February PDX Restaurant: The Maple Parlor

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I've been meaning to go to Eb & Bean, a frozen yogurt spot with vegan options, for quite a while, since seeing it pop up on Instagram now and then. We were going to go there while on the east side meeting up with friends for lunch (at Next Level Burger!), but one of them pointed out there was a similar option just down the street from where we were on Hawthorne - The Maple Parlor. So we all headed there instead for dessert, satisfying a couple of vegetarians and our omnivore friends. 

The Maple Parlor tries to cater towards as many dietary needs as possible, with everything clearly labeled as vegan, gluten-free, paleo, or whatever. 

Genre: Frozen yogurt

Price: I don't recall specifically and it's not on the website, but they're priced by dish size, rather than weight like conventional fro yo places. I think they were priced something like $2.50, $3.50, and $4.50, with the medium being a quite reasonable size. 

Setting: Self-serving frozen yogurt and toppings.

What we tried: I tried two of the vegan flavors - almond cherry and cashew maple, with waffle cone pieces, chocolate chips, and a chocolate sauce. Abe liked the mango carrot, and our friends enjoyed the non-vegan yogurt flavors. 

Overall impression: All very good! While I could definitely tell the yogurt I had wasn't dairy based, it was pretty good. Having a mix of bases - all clearly labeled - makes this a place with something for everyone. 

Would I take my parents?*: Definitely! 

*Scale: Heck no. No. Probably not. Maybe. Eh, yeah. Yes. Definitely. 

January PDX Restaurant: Vtopia

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In the midst of the 22-day veg challenge, and trying and wanting to make more vegan choices (hmmm, I like that phrasing - to go all or nothing and "be vegan" can be daunting; to make vegan choices, moment by moment, choice by choice, is perhaps more doable), it seemed like the perfect time to explore a vegan alternative to something I love dearly, cheese. 

Cheese. It's a big reason I haven't gone vegan before. Not only is it delicious and part of many comfort foods, but it's almost always a big part of the vegetarian options at mainstream restaurants. Finding a vegan alternative to cheese is a must. And processed vegan cheeses (like daiya) just really don't do it for me.

The shop is located on the edge of downtown Portland, just a couple blocks from the Goose Hollow MAX station (which we did take in - street parking looked like it's available, but not plentiful). I'd heard about it shortly after they opened this summer, and I can't believe I put it off and missed out on it for so long!

Genre: Artisan cheese, deli dishes including their cheeses

Price: Cheese plates: each for $5, 5 for $23, 6 for $27, or 7 for $31 (and they're quite generous servings of each!). $5.50 to $13.50 for other small dishes, entrees, and sandwiches. Wine, beer, and other drinks also available.

Setting: Home-y deli

What we tried: 

Obviously we had to get a cheese platter and try a variety. I honesty can't completely recall which ones we got (other than than the feta which Abe really wanted to try, we just asked asked the waitress to include her favorites. This was in partbe cause they were out of a several - due to their recent move to a bigger manufacturing facility - but also just because why not.) 

I think, from left to right: 

Mediterranean feta, macadamia and cashew camembert, spicy white cheddar, roasted red pepper surrise, peppercorn brie.

My favorites, by far, were the camembert, followed by the one on the far right (which I think is brie, but is the one I'm least sure I'm remembering correctly). They were really amazing. Just like any fairly mild spreadable or cream cheese (the camembert seemed like Laughing Cow - yes, I have very low brow tastes in my cheese, I didn't even recognize half the names of the cheeses here). Really, really delicious! The only one I didn't like was the feta, but I'm not a fan of regular feta either.

The cheese plate came with some bread and crackers - surprisingly the cheese portions were very generous, but the carbs seemed a little stingy to go along with it! Fortunately they gave us a refill on that. We also got the beer cheese with sourdough bread - taste and texture were right on! 

Abe had ordered one of the specials (to be joining the regular menu, I believe), a club sandwich. Sadly, we eventually got news that they were out of the cheese to make it (again, supply issues were due to the relocation of the manufacturing spot, but that's done now so shouldn't be an issue going forward). But, to make up for it, they gave us a couple bon bons. I'd say the cheese was better vegan cheese than the bon bons were vegan chocolates/candies, but that's not to say I'd turn them down!

