January | 2015 | Portland By Bus

Image courtesy of Google Maps

A funny thing happens when I mention the hike on Mt. Talbert: whomever I am speaking with tries to correct me by saying, “You mean Mt Tabor…” Nope. I mean Mt. Talbert, one of the many dormant or extinct volcanoes that dot the southeast region of the city. The fact that not many know about its existence inspired me to feature this little gem of a walk in the woods. Mt. Talbert is a forest-covered, 750-foot-tall, ancient, worn-down shield volcano located just a few miles southeast of Portland near Sunnyside, and resides within the Kellogg-Mt Scott watershed. With over 250 acres of conserved natural area, it is one of the most healthy wildlife habitats in the urban Portland metropolitan region.

Photo by Frank Paris

Mt. Talbert is seen by tens of thousands of commuters every day along Interstate 205, likely most of them not knowing that a beautiful park resides at the top. A network of 4 miles of trail covers the Mt. Talbert Nature Park. Even though the hiking trails are just feet away from neighborhoods and businesses, there is an abundance of wildlife that can be seen on this hike, including deer, western gray squirrels, pileated and hairy woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches and western tanagers. The forest is comprised of Douglas Firs and groves of Western Red Cedars and Oregon White Oaks. Continue reading →

TriMet bus line 9-Powell Blvd connects Gresham, SE Portland, and Portland City Center. Some of my favorite restaurants in Portland are along this route. And who knew downtown Gresham had so many fantastic restaurants?! Line 9 is a frequent service bus, runs early in the morning until late at night, and is available seven days a week. If the 9 is not your regular bus, I suggest finding a bus that connects to the 9 so that you too can experience these phenomenal eateries.

The closest 9 bus stops are listed for each restaurant below, and restaurants are in order of the route from Gresham to Portland. For additional trip planning assistance, visit TriMet.org and enter your starting location and the restaurant’s address as the ending location for a detailed trip itinerary.

Selma’s Mediterranean Bakery & Deli 184 Northeast 2nd Street, Gresham, OR 97030

Photo by Don B. on Yelp

4.5 Stars on Yelp $

“Selma’s is located in the heart of Gresham’s Old town. You will find delicious food the whole family will love at affordable prices. Selma’s food is always fresh and healthy. She never uses any preservatives, or additives in any of her dishes. There is also a large selection in Gluten-free, Vegetarian and Vegan dishes. Step into the the family and enjoy a slice of the Mediterranean. Come and sample the large assortments of delicious, and nutritious Mediterranean delicacies. Eat in or take out.” ~Selma’s Mediterranean Bakery & Deli

Nearest line 9 bus stops:

NE Hood & 2nd Southbound Stop ID 13033 – 0.05 miles away
N Main & NE 2nd Northbound Stop ID 3715 – 0.1 miles away
Click here for all nearby bus stops

The Local Cow 336 N Main St, Gresham, OR 97030

Photo by Claire and Amy A. on Yelp

4 Stars on Yelp $$

“The Local Cow proudly serves Oregon Natural Meat’s pasture raised and source verified beef cattle. After being selected for the ONM program, they are then fed a high-quality ration consisting of “upcycled” brewer’s grain from local microbreweries. Animals in the Oregon Natural Meats program are born in Oregon, fed and processed in close proximity to Eugene, Oregon, by a small network of families committed to providing natural restaurant quality meat with minimal processing, no added hormones or antibiotics, and using sustainable and humane systems.” ~The Local Cow

Nearest line 9 bus stops: