"Powell Butte Park" Top 5 Page for this destination Portland Off The Beaten Path Tip by glabah

UPDATE!: Powell Butte Park has returned to accessibility after a huge construction project closed the main parking area. From time to time during the spring of 2011 it may still be closed during weekdays, but for the most part it is open regularly now.

This park is located on a rise in the far eastern part of Portland - east of Interstate 205 and almost to Gresham. It is bordered on the north by Powell Blvd. and on the south by the old Portland Traction Company railroad line (now made into the Springwater Trail). To get there by driving, turn south at 162nd Avenue & Powell Blvd. To get there by bus, it is possible to get to various entrances on buses #17 and #9. #10 is a little further away, but still possible to get there by using a bike trail from SE 138th Avenue.

There is a view point with a number of points of interest to the east, north and south visible. On a clear day one can see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and a number of lesser peaks in the Cascade Range. Looking north from the viewpoint at the top of the hill it is possible to see across the Columbia River to Camas, Washington. Looking northeast you can see the start of the Columbia Gorge.

Sometimes, you can find interesting birds here, including kestrel and hawks, and occasionally ducks will take refuge in some of the large puddles that form after rain.

Various trails here may be used for horse riding, mountain bike riding, and hiking.

Areas of the park are forested. Much of the park used to be a dairy farm, and the open fields attract various animals. There are also trees that date back to early orchard plantings.

Phone: 503-823-1616
Website: http://www.friendsofpowellbutte.org/