Overall impression: Amazing! Abe has instructions to stop by sometime soon (it's reasonably on his way home from school) to pick up cheese to bring home.

Would I take my parents?*: Yes. While the concept "vegan cheese" is a bit outside of their comfort zone, I think they'd be willing to give it a shot for my sake, and I'd bet they'd find something to enjoy.

*Scale: Heck no. No. Probably not. Maybe. Eh, yeah. Yes. Definitely. 

December PDX Restaurant: Departure

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Departure isn't a wholly vegan restaurant, but it is extremely veg-friendly. In addition to the regular menu, there is an entirely separate vegan menu (as well as a separate gluten-free menu). It's not quite as long as the regular menu, but it is quite extensive!

Set on a high floor downtown, in the summer I'm told a table on the deck gives you a wonderful view of the city. We didn't really have that view indoors, but it's still an interesting vibe and good food. 

Genre: Asian small plates

Price: $12 cocktails, $6 to $14 per plate on vegan menu (up to $33 on regular menu) - you'll probably want two plates per person as a full dinner

Setting: Boat-like architecture, music, upscale/sleek atmosphere

What we tried: 

For drinks, Abe and I ordered the two mocktails, to see which we liked better - I loved the strawberry cooler, and he the Thai basil sipper (both were really good, though). My MIL got the indochine - which contains creme de cassis, which I've never heard of before but is a fruity (berry) liquor and the cocktail was delicious.

Food - from left to right, top to bottom:

• Shaved collards salad, Minzuna & apple salad, Edamame
• Green beans, Sweet potato tempura roll, Salt & pepper tempeh
• Hand cut rice noodles, Kimchee fried rice, Brussells sprouts  

Our favorites:
Mine: Tempura rolls
Abe's: Shaved collards salad
MIL's: Brussell sprouts

I think we all like those top three a lot. Nothing was particularly bad, although the tempeh was may just so-so. To me, everything was more spicy than I'd like - unlike much spicy food, there actually was still flavor, the spicy didn't just cover up everything, but nonetheless my mouth was burning by the end of the meal! We definitely ordered too much, each dish is more than an appetizer, but definitely less than an entree. I'd recommend going with a group so you can try as many options as possible!
Overall impression: A fun place, I'd like to go back in the summer to see the view from the deck. I was surprised by how much I actually did like the food considering how far outside my norm it is, and so spicy. It's a good place to take a variety of tastes - with a full vegan menu, gluten-free menu, and normal menu, we suggested my MIL bring us back with my SIL and her boyfriend sometime to accommodate all of our needs.

Would I take my parents?*: Probably not. I actually think they might like the food (it's outside of their comfort zone a smidge, but not that much), but they would not be thrilled with the atmosphere. It's definitely a noisy, more "club" type of vibe. 

*Scale: Heck no. No. Probably not. Maybe. Eh, yeah. Yes. Definitely. 

World Forestry Center & Tilikum Crossing

The weekend after Christmas, I convinced Abe to accompany me on a couple outings to get in the last Portland bucket list activities for the year. 

On Saturday, we went to the World Forestry Center, which is in Washington Park by the zoo (so we were able to take the MAX in). To celebrate their 50th anniversary, there were reduced admissions prices ($5 for everyone), and they're staying at lower prices in the new year ($7 for adults). 

We spent about 90 minutes exploring; while it's set up for kids and families, it was still interesting to two adults. Even some of the activities presumably intended for kids could be still be enjoyed by us, and it was all very informative.

I think if you had kids with you doing more of the hands-on exhibits, you'd want to allow a bit more time (at least two hours), despite, what appeared to me, at least, to be a relatively small museum (and there wasn't even a temporary exhibit set up in the second half of the second floor while we were there). Definitely worth checking out for kids and adults.

