Details: Portland Trail

This short, easy loop hike explores the basin below a huge amphitheatre of eroded cliffs rising above the eastern side of Ouray and features scenic viewpoints to appreciate the formation along with the peaks rising to the south and west of town.

Portland Trail Out-and-Back

Distance from Trailhead: 4.2 miles (round trip)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 9,250-ft.

Elevation Gain: 750-ft.

There are several different access points to get on the Portland trail. I prefer starting at the Upper Cascade Falls trailhead, located at the top of the Amphitheatre Campground (see driving directions).

Follow the trail, which starts at the southeast end of the small trailhead parking area, for 0.2 miles as it contours along the hillside to a trail junction. Turn right at the junction on the Portland trail. The trail to the left, the Upper Cascade Falls trail, will be used as a return leg of the loop hike.

From the junction the trails descends to cross a normally dry drainage, climbs out the other side and starts ascending the basin on a series of gentle switchbacks. About a half a mile beyond the trailhead you will come to second trail junction. Continue heading northeast in the direction of the scenic overlook indicated on the sign. [The Portland trailhead, pointing to the southwest on the sign, leads to a second trailhead on the Portland Mine Road. This is a good starting point if the campground is closed (see driving directions below)].

Beyond the junction the trail climbs through mixed conifers and small sections of scrub oak. Openings in the foliage feature nice views to the west and southwest toward Hayden Mountain and the peaks and ridgelines around Potosi Peak. About 1.7-miles from the campground trailhead an opening provides views across the drainage to a mining operation at the southern end of the Amphitheatre.

At the 2.0 mile mark a sign points to a scenic overlook with great views of the amphitheatre towering above the basin and Hayden Mountain. Shortly after the overlook (0.1-mile) reach a three-way trail junction.

Portland Trail with return via Upper Cascade Falls trail

Distance from Trailhead: 3.5 miles (loop)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 9,250-ft.

Elevation Gain: 750-ft.

Follow the directions above to the three way intersection. At the three way intersection you have several options. I recommend going left in the direction of the Amphitheatre Campground to complete the loop hike. The trail drops down to cross a normally dry drainage and then ascends to meet the Upper Cascade Falls trail in 0.6 miles. Go left at the Cascade Falls trail junction toward the Amphitheatre Campground. (The trail to the right climbs 1,100-ft in just under a mile on its way to Upper Cascade Falls and the Chief Ouray Mine.) At the next two junctions follow the signs back to the Campground and the trailhead parking area. See the Upper Cascade description for more information.

Another option is to take a side trip to the Portland Mine. To visit the mine head right at the three way junction, following the trail to the mine. The route drops about 150-ft to cross Portland Creek and then climbs to join the Portland Road in 0.5 miles. Follow the road east to the mine.

Finally, you can simply turn around at the three-way junction and return the way you came. The out-and-back hike is 4.2 miles (RT) from the campground or 3.8 miles (RT) from the trailhead on the Portland Road (see driving directions).