Hiking with Kids Open
Powell Butte Nature Park
4.7(3,355)4.7 out of 5 stars, 3355 reviews Portland, OR
About Powell Butte Nature Park
Powell Butte Nature Park offers a vast natural escape in the city, featuring numerous trails suitable for families and pets, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities with children.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a day out in nature without leaving the cityDog owners seeking a safe and friendly environment for their petsParents wanting to introduce their children to hiking and outdoor activitiesSuitable for all ages, particularly families with young children and teenagers who enjoy outdoor activities
Why families love it
- Diverse trails that allow for different hiking experiences each visit
- Calm and quiet environment, perfect for family outings
- Stunning views from various points, comparable to more developed parks
- Family-friendly atmosphere with many other families present
- Multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty
- Dog-friendly policies, allowing families to bring pets along
Insider tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Check parking availability before heading out on weekends or sunny days
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no food vendors on-site
Good to know before you go
- Weekends during peak hours when the park is likely to be crowded
- Trails near residential areas if safety is a concern for your family
- Some trails are close to residential backyards, which may concern parents
- Parking can be limited on nice days, potentially requiring a longer walk
- Crowds
- Can get busy on weekends and sunny days, especially in the afternoon
- Value
- Free entry to the park with no hidden costs; offers significant value for families looking for outdoor activities compared to paid attractions.
- Food
- No food vendors available; visitors should bring their own snacks and drinks
- Accessibility
- Trails are generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though some may have uneven terrain
- Safety
- Presence of other families and dog owners enhances the feeling of safety
What parents say
"I just love that I live within walking distance of Powell Butte. I take my dog olive the staffy hiking up there almost every day. There's so many different trails to go on I've yet to go on the same exact route twice. When your up there it's hard to believe you are still in the middle of the city. It's a beautiful place to explore. I highly recommend it!"
a week ago
"This place was super nice, calm, quiet. I met some friendly people on the way. As someone who only travels with her dog, safety was a concern for me but I saw plenty of people and families to feel safe. The only part I was concerned about was the trail close to people’s backyards on the lower half. Other than that I felt safe! There are plenty of trails to take and great views!"
5 months ago
"Huge natural area right in the heart of far southeast Portland. This place is huge. You can easily spend most of the day hiking here. The views from the top are amazing. Comparble to Mt.Tabor. Except bigger and less developed. Great place to walk your dog. Most of the hikes aren't too demanding. There is parking on the top of the hill. But dont be surprised if parking is full on nice days."
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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