How can I get really high in Portland, Oregon?
September 25, 2009 5:38 PM Subscribe
How can I get really high in Portland, Oregon?
I would like an aerial view of this city. I do not have access to a plane. I've yet to ride the tram, but I don't think that will get me high enough. Ideally, I'd like to climb to the top of the tallest building downtown. Will they let me do that? I'd also appreciate hearing about your favorite lookout spots and any other stunning views.
I would like an aerial view of this city. I do not have access to a plane. I've yet to ride the tram, but I don't think that will get me high enough. Ideally, I'd like to climb to the top of the tallest building downtown. Will they let me do that? I'd also appreciate hearing about your favorite lookout spots and any other stunning views.
Council Crest is the best choice for what you're thinking of. (I watched the Mt. St. Helens eruption from there.)
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:09 PM on September 25, 2009
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:09 PM on September 25, 2009
Ride the elevator to the top of The Grotto.
Seconding Portland City Grill. They have a decent happy hour, also.
posted by ainsley at 7:56 PM on September 25, 2009
Seconding Portland City Grill. They have a decent happy hour, also.
posted by ainsley at 7:56 PM on September 25, 2009
In Washington Park the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden both have stunning views.
If you have friends who live there, you can go up to the roof of hi-rise apts on Burnside next to the Volvo sign. It has better views than the Portland City Grill since it is higher up on the ridge and being outside makes it seem more real (versus peering through glass).
Also OHSU campus.
posted by at the crossroads at 8:42 PM on September 25, 2009
If you have friends who live there, you can go up to the roof of hi-rise apts on Burnside next to the Volvo sign. It has better views than the Portland City Grill since it is higher up on the ridge and being outside makes it seem more real (versus peering through glass).
Also OHSU campus.
posted by at the crossroads at 8:42 PM on September 25, 2009
The apartment building I mean is this one.
posted by at the crossroads at 8:51 PM on September 25, 2009
posted by at the crossroads at 8:51 PM on September 25, 2009
Much as I adore the Rose Garden in Washington Park, trees block most of the view, unless there's a specific spot you're thinking of that I've missed. I do love that part of the park though!
posted by 2oh1 at 8:58 PM on September 25, 2009
posted by 2oh1 at 8:58 PM on September 25, 2009
A great view is to be had on the annual Bridge Pedal. Otherwise, City Grill is about it. I'm pretty sure, though, that it's on the 30th floor of Big Pink (42 floors). Still, pretty lofty for Stumptown.
posted by valentinepig at 9:44 PM on September 25, 2009
posted by valentinepig at 9:44 PM on September 25, 2009
Great view from the Marquam Bridge, that is. Also, ride your bike to North Portland and on Willamette Drive there's a great view. Also from Overlook Park - a small pocket park at the top of the bluffs.
posted by valentinepig at 9:48 PM on September 25, 2009
posted by valentinepig at 9:48 PM on September 25, 2009
You might also try the parking structure 1 at Portland State. Go to the top (8 floors of parking) and you actually have a very lovely view :)
posted by pdx87 at 9:50 PM on September 25, 2009
posted by pdx87 at 9:50 PM on September 25, 2009
Rocky Butte has fantastic views of the city, downtown, Mt. Hood, The Gorge, Vancouver, the airport, etc.
posted by Asbestos McPinto at 10:11 PM on September 25, 2009
posted by Asbestos McPinto at 10:11 PM on September 25, 2009
There are more buildings above the St. Clair mentioned above that may have better views. The miss and I like to wander around on that hill. Also, the view from the OHSU tram is kind of mediocre but from the top is totally awesome.
posted by roygbv at 1:12 AM on September 26, 2009
posted by roygbv at 1:12 AM on September 26, 2009
If you skulk around the waterfront for long enough, some stranger or another will offer you his illegal transportation device.
This is not THE HIGHEST building, but I have heard that the courthouse (1000 SW 3rd) has a lovely terrace on which to dine, & has excellent views of the waterfront to enjoy. (I believe this has been seconded by Palahniuk, but after Snuff I do not trust his judgement.) You do need photo ID & to look like you have business there. I keep meaning to hop on over, but it's a gov't building & my college schedule is not conducive to 9-to-5s.
posted by opossumnus at 5:22 PM on September 27, 2009
This is not THE HIGHEST building, but I have heard that the courthouse (1000 SW 3rd) has a lovely terrace on which to dine, & has excellent views of the waterfront to enjoy. (I believe this has been seconded by Palahniuk, but after Snuff I do not trust his judgement.) You do need photo ID & to look like you have business there. I keep meaning to hop on over, but it's a gov't building & my college schedule is not conducive to 9-to-5s.
posted by opossumnus at 5:22 PM on September 27, 2009
I've always preferred the view from Pittock Mansion to Council Crest, but I'm strange like that. The view of the city itself looks better to me there.
posted by geckoinpdx at 5:18 PM on September 29, 2009
posted by geckoinpdx at 5:18 PM on September 29, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
Departure is at the top of the Nines Hotel on top of the downtown Meier & Frank. Err, I Mean Macy's) (Warning: California Douchebag Alert)
Council Crest Park is at the top of the West Hills and has stunning views of the city in one direction and Beaver Town in the other. (Warning: teenagers making out alert).
posted by dersins at 5:45 PM on September 25, 2009