Then the next morning, we went on a trip across Tilikum Crossing, a new non-car bridge that opened in Portland this past fall. It's part of the new orange MAX (light-rail) line (essentially an extension of the yellow) into SE Portland east of the river. It also has dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lines on both sides, and the orange line has had sidewalks and paths added along side or near it to make the whole area more walkable. 

We took the MAX (blue/red line) into downtown, then transferred to the orange line to make our initial voyage across the bridge! Then got off on the first stop after it, and used the ped path to run back across it and back into downtown to take the MAX home. It was easy to do! There was path across the bridge and into the Harbor Dr area, where we could have gotten onto the riverfront path, or taken a staircase up to Naito as we did to zigzag through the streets.

November PDX Restaurant: Papa G's

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After the Peacock Lane Run, Abe, Karey, and I headed to Papa G's for dinner. The guy serving us noticed Karey's race shirt (from last year's Holiday Half), and mentioned that he'd been thinking of doing some kind of race to keep up his running. I think we talked him into doing a half marathon some time soon! 

Genre: Deli, comfort food

Price: $2.50 - $4.75 drinks, $7.95 - $10.95 entrees

Setting: Rustic-y, casual diner with counter service.

What we tried: 

For drinks, I had the hibiscus cooler, Abe got the limeade, and Karey tried the kefir. I tried a sip of the kefir - it was interesting, a bit tangy like yogurt but not overly so. I don't think I'd want to drink a whole glass of it, but it wasn't that bad!

I got the chili with cornbread. Unlike many restaurants, the chili wasn't too spicy - just spicy enough. Abe got the country plate, and Karey got the nacho salad. Everyone enjoyed their meals!

Overall impression: A very Portland kind of place! Very crunchy vibe in both atmosphere and food. Food is good, but kind of out there in terms of using veg substitutes (lots of tempeh or tofu in dishes that would otherwise have meat - I think naturally-veg stuff is more accessible to non-vegetarians). 

Would I take my parents?*: Maybe. I think they could find food they'd enjoy (though perhaps a bit out of their comfort zone), but the vibe is very Portland and perhaps not quite what they'd enjoy.

*Scale: Heck no. No. Probably not. Maybe. Eh, yeah. Yes. Definitely. 

October PDX Restaurant: Sweet Hereafter

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Genre: Bar, with some hippie bowl influence on the food menu

Price: $8 - $10 cocktails, $2 - $4 beers/cans $2 - $5 apps and sides, $7 - $9 entrees

Setting: Vintage-y, rustic-y bar

There are vintage-type posters and things. A dimly lit (so, apologies, the photos are even worse quality than usual!), definitely bar atmosphere. 

There was a lamp on the counter where we sat that Abe thinks might legitimately have once been his dad's! It looks like one he had when he was a kid, and his dad got rid of it a couple years ago in a move. 

What we tried: 

To drink, I had the Pioneer (gin and blood orange soda), and Abe had a Cock-n-bull ginger beer. Both good!

For dinner, I got the caprese panini. It's made with Chao cheese, which I don't think I've ever had before - it melted well and had a nice texture! I'm always a bit wary of vegan cheese, I think Daiya is the most common in restaurants that have a vegan option and I've not been impressed with it, but I liked this one. 

Abe tried the Eastern bowl when he was there with me, and the Thai bowl on a more recent visit with friends (plus the Blenheim's ginger beer on the second visit). He liked both. The Eastern bowl has nutritional yeast breaded tofu - a twist on more typical tofu preparation in bowls. 

Overall impression: It was good! Fun drinks, but reasonably healthy (yet interesting) vegan food options.

Would I take my parents?*: Heck no. But primarily because of the bar aspect. Foodwise, while it wouldn't be their favorite, I think they could find something reasonably acceptable.

*Scale: Heck no. No. Probably not. Maybe. Eh, yeah. Yes. Definitely. 

Multnomah Falls

Our September Portland adventure was a visit to Multnomah Falls. The second highest waterfall in the US, it's just half an hour outside of Portland. It's an easy walk on paved path to get to the viewing bridge, and a not-too-long hike to actually get to the top of the falls. There are also trails going further once you get the top, which I'd love to get around to exploring eventually.

