Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion
4.5
About
Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion was a modern home with unique architecture and the latest technology. Experience the story of Portland through the lives of one of its most influential families and get to know the pioneer spirit behind its transformation from “stumptown” to modern, industrial city.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Northwest District
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- Jerry WParis, Texas27 contributionsFascinating technology in a 1900 mansionThis mansion is about 120 years old, but had the latest technology-ahead of their time. Contains electric lights, rubber floor in cooking area, a refrigerated closet, a communication system and much more. It was an excellent place to spend a rainy afternoon.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 31 October 2023
- tumbleweedchrisRichland, Washington1,018 contributionsFree Parking AdviceFor folks that like gawking at old mansions, this is a good attraction. The mansion has minimal historical significance and was more or less owned by a newspaper family that went belly up a long time ago. I would say the family information has almost no interest to me as a result. They also indicate that most of the furnishings are not how the house would've looked. The mansion features, views, and construction are quite interesting, however. There are three floors of self-guided viewing, although the bottom floor is a rotating art exhibit. There is a vista point and a small guest house that are also included in the ticket. It's a gorgeous home with lots of neat features for the era the house was built in. The attraction charges for parking just like most everywhere else in Portland, which is irritating. I advise you don't encourage this ridiculous upcharge and park for free at the trail parking that is a very short walk from the entrance. You will pass it just as you make a sharp turn to the entrance. This is one of the better attractions I've seen in Portland if you like meandering through old mansions.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- Jamie S7 contributionsRainy Day at Pittock MansionAs one of the most historic sites to visit in Portland, the mansion and the grounds were breathtaking, especially on what turned out to be a rainy day. Within the mansion, there are many interesting historical facts along with furniture and antiques from different time periods. On the grounds, there are great views of the city and fall colors. There was also an exhibit for Eliza Barchus which contained her artwork and life details, which may have been the highlight of the mansion.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 November 2023
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia19,450 contributionsGreat intro to Portland in every wayDriving from the west, from the Oregon coast during our 8 day Pacific NW tour, this mansion was our first stop in Portland. It's set on a hill above Portland, in the western suburbs. Fair size paying parking lot onsite. I would suggest this to be your first stop in Portland also, as it gives you a good introduction to Oregon's biggest city in two ways. First, you'll learn it was the Pittocks who turned this place from a small muddy village into a booming metropolis. Second, from the mansion grounds - park around the house, there's the best Portland viewpoint - you'll have the entire city beneath you. Touring the house is paying and you can easily skip it. Nothing unseen (specially if you're coming from Europe) and I doubt the authenticity from early 20c. Walking the grounds is totally free along with the viewpoint, gardens, etc...Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 May 2024
- Nailah MKansas City, Missouri41 contributionsOverview of City is BeautifulI didn't actually visit the mansion as I didn't have time. I had heard about the wonderful view overlooking the city and I wanted to experience it. The day I was able to visit was crystal clear and beautiful. The mansion looks impressive with beautifully curated gardens. On my list for the next time I am in Portland.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 June 2024
- Sara G.Saint Louis, Missouri785 contributionsBeautiful Property with a ViewThe Pittock Mansion, once home to publisher Henry Pittock, is a beautiful mansion and property in Portland. This historic estate has early 20th-century architecture and history on the Pittock family's legacy. The real highlight, though, is the panoramic view—it’s one of the best spots to take in the entire city of Portland. A perfect mix of history, beauty, and breathtaking scenery! So much history here.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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2,578 reviews
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scott r
Silver Spring, MD779 contributions
Jul 2021
Fascinating house design, spectacular gardens and view, generally informative displays/signage. It is worth the tour and the setting is spectacular. That said, you proceed from one roped off area to another and sometimes get a livestock through the chute feeling which might be part covid and part that this is a very popular attraction. Caretaker's house was supposedly open and would have loved to see it as it plays an integral part in the family history - but it was locked. Rooms sometimes decorated by interior designers' (term used loosely) interpretations of xyz 'period' that has nothing to do with the house itself nor how it would have been decorated c.1910. Interesting history of Vanport on basement level - a story I did not know. With popularity of the place they probably do have limit access as is done, but compared with, say, the Overholser in OKC, the Bingham-Waggoner in Independence or Salisbury House in Des Moines, you get a much less thorough experience here.
