10 Best Views and Viewpoints in Portland

Where to Take the Best Photos of Portland?

We’ve searched high and low, mostly high as you can see further with a bit of elevation, to find you some of Portland’s best views and viewpoints. The state of Oregon is known for its beautiful, natural scenery and even though Portland is a city, it’s stuffed with greenery and has plenty to offer fans of the great outdoors.

If you want to spend a little less time looking at screens and a little more time enjoying the world around you, here are our top suggestions. Whether that’s gazing at distant mountains, appreciating the city skyline or getting close to nature, you’ll find something you want to see on this list.


Portland Hotels

1. Mt Tabor Park

A great green space in the city

View of Portland from Mt Tabor Park.

Categoría: Familias, De aventura


Mt Tabor Park is a large, forested park and one of the city’s greatest assets when it comes to outdoor leisure time. It features well-maintained trails, picnics areas and public restrooms, plus a leash-off area for dogs and a visitors’ centre for those interested in the more than 100 years of history that details the park’s origins.

Climb to the top of Mount Tabor, an ancient and thankfully extinct volcano, and you will be treated to some stunning views. In the fore- to mid-ground, you’ll see the park itself and its tranquil reservoir, then the Portland city skyline, and finally the ridgeline of the mountains.


Ubicación: SE 60th Ave &, SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215, USA

Horarios: Daily from 5 am to midnight

Teléfono: +1 503-823-7529

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Mt Tabor Park

SE 60th Ave &, SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215, USA

2. Vista Bridge

A view from a bridge

A view of the Portland skyline.

Categoría: Foto, Parejas, Económico


Fans of the TV show Portlandia will recognize the view from Vista Bridge from the opening credits sequence. And you may want to visit to get a selfie with the roughly 100-year-old bridge itself. It’s an elegant structure to observe from below and you can easily walk to it from Washington Park.

To walk over the bridge and look out, you’ll need to approach it from SW Vista Avenue. Although it’s an active street, there is a sidewalk on both sides suitable for foot traffic. From the top, take in the great perspective of the city on one side, and the lush, green forests of Washington Park on the other.


Ubicación: 1260 SW Vista Ave, Portland, OR 97201, USA

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Vista Bridge

1260 SW Vista Ave, Portland, OR 97201, USA

3. Eastbank Esplanade

A social spot by the river

The Eastbank Esplanade walkway.

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Riverside walks such as Eastbank Esplanade often provide the best spots to take in a city. You benefit from the large open area of water in front of you to foreground a panoramic view. Eastbank Esplanade on the Willamette River is no exception. This paved walkway is over 2 km long and includes sections that break away from the bank and stand above the water itself.

The esplanade is popular with locals as well as visitors as the tree-lined path is ideal for jogging, dog walking and roller-skating. There are also plenty of benches for folks who just want to sit and enjoy the views of downtown Portland. Head out in the evening to see all the buildings lit up.


Ubicación: SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214, USA

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Eastbank Esplanade

SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214, USA

4. South Waterfront Greenway

Hello from the other side

The South Waterfront Park in Portland.

Categoría: Familias, Foto


Further up the Willamette River and on the west bank you’ll find South Waterfront Greenway. It’s wider and shorter than Eastbank Esplanade, with dual pathways and shady trees, perfect for stretching your legs with a stroller or taking the dog for a walk.

Where South Waterfront Greenway differs is in its easterly aspect, facing away from the most built-up areas. Instead, you’ll be treated to scenes of the tree-lined northern tip of Ross Island, in addition to the gentle flow of the river. Head down to the river shore for an uninterrupted outlook or find a bench in the greenway park to relax.


Ubicación: 0848 SW Curry St, Portland, OR 97239, USA

Horarios: Daily from 5 am to midnight

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South Waterfront Greenway

0848 SW Curry St, Portland, OR 97239, USA

5. Redwood Observation Deck at Hoyt Arboretum

Almost every type of tree in one place

A view from the Redwood Observation Deck at Hoyt Arboretum.

Categoría: Parejas, De aventura


The Redwood Observation Deck is a particular highlight in the Hoyt Arboretum. Deep among the mighty sequoia, this raised platform allows you to see through the trunks as a squirrel or bird might. It’s so gorgeous here that the space is sometimes rented for weddings, but it’s also lovely for more casual occasions like walking the dogs.

Hoyt Arboretum which makes up part of Washington Park, describes itself as “a museum of living trees” and with thousands of different tree species, it’s easy to see why. You could spend a whole day here observing all the variety nature has to offer, trekking the many trails on a forest bathing adventure.


