This is a wonderful place to take in a general view of Portland area geography, or specific views of mountains, downtown, the airport, and the west end of the Columbia Gorge. Bringing both wide angle and long lenses will pay off handsomely for picture taking. Choosing a clear day or night to visit will maximize the experience. Great for either residents who want to get context for a metro area thats usually viewed from a different angle, or for visitors looking for a quick orientation for the city.

Wish I had taken pics. Great little park with iconic views of My Hood and the Columbia River. Small in size but still several areas to have a picnic or find seclusion from others. Limited but free parking. No bathrooms. Enjoy!

This is a wonderful little park/lookout point. Fantastic views of Mt Saint Helens and Mt Hood. I could see a tiny bit Mt Jefferson but was not able to see Mt Adams. However the view of the river and airport are great. You can watch planes take off from here. The sunrise from here was awesome. The downfall would have to be its popularity. Even at 5:30 am there were still a good amount of people up there. Parking isnt great either. Only parallel parking is available. Even with these downfalls, it is still a great place to go and admire nature!

Incredible near-360 degree view of the metro area. You’re literally at the same altitude as the planes coming in and out of PDX. A great place to go for a different perspective.

Always a nice spot to stop during the day to forget about the craziness of everyday life. Quiet and a beautiful view.

Beautiful views. My grandsons love it. Its very windy most of the time, so dress appropriately. It can feel quite a bit colder up there than when youre in town.

Rocky Butte Natural Area was once an ideal place to stroll through the woods or go rock climbing. It is now overrun with shopping carts, broken down cars, and other garbage from squatters/campers. Theres broken glass everywhere so watch out for your dogs feet. Someone brought in a portable toilet but who knows what other waste materials are now seeping into the soils there. There are many signs for untended camp fires which risk a conflagration in the summer heat that could destroy the area and risk homes around it. Its hardly a natural area anymore.

This cinder cone has a giant stone platform on top that serves as an awesome 360 view of the town and the mountains beyond. You can see tons of other volcanoes and there is a model on top to show you exactly what mountains you are looking at. Lots of people come here for sunset. There is also some rock climbing along the road before getting to the top (see Mountain Project) but it wasnt the best climbing conditions because there are no real trails and there is a lot of graffiti and trash, including potentially dangerous trash. However, we did find a couple really fun climbing routes!

What a beautiful place! The stone work is incredible....looks similar to Castle stonework. Magnificent view of Portland, with a stone plaque with arrows on it to identify all the mountains that can be seen. The homes in the area are just incredible...for the Uber wealthy only, Im certain. Please be careful for the many cyclists and joggers.

Lots of trails & rocks to climb. Theres quite a few caves up in the hills that can be explored at your own risk. Very steep in many places.

It has a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains on a clear day. This is also a favorite spot for stargazing when they open it at night.

Great view of the city and nature! The old fort makes for a great photo opportunity as well. Great on a sunny or cloudy day! Fall colors are great too!

P E R F E C T place to watch the sunset! Rocky Butte has some of the most amazing views of Portland! We spent an evening relaxing and watching the sunset and it was just magical. There is no parking lot, so just park on the street and walk on up. Bring a blanket to lean or sit on while you take in the sights. Definitely recommend coming here to see the best views of the city!

I used to live in southern California and would often seek space to be alone in nature, above sea level. It was my habit to sneak off-road near the Hollywood observatory or jump a fence onto Errol Flynns old estate (before they opened it to hikers). One night, when no one was looking, I brought a tree stump to sit on and rolled it through brush and trees into a small clearing near the observatory where I would often sit and look out over the city. It makes me smile how hard I worked to have space back then. And I think of that when I go up to Rocky Butte. Where I dont have to break rules or ignore signs just to find place to contemplate or be alone in meditation. Because there are no signs. And I have a place to sit because someone thought of that and kindly left one for me. In that spirit, the only thing I bring is a small paper bag to pick up occasional trash. I hope anyone inspired by my review to head there, will do the same.

Nice homes on the way up, but there is no way to access the park vehicularly.

I love this place but Im not sure how long theyre gonna have it blocked off... can be shady on some nights with groups of rowdy people and completely empty other nights...definitely worth the visit.

I feel like its unsafe after dark

Beautiful. Please drive carefully and be mindful of pedestrians and bicyclist. Share the road and drive slow. Its beautiful from the base to the top.

Really nice place, you can see the city from that spot

Nice view of Mt St Helens

Absolutely beautiful view both day and night. At nighttime on weekends it can be pretty crowded, including the occasional drunk teens. I personally prefer the view at night.

This place its so beautiful and beautiful and beautiful and beautiful and beautiful and gorgeous.

Beautiful. Quiet. Nice walk and views.