It took us just over an hour total to hike up, spend a couple minutes looking around, and hike back down. I was really annoyed when I realized, very near the bottom, that I'd forgotten to unpause my Garmin at some point! But you can see the non-straight line here where you're taking switch backs up the to the top. It's about 750 feet in elevation gain over 1.2 miles.

As far as difficulty, I think it's somewhat easy if you're in shape to walk on non-flat ground for an hour straight. I think my parents, who routinely walk on flat ground for an hour for exercise, would find it extremely challenging, but potentially doable. There were people there with strollers, which is pretty ridiculous (there are some paved sections and it's certainly groomed trail, but there are plenty of roots and rocks, and it's quite narrow in parts). But for average people on foot, a relatively easy but rewarding climb!

Slideshow with more pics:

PRC Peacock Lane Run

The Peacock Lane run is a free run hosted each year by Portland Running Company (I meant to do it last year, but can't recall why I didn't!). No timing or anything, but a chance to run in a big group down to see the famous Christmas lights on one of their pedestrian-only nights. 

We got there a few minutes late, but my friend Karey was there and said the store was ridiculously packed, and about 5:00 people just started running. We got to the store, checked to see if she'd left yet, and headed out probably 10 minutes after. There were still a few stragglers, and we passed some walkers as we approached the lane. It wasn't as social of a run, but I think that might be better than being in the huge crowd! 

It was 2 miles each way to the lane (and I surprised myself at how fast I ran it - it was a comfortably hard pace trying to keep up with Abe, and ended up averaging just over 10:30 pace both ways!). So we got the lane just after 5:30, and realized all the runners were now standing around waiting for the lights to officially being at 6:00. (I'm not clear why not start at 5:30 to arrive right on time? Some would arrive after 6, but that's ok, the lights stay on for a while!)

We found Karey and chatted during the wait. There were some lights on early, but not everything, and the street wasn't totally cleared of cars until the 6:00 start time. Then, we got to head down and enjoy the view! There was no running here - not only a lot of people on the PRC run, but lots of other pedestrians (this weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, were pedestrian only nights, with the street closed to traffic. Normally, cars can (slowly) drive down to view the lights, while walkers stay on the sidewalk.). We took about 10 minutes to walk the 4 blocks (about 0.15 of a mile). 

I have to admit I was teensy bit underwhelmed (I'm not even sure what I expected, to be underwhelmed compared to, though), but it was still cool to see the lights at least once! I think I saw one house that wasn't decorated, but everything else was lit up to varying degrees, many with some sort of theme. 

We ran the 2 miles back to the PRC store, where there was hot cocoa, beer, and cookies! It was fun after to be back in a crowd of runners and enjoying a warm, festive atmosphere. (The rain held off just long enough! There were sprinkles as we were coming around the last block at the end.) I don't think I'll do this every year, but it was fun to do once! I think walking would definitely be the best way to see the lights at Peacock Lane (I can't imagine driving down the 4 blocks at 2 mph - definitely park somewhere and walk it!).

(This seems to be taking a minute to fully load, but it's a slideshow!) 

September PDX Restaurant: Paradox Cafe

On our way back from Multnomah Falls, we were planning to go to Vege Thai in SE near Belmont, but as we looked for it realized that it had closed since initially making the restaurant list. We quickly did a google search for vegan restaurants, and found Paradox Cafe nearby. They're not fully vegan, but definitely caters to it.

Website

Genre: Diner, comfort food

Price: $3 - 5 sides, $7 - 9 entrees

Setting: Quirky diner

The main restaurant area is a bit retro, and the bathrooms are more Portland-esque. The one I went into was an outerspace theme, and Abe thinks he remembers the other one being an under the sea theme. 

What we tried: 

Abe got the Firehouse (vegan) burger, with tots on the side, all of which he liked. I tried the Belmont combo (a breakfast platter) with pancakes for my carb, and breakfast potatoes and tofu for my sides. My plate ended up unintentionally very beige, but I enjoyed it.

Overall impression: If I recall correctly the service was a tad slow, but the food was good. It's a bit out of the way for us, but if in the neighborhood I'd definitely want to go again to try different things.

