With nine miles of trails winding through 571 acres of
rolling grasslands, Powell Butte Nature Park is the perfect
inner-city getaway. From the gravel parking lot you can
choose from a variety of trails, but be sure to read the
signs--some allow for bikes (Pioneer Orchard, Old
Holgate, Meadowland, Orchard Loop, Mountain View
Trails) and horseback riding (Wild Hawthorn, Wildhorse,
Orchard Loop). The paths are well-maintained, and some
are even paved with new blacktop.
Once atop the butte, the views abound for 360 degrees -- on a
clear day, you can spot Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood,
Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson. The meadows of grass,
which are sprinkled with apple, pear and walnut trees, roll on
for great distances; and picnic tables are sporadically
situated, offering great locales for a midday lunch. Powell
Butte is also home to several species of wildlife, including
birds, raccoons, foxes, coyotes and deer.
-- Information courtesy Curtis Waterbury,
"Portland City-Search" Website, January 2002
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Link to:
portland.citysearch.com
-- search for "Powell Butte"
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