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tumbleweedchris
Richland, WA1,018 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
For folks that like gawking at old mansions, this is a good attraction. The mansion has minimal historical significance and was more or less owned by a newspaper family that went belly up a long time ago. I would say the family information has almost no interest to me as a result. They also indicate that most of the furnishings are not how the house would've looked. The mansion features, views, and construction are quite interesting, however. There are three floors of self-guided viewing, although the bottom floor is a rotating art exhibit. There is a vista point and a small guest house that are also included in the ticket. It's a gorgeous home with lots of neat features for the era the house was built in. The attraction charges for parking just like most everywhere else in Portland, which is irritating. I advise you don't encourage this ridiculous upcharge and park for free at the trail parking that is a very short walk from the entrance. You will pass it just as you make a sharp turn to the entrance. This is one of the better attractions I've seen in Portland if you like meandering through old mansions.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim W.
Atlanta, GA1,312 contributions
Jul 2022
We had planned to stop here during our trip, but had stayed flexible on where to work it into our itinerary. We were on our final day in Portland where it made sense to try to visit this place (en route back from our day trip to Mount St. Helens) so we didn't have as much time or energy at that point. Had we visited earlier in the day, we might have toured the mansion also. As it was, we just toured the grounds, which is free.
To get to the mansion, you climb several hilly roads, eventually making a very sharp turn onto the final street. That leads to a narrow driveway (I wondered aloud if it was 1-way until we saw as 'share the road' sign...). This widens a bit an leads to...another sharp turn into the parking lot. All of this is more challenging as you meet an oncoming (thankfully slow) vehicle, but is still navigable.
The parking lot is fairly large. You have to pay to park here, which was the only expense we incurred. Also, I think there was a trail at the far end of the lot connecting to Washington Park, so you may be able to hike here from the park (you should research this if you want to pursue it).
We checked out the gift shop briefly before advancing to the mansion. If you are jus touring the grounds / gardens, you can circle around either side of the house. There are various flowers, shrubs, and trees all around. Most of the flowers seemed to be on the far side of the house. This was also where the lawn was located, which sloped down to a bluff overlooking the city. You could also see Mt. Hood clearly from there. It seemed to be a popular place for picnics.
The lot has a pronounced slope, so be prepared to climb stairs or a sloping asphalt path as you circle the house.
Depending on your schedule and your level of interest in old mansions, a tour of the house might be worthwhile (I think it cost on the order of $10 per person, but check their website). This was a nice stop with beautiful scenery. We probably toured all of the grounds in 45 minutes. It is worth checking out.
To get to the mansion, you climb several hilly roads, eventually making a very sharp turn onto the final street. That leads to a narrow driveway (I wondered aloud if it was 1-way until we saw as 'share the road' sign...). This widens a bit an leads to...another sharp turn into the parking lot. All of this is more challenging as you meet an oncoming (thankfully slow) vehicle, but is still navigable.
The parking lot is fairly large. You have to pay to park here, which was the only expense we incurred. Also, I think there was a trail at the far end of the lot connecting to Washington Park, so you may be able to hike here from the park (you should research this if you want to pursue it).
We checked out the gift shop briefly before advancing to the mansion. If you are jus touring the grounds / gardens, you can circle around either side of the house. There are various flowers, shrubs, and trees all around. Most of the flowers seemed to be on the far side of the house. This was also where the lawn was located, which sloped down to a bluff overlooking the city. You could also see Mt. Hood clearly from there. It seemed to be a popular place for picnics.
The lot has a pronounced slope, so be prepared to climb stairs or a sloping asphalt path as you circle the house.