Would I take my parents?*: Eh, yeah. There's nothing too far out there that they couldn't find something to try (especially since there are beef burgers included). The vibe is definitely Portlandia, but again, not super far out there and too weird. 

*Scale: Heck no. No. Probably not. Maybe. Eh, yeah. Yes. Definitely. 

Original Practice Shakespeare & Underground Portland Tour

We did two Portland activities in August, one to count for that month and one to make up for June. I'm compiling them together due to a lack of photographs, and because they coincidentally involved the same guy. The Shakespeare play was about three weeks prior to the tour; upon arriving for the tour the guide looked familiar, but I could not place him at all, so I figured he just had one of those faces. Near the end, though, I found out Abe had also been trying to place him, and finally realized that he had been in the play!

Original Practice Shakespeare 

This theater group performs Shakespearean plays in the manner in which it appears they were originally performed: Rather than spending weeks rehearsing, the performers of that time had to do multiple plays each week, as the live theater would be akin to our movie theater, they had to keep coming up with new showings to keep the audience coming back. 

Instead of memorizing and perfecting roles, the actors practice but have scrolls (with their own parts, and cues, not the entire script) to rely on as needed. There's an emcee type role also participating in the performance, outside the story. He gives prompts to the actors as needed, and otherwise keep things moving along.

The actors were very engaging and interacted with the audience (entering/exiting the stage area via the audience area, as well as some audience participation). The emcee gave the occasional prompt but also interrupted with some basically improv scenes related to what was happening in the occasional script. 

The setup is low key, with the above-pictured tents being the backdrop (the curtain in between an option for entrances/exits). The audience sat on the grass, bringing blankets and chairs, and many, as we did, brought a picnic dinner. 

It was a really entertaining and engaging show (especially for being free! though they passed a basket for donations, definitely worth dropping in something)! I've never enjoyed reading Shakespeare, but as one should probably suspect, I'm finding that performances really do bring the language alive. Writing this post reminded me to go like the group's facebook page so I'll know when they're performing again next summer! 

Portland Underground Tour 

Though an entertaining and informative tour, to call it an "underground" tour is a bit of a the misnomer. I assume the branding is intended to create some intrigue and keep up with similar tours such as for Seattle where there are extensive underground tunnels. 

It is "underground" is the sense of discussing the seedier side of history, and it was all very fascinating. The tour guide (an actor by trade, he was one of the leads in the Shakespeare play) did a great job incorporating history with humor. We went on a Monday, when I took an extra day adjoining a trip, so it was a small group, easy to stick together on though the streets and always hear the conversation. 

Spoiler: the tunnels consisted of going into the tour office's basement, and the guide stepping "as far into the tunnel as it's possible to go"... stepping into a nook in the basement that was really a walled off tunnel, maybe 3 feet deep. Not just because of the "tunnels", but in general given the scope and value of the tour, I'd say it's a bit pricey for what it is - $19. I'd say it's worth more like $10, if you found a groupon or something to bring it down I'd recommend it, whether you're local or visiting, but it is a bit much to swallow for its standard tourist price.

Portland Art Museum & Oregon Historical Society

July's Portland bucket list item was a visit to the Portland Art Museum. I suggested it as an activity while my parents were in town, as that's right up their alley (especially my mom, who does painting herself). We also ended up going to the Oregon Historical Society, basically across the street, when we were done and had time left in the afternoon.

I'll be honest - I don't really get art museums. Never have. It's not that I find the art itself uninteresting - I go through slowly and read all the plaques and try to learn the information and why a particular painting or artist is significant. But there's nothing comprehensive, at least typically. There was one room with a collection of silver, where you went around the room and sort of saw the evolution of designs over time. Maybe it's simply because I'm missing some context and education, but I don't see that same thing in a gallery of paintings. Even if they're from the same era or of the same style, there's nothing that stands out to me that shows evolution or change or similarities. Perhaps I need a guided tour, to explain how the pieces we're seeing fit together? 

