If you want pleasant trails, panoramic views, and beautiful forest, Powell Butte is definitely worth the trip.
Located on the eastern edge of southeast Portland, this 627-foot volcanic cone offers an island of nature in a sea of subdivisions. And with 10 miles of trails that run up, down, and around the butte, you can give your horse some real conditioning while you soak up the mountain views and the forest ambiance.
The trails begin at the day-use parking area on the northeast side of Powell Butte.
You can serpentine your way to the top of the butte to enjoy the views from the open meadow summit, then pick one of several trails that will drop you down into the forest on the sides of the butte.
The forest trails follow seasonal creeks and cut across drainages. On the lower south side, the trails connect with the Springwater Corridor Trail as well as several hiker/biker trailheads.
All of the trails are very well signed, with maps and trail markers at every junction.
The trails at Powell Butte Nature Park are featured in Riding Northwest Oregon Horse Trails, by Kim McCarrel, available at NWHorseTrails.com.