Powell Butte

Overview

Views from one of the intersection looking west

It was a rainy forecast and I was looking for a good place for my wife and I to go and get a light hike in. Going east of the pass was not an option because a major winter storm was heading for the Cascade Passes. In desperation I decided to head to metropolitan Portland to hike up one or a couple of its extinct volcano buttes than dot the eastern side of the town. It had rained horribly the day before and it was raining the day of our hike. I decided to give Powell Butte Nature Park a shot and I am glad I did.

Looking northeast from the summit

For desperate peak-baggers this is a safe choice for a light hike. It is low enough to avoid most 0f the fog from the higher mountains but high enough to get good views even on a cloudy day. It is urban enough that one can get there on an hour of notice but rural enough that one feels far away from the city. I was there on a cloudy day so I did not see any volcanoes but on a clear day one can see Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams. Unlike most small peaks there are views pretty much from the beginning of the trailhead all the way to the summit. My personal opinion is that this park is much more scenic that nearby Mount Tabor Park near downtown Portland. If you are in Portland even if you have only a couple of hours, take the time to visit this park.

View North from the fields

Getting There

The Powell Butte Nature Park. You are at the right spot if you see this sign!!

There are also trail that leave from Foster Road. Take the same directions except you will want to turn on 136th avenue and head south from Powell Blvd and then make a left on Foster Rd. Parking is very limited from the south.   

Route

Map of the Park courtesy of the Powell Butte Nature Park

There are lots of routes to get to the summit of Powell Butte. The most popular route to the summit is from the main parking area in the north. It is known as the Mountain View Trail and is 1.5 miles roundtrip and 300 feet of elevation gain from the parking lot. It is very doable even to the most out of shape peak-bagger. There is a slightly tougher way from the south with 500 feet of elevation gain for those who want more of a challenge.

 

BearQueen on the summit

Red Tape

The Nature Park has limited hours, which usually lies from sun up to just after sundown. Parking though is free and the park is available every day of the year. 

When to Climb

Looking east from the summit

This is truly a four season park. Snowfall is very rare in winter (2- 5 inches a year) and summers are increasing becoming very hot. Fall colors in metro Portland usually peak out around Halloween most years and there is a lot of color in the city. I went here on a cloudy day and even on that day I got a great view.

BearQueen located between the trees

 

Camping

Camping is not permitted at this page. There are plenty of accommodations in metro Portland from cheap motels to 5 star hotels.

External Links

Powell Butte Peakbagger Page

Powell Butte Nature Park Page

Portland Running Page - Powell Butte