A view worth seeing. On a clear day you can see all the major mountains around Portland and the city laid out like a map below you. The stone construction is cool also.

Relaxing spot with a great view of Washington. When it is completely clear out you can see Mount Saint Helons & Mount Baker!!

A little off to the side of Portland, but wow. Rocky Butte is like a hidden treasure in plain sight. It has some of the best views, is a place I will definitely take visitors. And, it is really great for cycling hill repeats.

Incredible 360 view of valley. It was a clear day so we could see both volcanoes.

Snowy bike ride to the top. Must go back when it is nicer.

Beautiful views. No public restroom or drinking fountain

Beautiful perfect place to view the sunset.

Beautiful drive up the mountain and beautiful views at the top! If youre lucky you might catch the guy playing his saxophone in the tunnel ️

Beautiful spot, wonderful to watch the sunrise or sunset from

Best views in Portland. Make sure its a clear day

Amazing views!!! Saw the sunset and night lights of Portland, Beautiful!

Great views of downtown, gorge, vista house, my. St. Helens, and mt. Hood.

It was a bit spendy for a godly place,my hope for the root of all evil is no greed for money before God.I do appreciate the beautiful and serine place that it is. And want everyone that hasnt been there to go see it.

I can see incredible views

Its a beautiful viewing place, there was quite a bit of trash that people have dumped, but thats to be expected when the parks are closed with no one to clean up.

Its a hidden castle with a beautiful view! Also not crowded, great breeze, and easy parking.

The vantage point is just gorgeous & the still quiet is extremely calming. Even with several other people here at the same time on a Saturday afternoon, it had this aura of calm & quiet. The greenery & blue sky with puffy white clouds above made for such scene.

Great view of the city, but most roads and trails were closed off!

I misused the turn walked around rocky butte.

Gate was locked, possibly because of NEOWISE comet...cars clogged roadway. Horrible to turn around.

Beautiful scenery! Quiet, peaceful, gorgeous view of Portland, Oregon. Mt. Hood also can be seen.

Very cool veiw

Its beautiful in the day time to walk around. The nighttime crowd it attracts is why theres gates and patrol cars. But the view is gorgeous, for city lights.

Great views of the Columbus River.

It is pretty good looking place. View isnt bad. It could be better if the tall trees get to knock down for the view.

I love Rocky Butte! When my husband and I were first dating 30 years ago, we saw a lot of sunsets from up there.Now they close it for the summer months, because too many people have ruined it for everyone else. SMH!

Awesome 360 View

I gave it 3 stars because I am a little forgiving to Rocky Butte since I happen to live at the bottom surrounding neighborhood and am familiar with it over the years so, tend to try and look at it throughout the years rather than just the present. It has always been a place where teenagers go to meet up or just sit and hang out at night etc.....that was a given and to be expected so, no big deal,pretty normal in that. It also does have some history and paths that connect it to the Grotto if you ever ventured as a kid. The view and look out is quite nice during a sunny day it can be a nice little place to catch a sight and moment with a friend or partner. At night it is nice to look out without traveling far at all. My only issue is that now it has become concerning due to the homeless and a few incidents that have occured which make it less appealing to go walk around as well as seems there is often sketchy stuff going on there or around somewhere along the way up so, I do not go up there nearly as much as I used to .....far less for living so close . I used to see it busy with all types of folks years ago enjoying it for many different reasons but, now not as family friendly I feel.

Ive been coming here since I was a little girl.

Gorgeous - a must see.

P E R F E C T place to watch the sunset! Rocky Butte has some of the most amazing views of Portland! We spent an evening relaxing and watching the sunset and it was just magical. There is no parking lot, so just park on the street and walk on up. Bring a blanket to lean or sit on while you take in the sights. Definitely recommend coming here to see the best views of the city!

Went on a date here I guess it was ok gave it 5 stars so yeah good view all around.

Rocky Butte will always be a cornerstone of my youth! Ive done everything from party up there as a teenager to take dates or out-of-town friends/family there to see Portland from a different perspective. Ive also been up there many times to just clear my head & think. Ive lived in a lot of major as well as small cities, and you wont find another spot like Rocky Butte.

Great spot to overview the area. Mt. Hood looks so close . Perfekt for Picknick too

Absolutely beautiful. Short drive from downtown, excellent vantage point of Portland and Mt Hood, amongst others.

Was a hard climb for me but worth it when I got to the top. Views were magnificent

The view is beautiful. You get to look over the entire city in all directions, as well as the Columbia River and beginning of Vancouver, WA. Its close to the airport and is an amazing vantage point to watch the planes arrive anf take off.

This place has amazing sunset views and its easily accessible to the public, but remember that since it is high up it gets a little windy. Once it starts getting dark the lights turn on making the place look even better. This view point also captures the different mountains in the region.