I enjoy art when I know its meaning - for example, the gallery wall on my parents staircase. I often linger walking downstairs, taking in the pieces, even though I've seen them many times before. But they're not just art pieces - they're a painting by my mom, a cross stitch by my aunt, a photograph by my great-uncle. I'm not sure how to find that connection and interest when there's not a personal meaning.

After the art museum, we crossed the park blocks to the Oregon Historical Society. There were a few smaller exhibits, but the main one was about World War II. It was actually quite engaging, with a variety of types of items and hands-on activities. 

I'd definitely recommend either place for a visit if you're in Portland; the OHS perhaps more highly as having more universal appeal, but the Art Museum is also fine if you enjoy the art. OHS is cheaper - $11 for adults, versus $20 at the Art Museum. 

July PDX Restaurant: The Sudra

Our visit to July's restaurant, The Sudra, was actually for my mother-in-law's birthday, her pick. (So no photos, since with family.) It's an all-vegan, Indian food in NE Portland, on Glisan.

Website

Genre: Indian

Price: Plates $9 lunch or $13 dinner, bowls $10, sides $3

Setting: Very urban. It's on a block with a few other restaurants, most of which (including the Sudra) have garage doors open (at least in the summer), with the seating being wooden tables on the sidewalk. I'm rather curious as to what their setup is during the winter, because there was extremely limited space indoors.

What we tried: 

We all got one of the sharbats to drink - a flavored syrup in sparkling water. I believe I had strawberry. Really good. 

I got the poori plate (poori = a type of bread, so obviously that was my choice); Abe got the pakora plate (I usually love pakora, but this one included pickled broccoli, which didn't sound like something even deep frying could make me like). The plates generally all come with a small serving of the main, something with beans, and something with greens. 

I didn't mind any of my dish, but I think it was a little on the spicy side (for me, which isn't really that much). The pakoras weren't of a style that was my favorite (a more doughy than crispy style of breading - the kind I like is at Swagat, if you're familiar with it). Abe really liked all of the items. Though I didn't love all the components, I liked the plate/mezza style of options to be able to try a variety.

Overall impression: It had a very Portland vibe. I'm realizing I don't really love all Indian food, mostly I just love the Indian food at Swagat. So it wouldn't be at the top of my list, I'd nonetheless be willing to go there again.

Would I take my parents?*: No. The vibe and the menu might be intriguing, but I don't think they'd actually enjoy either.

*Scale: Heck no. No. Probably not. Maybe. Eh, yeah. Yes. Definitely. 

Disc Golf at Mt. Hood

May's Portland bucket list item was actually a visit out of Portland to play disc golf at Mt. Hood SkiBowl. During the summer, the SkiBowl area has a variety of fair weather attractions, including a disc golf course down the mountain.

Unlike most disc golf courses which are free or only have a small parking fee, there is a ticket cost to play this course - $9 per person, which includes the lift ticket to the top of the course.

The course starts at the top of the ski hill, so you have the fun of riding up the lift (totally didn't occur to me until we were on it - it's been years since I've last been on a ski lift - that it doesn't actually stop to let you off, but I think I suppressed my mid-ride freak out fairly well), and enjoy some beautiful views of Mt. Hood as you ride up and as you go down the course. 

The course area overlaps with the mountain biking trails, so you do have to be aware of bikers! Abe preferred the first half of the course, with more obstacles (for me, that means being extra cautious about throwing into the foliage); the second half is a bit less exciting, just zig zagging across the grass down the mountain. 

The last hole was weird - instead of a basket, there was a red garbage can to throw in to (so, it kind of seemed like it was the mini golf concept, like where you're returning the ball on the last hole... but you're not returning discs, you use your own, so I'm not really sure what the point was); weird but would have been ok if they had actually placed a number on the can to make it clear that that was the "basket"; as it was we only confirmed that that was supposed to be it after we'd decided to just aim for that garbage can that seemed to be in the right vicinity/distance that we were supposed to have.

While not a course I'd be willing to pay for very often, it is definitely a fun course to at least play once. 