Depending on your schedule and your level of interest in old mansions, a tour of the house might be worthwhile (I think it cost on the order of $10 per person, but check their website). This was a nice stop with beautiful scenery. We probably toured all of the grounds in 45 minutes. It is worth checking out.
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurer446183
Portland, OR23 contributions
Aug 2019
This is a must see if you are visiting Portland. It gives you an ides of how the upper half lived in early Portland. Beautiful grounds overlooking the city. The home, I believe, was owned by the original owner of the newspaper "Oregonian. Easy to get to from downtown.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renee R
14 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I rate the mansion itself 1-2 stars. There were so few items original to the Pittocks. Additionally, the rooms would be set up for the period but then the description says that it was not the way the Pittocks used it. One even said the bed used was not fancy enough. Personally, I want to see the "not fancy original bed" not a fancy period one!
The holiday decorations, though pretty, were not period at all. It actually distracted from the enjoyment of seeing the mansion. (This was my first visit.)
The reason for the three stars is that the view, the grounds, and the outside of the mansion are lovely and a 5-star experience. I would personally recommend driving up, paying the $2-3 dollars to park and walking the grounds. If you walk the backside, you will see an amazing view of Portland!
The holiday decorations, though pretty, were not period at all. It actually distracted from the enjoyment of seeing the mansion. (This was my first visit.)
The reason for the three stars is that the view, the grounds, and the outside of the mansion are lovely and a 5-star experience. I would personally recommend driving up, paying the $2-3 dollars to park and walking the grounds. If you walk the backside, you will see an amazing view of Portland!
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B. Darst
Irvine, CA138 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a great way to learn more about the city of Portland. Throughout the house, there is info all over regarding the history of Portland. There are also amazing views of the city since the house sits up on the hillside. I highly recommend seeing this landmark.
Written 9 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabe H
Northern Virginia, VA172 contributions
Sept 2021
The house has a number of interesting and beautiful architectural styles. The house is spacious enough to spread out visitors and keep socially distant. Most of the furnishings are donated period pieces (not the originals), but all are quite nicely done.
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brmusicman
Chicago, IL3,117 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
This beautiful mansion from the early 1900s offers sweeping views of the city and beautiful grounds. You can drive there, but we hiked; it’s part of the trail system within Washington Park. Our hike was definitely uphill! The forest was beautiful and it was cool to emerge at this mansion and be rewarded with the panoramic view of the city below. Note that the mansion is closed on some days; however, even on those days, the grounds are pretty and views fantastic. A nice addition to our Portland visit.
Written 23 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
munchkin19
Chicago, IL24 contributions
Jul 2021
This mansion is on the small side but beautiful none the less. The $10 entrance fee was well worth. The real star of the property is the location, way up from the city on a hilltop. The views are spectacular, and on a clear day you can see Mt. Rainer. The roses on the estate are lovely, and there are trails to hike on. This can be a full day excursion, the Test Rose Garden and Japanese Gardens are really close by. We took an Uber, no bus goes this far.
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nybe O
Portland, OR65 contributions
Mar 2020
The building is beautiful, and the grounds are well maintained. The view of the city and Mt. Hood is stunning, and can see that this view must be on a plethora of postcards! Peaceful day, will return when mansion is open.
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can the Washignton County Library cultural pass be used during the time when it is decorated for Christmas? The Pittock mansion event page says general admission discounts do not apply. And the cultural pass says it can't be used for special events AFTER hours. So, I am not sure if we can use it during normal hours but when it is decorated for Christmas. I tried calling but could not reach anyone.
Written 18 December 2022
I have no idea. It appears however you have answered your own question.
Perhaps if you wish to visit during the Christmas decoration event, you can go ahead, purchase your tickets online, then validate your question when you arrive. If it turns out you can use the pass, would think they would credit back your purchase
Written 21 December 2022
Is there an a
Fee to view the mansion?
Written 21 March 2019
Yes, there is a fee. You can buy tickets there. $12 for adults and 8 for kids 6-18. Free for kids under 6. The grounds are fun to visit and there is no charge to see the garden and the views.