Friends took me here after a bad day it cheered me up

Gorgeous here! The view is phenomenal! Please get your butt up to the top of this hill, you wont regret it.

Great views. Some trees could be eliminated for a complete 360 degree view but when its a nice day its nice to be up top. The wind is pretty intense if there is any because its so open at the top. Be prepared with a coat.

My Grandpa took my grandma here. I had no idea. This became my thinking spot. Best place on earth especially at night.

Took my new girlfriend up there for her first time it was awesome! Very romantic feel up there on a nice night. Dont go on Friday or Saturday if you want any sense of privacy any other night is great for spending time with your special friend

Rocky Butte and Grotto trail are a must go for hike enthusiasts. Some wild and ancient landscape are hidden in this island of wilderness within city. Too bad that garbages can be seen here and there. Transcient tarp tent campers as well to be aware of. Ruggedness of the land formation was quite dramatic. If you are into rock climbing there are number of spots to rapell down from.

Beautiful place at night

A great commanding view of the city, the Columbia and the Airport. Great place for sunset pictures.

Great view over the Portland, Gresham, Columbia River and Mount Hood, a nice hill in the City

Beautiful spot to watch the sunset! Amazing views of Mount Saint Helens, Mount Hood, up the Gorge, downtown Portland and all around. People watching is also great, since so many different types of people come up to watch the sunset.

Because there is a castle-like rampart at the top you get some of the best views of Mt Hood, St. Helens and the gorge. Not inhibited by the trees like on the beautiful Mt. Tabor park.Unfortunately, this is the local bang spot for high school kids. If you are walking up the shoulder is littered with used condoms....pretty disgusting.

Awesome views here. Great stop!

Great place to watch the sunset.

A lot of fun to people watch here when the weather is warm!

Nice flat park area. Perfect for picnics. The butte is a bit steep at times and can tire a person out pretty easily.

Great views! Historic place with a shady past. ( Prison work camp!) Just dont go on new years Eve or on Independence day. No parking after dusk.

It is very picturesque with panoramic views of Mt Hood, Mt St. Helens and Mt Adams on a clear day. You can also see flights take off from the Portland airport. The Parks architecture is also very artistic which adds to the beauty of the backdrop. If you are going there in winter, please dont forget to take gloves and woolen headgear as it can be a little chilly at the top.

Awesome park, easy to get to and great for pictures

Beautifully landscaped, quiet scenery. Worth the trip, try for an off-peak time or a cloudy day.

Sunset was amazing. .I love this place.Is so peaceful

Great sunset spot. Parking is very limited and parallel only.

On a nice clear day you can see for miles and miles. This is an amazing view the only problem I find is that of all of the people who have partied up there have with no restroom facilities on a hot day you can really smell the urine.

This place is one of the best hang out spots around. Castle-esk ambiance with a stunning view that is made even more stunning by the low flying airlines making their approach for landing at PDX. Nice grass area for laying out the picnic blanket to boot.The only one that will regret you going here is me because I love the fact that this amazing place is not crowded even on a beautiful day.Ugh..... See you up there.....

I love the view, I dont recommend running on the steps.

Such a beautiful place, great view of the river, airport and Portland.

Rocky Butte offers nice views north, west and east and the access and parking are easy. There is an old fort on the top that was part of a military school.

Gorgeous scenic overlook with super cool castle like walls. In fact, this was the location of the Viennese castle from the tv show Grimm.

This place has a wonderful view with castle like structure, beautiful in the winter and great place to hang out in the summer.

Its a great view looking to the north and is a bit peaceful. Parking can be a bit of a problem if there are several people there. Not a safe place to be after sunset.

Close to my house nice view at the top

Fun chill place. Nkce view

First time Ive seen old cars back there!

Biked up to the top of this 500+ elevation butte (I know, a heroic feat) and was blown away by the views. The wind blew lightly, a man read a book in the shade of a tree, and the light tower welcomed us from above. In the distance planes were landing at PDX. Very pleasant place to chill! And the westward views on the bike up reminded me how long those westside hills stretch, like a large alligator in the sun. I think all parks will get 5 stars from me, but this one stands apart from others thanks to its incredible views. I love this park.

A nice area for a walk. Kind of overrun by transient population at the moment, which can be sometimes aggressive though. Generally pretty safe during the day though.

My husband took me up to Rocky Butte to the lookout and up to the top where the radio tower is for the first time and again today. Beautiful view absolutely beautiful.

Great view , you can see far on a clear day

Mid-Summer sunrise. You cant find a much more inspirational view than you do atop the Butte ! If you stay sill long enough all around you may become mute !

Awesome place to go on date. And even with kiddos. And fall pic.

A great view of Mt Hood on a clear day. You might even get to see St Helens and Mt Rainer.