Ubicación: Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR 97205, USA

Horarios: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm

Teléfono: +1 503-865-8733

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Redwood Observation Deck at Hoyt Arboretum

Wildwood Trail, Portland, OR 97205, USA

6. Scouters Mountain Nature Park

Where kids meet nature

A hillside trail in the forest.

Categoría: Familias, De aventura, Foto


If you’re in the southeast of the city near Happy Valley, why not take a trip to Scouters Mountain Nature Park? This heavily forested park is a great place to introduce kids to hiking. It has a loop trail that takes about an hour to complete, plus bathroom facilities and a picnic shelter.

The woodlands here are home to many wild animals so take note that dogs are not permitted. We recommend bringing binoculars and keeping an eye out for deer and other creatures. Once you emerge from the forest at the top of the hill, you’ll get views all the way out to Mount Hood, so bring a camera too and capture that memory.


Ubicación: 11000 SE Honorable Wy, Happy Valley, OR 97086, USA

Horarios: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm

Teléfono: +1 503-665-4995

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Scouters Mountain Nature Park

11000 SE Honorable Wy, Happy Valley, OR 97086, USA

7. Overlook Park

Not to be overlooked

A view of Portland from the park.

Categoría: Familias, Foto


The neighbourhood of Overlook and its beautiful park are situated a little way north of downtown Portland and hugs the shore of the Willamette River. Overlook Park features open green spaces for playing baseball and softball, plus a kids’ playground and off-leash area for exercising your beloved pooch.

Although the park is surrounded by mature trees, its position and short distance from the river afford views to the southwest of the wooded slopes of Forest Park. Such sights make a delightful backdrop for picnics and hangouts. Fill you picnic basket with takeout from the eateries along the N Mississippi Ave.


Ubicación: 1599 N Fremont St, Portland, OR 97227, USA

Horarios: Daily from 5 am to midnight

Teléfono: +1 503-823-7529

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Overlook Park

1599 N Fremont St, Portland, OR 97227, USA

8. Sue Conger Boardwalk and Overlook

A secluded spot filled with nature sounds

The Sue Conger Boardwalk in Portland.

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The Sue Conger Boardwalk and Overlook are named for the woman who worked tirelessly to save the nearby historic John Quincy Adams Young House. The boardwalk will take you into the Cedar Mill Creek Greenway, a secluded stretch of trees that winds through the neighbourhood following the path of the creek.

The “overlook” part of the boardwalk is a raised wooden platform that offers views of the beautiful, rocky waterfall. Take a seat on one of the overlook’s benches and absorb the sounds of cascading water and birds in the surrounding trees.


Ubicación: NW Cornell &, NW 119th Ave, Portland, OR 97229, USA

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Sue Conger Boardwalk and Overlook

NW Cornell &, NW 119th Ave, Portland, OR 97229, USA

9. Rocky Butte Natural Area

Views all the way to Mount Hood

A view of Mount Hood from the Rocky Butte Natural Area.

Categoría: De aventura, Foto, Económico


Buttes are lone hills in otherwise flat areas, making them ideal places to take in views over long distances, and Rocky Butte Natural Area is no exception. Its height allows you to see clearly across the city. While it is possible to scale the steep sides, this is strictly for experienced and well-equipped climbers.

The drive to the top is pleasant with trees on either side, and at the summit, you’ll enter Joseph Wood Hill Park. Climb the final stretch into what looks like the base of a castle from the outside but is actually the highest level of the park. From here, you’ll get fantastic views all the way to Mount Hood.


Ubicación: 3102 NE Rocky Butte Rd, Portland, OR 97220, USA

Horarios: Daily from 5 am to midnight

Teléfono: +1 503-823-7529

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Rocky Butte Natural Area

3102 NE Rocky Butte Rd, Portland, OR 97220, USA

10. Luuwit View Park

A hangout spot for the whole family

A park view in Portland.

Categoría: Familias, Foto, Económico


Serving the surrounding suburbs, Luuwit View Park features open fields, a skate park and a dedicated dog park. It’s an open and welcoming place for picnics and playing sports with your friends. You’ll also find climbing frames and other play equipment for kids to enjoy.

The park is named for its views, and in addition to the lush green of the park itself, you can expect to see the surrounding hills and mountains. It’s also a great place for watching planes take off and land at nearby Portland International Airport.


Ubicación: NE 127th and, NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97230, USA

Horarios: Daily from 5 am to midnight

Teléfono: +1 503-823-2525

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Luuwit View Park

NE 127th and, NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97230, USA

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