Powell Butte Nature Park

16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236, USA

Address:	16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236, USA
Phone:	+1 503-823-2223
Site:	portlandonline.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

Tami Keller-Sheets

During fair weather I often visit Powell Butte with my pup. It is a great spot for a quick walk or an extensive hike. The South side is great for a leisurely hike. The views are amazing. There are also many species of birds that one can see along the split rail fences. This side also has a great ADA trail to the viewpoint. From the viewpoint one can see all the local peaks, and there is signage for the larger and more well know peaks. The North side of Powell Butte is forested and the trails are steeper and more rugged. An adventure on the North side in foul weather quickly becomes a slippery and muddy mess. Many of the trails are mixed use, and it isnt unusual to pass walkers, runners, bikers and equestrians on the trails. The park is open to dogs on leash. However, dont expect this to mean youll find a poop bag kiosk, youll need to bring your own. Because of the number of dogs and the large quantity of wildlife I strongly advise folks to uphold the leash law. Bathrooms and water can be found at the Visitor Center on the South side. In recent years habit restoration has become a priority on Powell Butte. While there are still a lot of invasive plant species the efforts of those replanting native species can be seen all over the park. During my last visit there was even a deer in one of the South meadows.

Carl Rogers

Ive been biking this place for 20 years now. The recent popularity has obviously increased the numbers of hikers, bikers, horses, etc. Thats fine, but there needs to be some basic trail etiquette. Dogs should be on a leach, but most people with dogs either dont know this or dont care. Uphill bikers have right of way to downhill bikers. "On your left" means please move over a bit so I can safely get by. Crossed paths with a uni-cyclist on the trail who wouldnt get over and then threw out ridiculous insults--a douche for sure. I still bike, hike there an enjoy the place, but occasionally ignorance throws its shadow over a good time.

Amy Lockwood

This park is great & Ive entered from several trailheads in recent trips here, which has always brought new surprises. Yesterday, we hiked in from the 148th street trailhead up the Elderberry Trail & I think thats got to be the quickest elevation gain in the park, with pretty breathtaking views of the surrounding area. One of my favorite spots in the park is the trail compass at the top which points out all the mountains in view (some obscured by the trees). On a clear day, you can see Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Jefferson, in addition to Mt Tabor, Rocky Butte, Kelly Butte, and of course Powell Butte.

Andrea Tucker

The trails are paved which is nice but we were looking for more of a hike and I would say this is more of a nature walk. Theres a visitor center at the parking lot that was closed since we went on Labor Day. The trails were marked with signs. We were able to walk up to the summit with two young kids and a stroller and were treated with a pretty nice view. We went on the Mountain View trail and I wish there were more trees around. It was mostly grass and some wildflowers. Perhaps one of the other trails led through a more foresty area.

steve howze

Many of the trails are badly eroded, dusty, muddy and dangerous, because of the many mountain bikes going too fast on the narrow steep trails. the trails are not marked, no trails maps. The park is Rarely patrolled by park rangers. The Portland Water Bureau never brought the park trails into compliance with the land use permit and the portland trail design guide. Although the PWB charged the rate payers $400,000 for a trail project, and never finished the project

Donte Whitaker

Ive been going to this park since I was very little with my grandma and Ill never stop going. That right there tells a story its self, great for young ones and still keeps me interested that I want to keep going even with my kid. The view is fantastic, on a sunny day you can see for miles. I remember back in the day, maybe even recently, that there would be mini concerts you could go to during the summer. Overall, nice place to take a hike.

Liz Wilson

Great place for walks with with family or solo. I have a toddler and always appreciate it when a nature park has clean bathrooms with changing tables. My son loves to run around on and off trail. The mountain finder at the top of the Mountain View Trail is fun - helps you identify far off mountains on a clear day. They also have picnic tables which were easily accessible for my disabled father-in-law.

Chris Adams

Many well maintained trails. Mix of dirt and paved trails. Good for biking, walking, or horseback. Great place to bring your dog, but many of the trails have only minimal tree cover, so mind the heat. Has an interesting info center at the parking lot with individual bathrooms and a water fountain with a dog fountain. Parking lot is small and often crowded, but does have a separate lot for horse trailers.

Matt Fitzpatrick

Too lazy to walk the 2 miles from my house to PB with my dog. So we just drive up, and walk a bit extra. There is a lot of wildlife to observe up there if you take your time to stop in different places and wait. Our dog loves it up there. If you take your dog to PB please keep it on a leash. All dogs are supposed to be on a leash, no exceptions. It is for everyones safety and your dogs. Seriously.

Ruth Britton

I really enjoy and love this park with its many paths and great view from the top. Be prepared you may see horses on the trails (spring water corridor side). Some paths can get quite muddy in the rainy season and and not all paths are easy to navigate with stroller. Best for walking/hiking. Be aware of speeding bicycles and possible homeless people camped out in nooks and crannies.

Luke Lehman

Great place to go for a morning jog. You can be adventurous and go off the butte through the forest on a long shady hike, or stay in the grasslands atop the butte to enjoy scenic views of Mt. Hood! If you have a good eye, you might spot wildlife like Hawks above or groundsquirrels! I ran here on a 5 mile run with Eastwind running club and it was gorgeous! Love Powell Butte Park!

SeaJay McConville

This park has a pretty decent trail thats good for beginners and children. A lot the beginning is paved which makes it easier to just hike for 30 mins in whatever shoes youre in. Once youre at the top its mainly dirt paths with rocks which isnt too bad but after a while could use some comfortable shoes. Nice views of the mountains and of portland. Pretty cool place.

Sprinting Moon

Horrible hike. Pictures are not true, parking took forever and when I asked people if its worth it only one person said yes. Theres no shade and all the grass is dead and it looks like youre hiking an ugly desert. Find something else to hike to this will make you cry because of how bad it is. If I could rate it 0 stars I would.

Michael Thomas

This is a great place to walk, stargaze on clear nights, and see unique habitats. The top is covered with oak wetlands. Fields of flowers spread out for miles with little ponds dotting the distant treeline. Good place for birdwatching, or a good place to walk your dog. Its out in the open so bring water and sunscreen.