I'm visiting, rating, and ranking as many of Portland's 279 parks as I can. Check out the introduction and rubric. You can also check out the map and rankings here.
I set out to walk my dog at all of Portland's parks as a way to become more familiar with the city, and Powell Butte was an enjoyable first entry. Spring is here, and I, along with thousands of other Oregonians, are taking to the streets/trails/playgrounds.
Powell Butte Nature Park is nestled in the southeastern-most corner of the city, a suburban area that feels worlds away from the high rises near the river. This large park houses miles of trails, various environments, and a surprising amount of wildlife (though on busy days you'll only catch glimpses of squirrels and birds).
We're ranking the parks of Portland on five criteria: dog-friendliness, kid-friendliness, walkability, scenery, and facilities.
Dog-Friendliness: 4.5
Welcome to 600 acres of prime Portland Park, and this first entry really feels like a dog walker’s paradise. The park was filled with dogs of every shape and size and miles of trails that facilitated plenty of space between leashed friends.
The only thing that keeps this park from a perfect score is the lack of poop bag stations and trash cans around the actual walking areas. The state of dog owners seems to be responsible and good, and I saw no dog poops left on the trail (though there were some filled bags left on the sides of trails, presumably to be picked up upon exit by pet parents).
I chose not to count the lack of a designated off-leash area against Powell Butte because the park is intended to be a natural area. An off-leash area simply goes against the design intent of the park.
Kid-Friendliness: 2.5
This park is great for so many people. But rambunctious children who need playground equipment are not included in that group. Near the parking lot and visitors center, there are plenty of walking areas that a stroller or humans with small legs can traverse (though I didn’t personally test this). And though the sculptures and signage feel both whimsical and informational, they might not make for the best park date if your little one is in need of swings, slides, and open fields.
Walkability: 5
If you’re just in for a walk, this is the place to go. According to the park’s website, there are over 9 miles of trails suitable for all kinds of modes of transportation. Get out there with your legs, wheels, and horses. You’ll find areas available for hikers, mountain bikers, pets, and some paved paths that seem suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Scenery: 4.5
On a clear day, several of the large mountains in the region can be spotted from a vantage point appropriately called Mountain Finder. From the visitor’s center, you can take an all-asphalt trail up there; or longer treks through forests, grasslands, seasonal wetlands, or oak savannah are also available to park-goers. Lots of flora to see, and even on a busy Saturday, with dogs all around, we enjoyed the company of several bird species I rarely see in the city’s busier areas.
As a nature park, the scenery fits perfectly with the intended design. As of March 2022 though, a large water storage project takes away from the vibe from certain vantage points.
Facilities: 4
On the northeast corner of the park (enter through SE 162nd) visitors will find a visitor’s center, bathroom facilities, and a parking lot. We visited on a Saturday, and it was quite busy; I get the sense we were lucky with our spot. There are several other entrances to the park, with trailheads that empty out straight into neighborhoods. I didn’t specifically enter the park through here, but Google Maps suggests there’s street parking.
The park's website had some great info about the ongoing projects at the park.
Overall Score: 21/25
Ranking as of posting: 1 (of 1)
What Portland park should we visit next?
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