When I recently arrived, a US Marshal was out front waiting to greet us. He walked us through a metal detector into a central room for the courthouse. He gave a brief yet informative history of the courthouse, and gave us more information (Including what rooms we could go into and what was on each floor). An interesting piece of trivia was the fact it is the oldest public building in Portland, OR.He then split from us to go out front again. We continued into the library filled with law books and court records. We walked around in there, admiring the old furniture and architecture. We continued down a main hall which featured windows for the old Post Office (No longer there) and brochures for all ages. Another hall stranded off of this, now splitting into multiple rooms filled with furniture.After exploring the area a bit, we decided to go into the almost 100-year-old elevator. According to the Marshal, the elevator was originally one consisting of only a cage and a few buttons. Over the years, they updated it to include walls and more electronics to make it much safer. We went up all the way to the top, where there were stairs leading to the cupola. (Note: The elevator does not go up to the cupola, instead it goes to a floor with more stairs leading to the cupola.)Inside the cupola, we got an amazing 360° view of Portland including Pioneer Square (Across the street), Portland State University, and other buildings around the area. The cupola consisted of 26 panes around, with all but 6 being from as early as 1885.All-in-all, I really enjoyed the experience. Id definitely recommend visiting the site if your in the area, and is a great stop on any road trip!

I actually helped design the fire sprinkler system with Master Fire back during the seismic upgrade...so can attest to its safety if nothing else! LOL Otherwise, not so sure..I hope I dont end up with the kind of situation that necessitates a federal judge...But, if I do, I suppose I can take heart in the fact that I am not going to burn to death in the building if catches fire! Now just being repetitive to make sure I write two hundred characters, not much else can really say beyond tooting my horn about doing the Fire Sprinklers! LOL

An informative introduction from the friendly security guy at the door, and I enjoyed being able to wander through every floor, visiting the courtroom, offices and the cupola.

Okay, if youre a lawyer, youll love this place. My dad found it fascinating. I thought parts were interesting, parts were okay, parts were kinda snoozy.Cupola was the best - no elevator up to there, but well worth the climb.Expect pretty intense security. TSA - if they had time to do it right. Everything vaguely questionable is examined . You must have given government issued ID. They are SERIOUS. Nice guys, but they mean business.

Feel like the oldest building in downtown Portland! It is also a famous landmark of pioneer square

A truly hidden attraction. People dont really know that its available for self-guided tours. Most of the rooms are open and available for viewing. Its really cool to be able to see all of the interesting court-related things.

This location is convince if you take the max. And is only few blocks from Multnomah county courthouse. If I have time I would visit both for compare and contrast.

Beautiful courthouse overlooking the square. Lots of fun things to do in the area

Since it opened in 1875, Pioneer Courthouse is one of four primary locations where the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit hears oral arguments. It also houses the chambers of the Portland-based judges on the Ninth Circuit. It is open for self-guided tours between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday (except holidays). A brochure for the self-guided tour is available from the Clerks Office. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera and take photos in spaces open to visitors. Spaces included in the tour are the historic lobbies, the Judges Conference Room, the Courthouse Visitors Center, the historic courtroom, the library, the attorney waiting area, all of the visiting judges chambers, and the historic cupola. Some spaces are not available for viewing during weeks when court is in session. #LocalGuides #OnGoogleMaps #LetsGuide

Absolutely beautifully lit up at night. Such a historic place.

I work here - awesome historical place with lots of entertainment just outside the front door.

With asking to step into the tower and enjoy if the view of Pioneer Square.

Been there and really liked it, historic one,

Nice relaxed stroll

Great looking landmark.

Went there with my class, very nice people

I saw it

Snazzy