May PDX Restaurant: A.N.D. Cafe

A.N.D. Cafe is in SE Portland, serving mostly-vegan all-vegetarian food (with plentiful gluten-free options). It's slightly rustic, cozy (slightly small, but also in vibe) space with artwork on the walls. I think we had a short wait, but not too long (even though it was for brunch on Memorial Day), though some larger groups had a bit more of a wait.

(Uh, yeah, this was in May. Slightly behind on these monthly posts...)

Website

Genre: Cafe, comfort food

Price: Entrees $7 - $11, sides $2 - $4, drinks $2.50 - $7

Setting: Classic cafe, with a little industrial rustic vibe

What we tried: I had a pomegranate "kimosa" (juice with kombucha), and Abe had "the remedy", a mix of coconut water, kombucha, vanilla, and orange juice. His sounded slightly strange to me, but we actually both preferred it of the two (though the other was good, too).

I got the blue corn waffle with banana. Good - hard to go wrong with a waffle!

Abe got the hashtastic (a skillet dish, basically), and a side of meatloaf. I was definitely not a fan of the textures of his items, but he enjoyed them.

Overall impression: Beyond the basic breakfast/cafe staples, there are a fair number of dishes that are either a bit hippy-er than I prefer, or just fake options that are very likely to not be good textures in my opinion. But I do enjoy the vibe of the place, if I was up for a waffle while Abe (as usual) wanted something more adventurous, it'd totally be an option. 

Would I take my parents?*: Probably not. Beyond the waffles, not stuff that's necessarily "normal" to them. I think my mom might like some of the veggie-based dishes, but I don't think there's much my dad would go for.

*Scale: Heck no. No. Probably not. Maybe. Eh, yeah. Yes. Definitely. 

4T

April's Portland activity was taking advantage of a nice weekend to hike the 4T - a loop of Trail, Tram, Trolley, and Train around Portland.

We actually started with a train first - taking the MAX from near our house to the zoo, to the start of the trail portion. To start on the trail, you head out of the zoo parking lot and cross the overpass over Hwy 26; you actually are basically walking along an on-ramp to get to the trailhead (but do make it onto a nice trail before you're on the freeway).

Before you know you feel like you're in the middle of the woods - although you can see still peeks of the city between trees.

Part way through the hike you go through Council Crest Park, the highest point in Portland for some lovely views of the city. 

After Council Crest, there's is a choice between the trail and a shorter alternative urban route. The signage here was less clear, but I think we ended up on the main trail route. There are a few times throughout the excursion where the trail goes across or temporarily on roads, but most of the time, there is clear signage, combined with directions from the 4T website, that made it readily apparent where to go. 

The hike portion overall is about 4.5 miles, and I believe it took us around two and a half hours (including stops for photos and checking directions). I don't do a ton of hiking (but should - we don't live that far from these trails!), but figured I do enough running it'd be relatively easy and quicker than that - not so much. You're on groomed trails, but there are definitely sections that are steep - both up and down - and you do need to pay attention to your footing, stepping over roots and rocks and such. Although my mom doe a lot of walking on paved park trails for exercise, I would definitely hesitate to bring her on these trails.

Eventually the trail leads you to the OHSU campus. (Another spot where both signs and directions were slightly confusing). You go through one of the buildings to the tram, which is free for the downwards portion. (But there are limited hours of operation, so be sure to check before you go! We ended up with only 30 minutes or so before closing after the trail taking a bit longer than anticipated.)

At the bottom of the tram, you hop on to the trolley. The 4T directions specifies which station to get on, but there's actually a nearer station right at the bottom of the tram, which just puts you on one stop sooner (there was another couple doing the 4T that we overhead asking a tram employee about it, and it's the nearer station they were directed to).

After getting off the trolley in downtown, you hop on the MAX train back towards the zoo. We made a pit stop along the train route for dinner at the Hot Lips Pizza by Providence Park, then continued on the train, past the zoo and back home.

image source

Doing the 4T trail is a great way to see a lot of the western side of Portland in an organized fashion. Do make sure to allow plenty of time for the hike, and account for the operating hours of the tram. Enjoy all the sights!