Pittock Mansion – A Historic Landmark with Portland’s Best Views

Pittock Mansion was the home of Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana Pittock, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, community leaders, and very influential people of the time. Henry Pittock founded The Oregonian newspaper, while Georgiana Pittock established the Portland Rose Society and the city's Rose Festival. Their contributions helped shape Portland into Oregon's cultural and business hub.

Construction of the 23-room French Renaissance-style mansion began in 1909 and was completed in 1914. Today, Portland's Bureau of Parks and Recreation manages the 46-acre estate in the West Hills. The mansion and its front garden provide panoramic views of the city skyline, the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, and Mount Hood from 1,000 feet above sea level—one of the best vantage points for viewing the mountain.

The estate features a scenic picnic area, a greenhouse, and several buildings, such as the Italianate gate lodge, a servant’s residence, and a three-car garage. Pittock Mansion is a building with unique architecture, rich in history, and full of remarkable stories attached to it.

This French Renaissance château blends English, French, and Turkish architectural influences and houses an impressive collection of historic furnishings, musical instruments, art, and artifacts—many with storied origins. In 1974, the mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The 30-mile Wildwood Trail, designated National Recreation Trail, runs from Washington Park to Forest Park, passing through the Pittock Mansion area. This urban forest trail is divided into multiple segments and trailheads, allowing for section-by-section hikes.

The Pittock Trailhead offers several walking options. One option is an easy 1.6-mile round-trip hike that starts by descending the Wildwood Trail. After 0.6 miles, turn right onto the Macleay Trail, then bear right onto the Upper Macleay Trail before turning left back onto the Wildwood Trail.

A moderate 3.3-mile round-trip hike also begins by descending the Wildwood Trail. After 0.5 miles, go left onto the Upper Macleay Trail, then left onto the Wildwood Trail. Continue to the Stone House, also known as Witch's Castle, before turning around and retracing your steps along the Wildwood Trail.