At a Glance
- Trailhead: Near Box Canyon Falls
- Terrain: Forest then alpine
- Traffic: Light
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Views: Canyon and valley above Ouray
- Dogs: Welcome on leash
The Quiet Trail
The Portland Trail begins near the Box Canyon Falls area on Ouray's south side and climbs through dense spruce-fir forest before breaking into more open terrain above. It's one of the less-traveled trails in the immediate Ouray area — the crowds that line up for Box Canyon Falls generally don't continue up Portland. The trail offers a different character from the canyon-wall hikes: enclosed, forested, and quiet in a way that the more exposed routes aren't.
As the trail climbs above treeline, views of the surrounding canyon walls, the valley floor, and the peaks to the north open progressively. The upper trail connects to the Perimeter Trail system, allowing loop options that return to Ouray from a different direction.