Written 22 March 2019
Is it handicap friendly? My mother has a walker and I’d need to drop her off at the door. Is this possible?
Written 21 September 2018
There are handicap parking spots in the front of the mansion. You cannot pull up to the entries themselves as the driveways are gated and used primarily as pedestrian pathways.The Mansion has an ADA door on the basement floor and the original elevator. The elevator is often too small for electric wheel chairs, but staff can assist visitors with walkers and standard wheelchairs.
Written 4 January 2019
How long would you typically spend here?
Written 2 September 2017
We were on a tour and stopped for about 45 minutes. For me it was not enough time and I had to rush through certain rooms in the house.
Written 3 September 2017
Hola, yo haré escala de crucero en Portland el día 17 de Septiembre y estaremos allí de 7 am a 5 pm y me gustaría saber si el tour es en español y si nos daría tiempo a hacerlo. Gracias
Written 6 July 2017
Hola! Disculpa la pregunta, tu crucero es en Portland, Maine... o Portland, Oregon? He escuchado de cruceros muy pequeños que llegan a Portland, Oregon pero bueno... tal vez ese sea tu caso.
La mansión Pittock está en Portland,Oregon. El horario para septiembre es de 11:00-5:00pm. El recorrido lo harás tal vez en dos horas máximo y eso paseando por lo alrededores de la casa, visitando la tienda del museo...
Generalmente en los cruceros ves que te venden tours, tal vez ahi consigas una buena opción. Sé que son caros, pero tal vez consigas uno que te agrade y visiten varios puntos turísticos, pues el horario que indicas es suficiente. Que yo sepa el recorrido es en inglés y está incluido en el boleto. Solamente hay que esperar la hora de inicio que te indiquen.
Si tu crucero resulta ser de Portland, Maine (lo cual entendería porque me pasó a mi, a mi esposo y a mi mamá al buscar lugares turísticos de Portland...Oregon), veo que ahí también tienen una casa/museo para visitar: Victoria Mansion. Sin embargo, no pondría decirte nada al respecto... los comentarios del trip no son muy buenos... pero yo sí iría!! :-)
Espero que esto te haya ayudado en algo. Saludos y te deseo un excelente y hermoso viaje!!!!
Written 7 July 2017
What is the best route to walk to to the Pittock Mansion? We want to take a bus from downtown Portland, then enjoy a walk through the hills to the mansion.
Written 5 March 2016
Unfortunately, there isn't one! We wanted to walk from downtown too, but everyone we asked (from the hotel concierge to tourist information) said take a cab. We took their advice and it was a wise decision. The road up to the mansion is extremely narrow with no sidewalk, as well as very heavily traveled. Once you finish at the mansion, the employees in ticketing or the gift shop will call you a cab. Believe me, we were so glad we took their advice.
Written 6 March 2016
Can u walk on the grounds after the gate is closed? And how far is the walk up?
Written 28 February 2016
Not sure, however there is a hiking path that goes through Forest Park that takes you near there that isn't closed. I think it is the Wild Wood Trail. Parking for the trail is not very close.
Written 29 February 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Are there restrooms? Not port-a-potties, I have litte children and always need restrooms close by!
Written 26 December 2015
yes, there is restroom at entrance and a few actually inside the mansion.
Written 31 December 2016
When will they be decorating for Christmas this year. I am told it is an amazing place to visit for Christmas.
Written 15 November 2015
Yes! I found this on the net:
Celebrate the wonders of the holiday season at The Magic of Wintertime, Pittock Mansion’s annual holiday exhibit. This year more than 80 volunteers will transform the museum into a winter wonderland with decorations inspired by skiing and sledding in new-fallen snow, curling up in front of a fireplace with hot cocoa, and celebrating the holidays with family, friends and community. Local musicians will play regularly in the mansion’s Music Room during the exhibit.
Go and enjoy. I may see you there.
Written 16 November 2015
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