Tabor Park

Mt. Tabor Park gives families 176 acres of playground space, forest, lawns, trails and city views on an extinct volcanic cinder cone. Children can use the playground, run on open grass, look for birds and trees, or follow paved and unpaved paths around the historic reservoirs.

Older children may prefer the basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, long stairways or a hike toward the summit. On a clear day, the higher overlooks can show downtown Portland, the West Hills and Mt. Hood.

A short visit can focus on the playground and a picnic. Families with more energy can spend several hours linking trails, open lawns and reservoir viewpoints. The mix makes the park useful across a wide age range, including toddlers who need room to move and teenagers who want a longer walk or court time.

Strollers can reach the play area on a paved path, but the city describes a moderate slope and a distance of about 500 feet from the designated van space. Other trails include gravel, uneven ground, stairs and steeper sections, so stroller access is limited rather than simple throughout the park. The play area has an engineered-mulch surface, a ramp and transfer equipment.

An accessible restroom and picnic table are available at the summit. Arrival needs extra attention in 2026. From May through December, the damaged picnic shelter is being rebuilt.

Most of the park remains open, but the shelter site and two nearby paths are closed. Construction may also affect parking and driving near the main lot. The park is completely closed to motor vehicles on Wednesday, though people may still enter on foot.

On other days, vehicle access ends at 10:00 PM, before the park's 11:59 PM closing time. There is no gate admission. Bring water, food and weather layers because the outing is fully outdoors and the official page does not list permanent food service.

Rain can make unpaved paths muddy or slick. Check the city page and posted signs before setting out because construction routes and parking access can change.