Park hours: 5:00am-10:00pm. Vehicle access is restricted to the visitor center and parking lot. The entry gate is closed promptly without exception and all visitors should plan on returning to the parking lot in time to vacate the park before closing time. For safety and security reasons, the parking lot access is restricted to the seasonal hours listed below.

Fall: 7:00am-8:00pm (September 1-last Saturday in October)
Winter: 7:00am-6:00pm (last Sunday in October-first Saturday in April)
Spring: 7:00am-8:00pm (first Sunday in April-May 31)
Summer: 7:00am-10:00pm (June 1-August 31)

PP&R has adopted a procedure for closing the trail system during the wet season in order to protect the soil and surface of the butte. Due to the poor construction of the original trail system, water is channeled down the trails increasing the down-cutting and soil erosion. Most of the trails are soft surface which is particularly vulnerable to bicycle and horse usage. As funding and volunteers are available, PP&R is working on trail surface treatments that prevent erosion and drain water away from the trail. As trail surface conditions improve, the trail system will allow for longer periods of use during the wet season.

When are the trails open to bicycles and horses?
The condition of the trail system is monitored on a daily basis to determine the condition of the trails. When the trail surfaces are found to be dry and firm, the trail system will be opened to bicycle and equestrian use.

When are the trails closed?
In the event that rain is predicted within the next 24 hours, the trails will be closed. This closure will be based on a probable likelihood of deteriorating trail conditions. Should trail conditions remain dry, the trail system will be opened the next day.

How do I find out the trail access status?
For the current access status for bicyclists and equestrians, call 503-823-1616. This recorded message will post the access status for the next 24 hours.

Powell Butte is open to pedestrian use throughout the year. Portland Parks & Recreation does request that hikers be sensitive to the trail conditions and avoid locations that are soft or showing signs of active soil erosion.

The Friends of Powell Butte is an organization consisting of neighbors and friends dedicated to and concerned about the qualities and resources of Powell Butte Nature Park. The association works closely with PP&R in planning and implementing park improvements, and providing volunteer services and citizen input. Monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at the caretaker's residence near the parking lot. For more info, go to Friends of Powell Butte.

Powell Butte, an extinct cinder cone volcano, rises near the headwaters of Johnson Creek - an urban creek with remnant populations of native salmon and steelhead. The park is comprised of 608 acres of meadowland and forest.

Before the turn of the century, the large meadow area was cleared and an orchard planted. In 1925 the City of Portland purchased the land from George Wilson for future water reservoirs, but continued to lease the northeast portion of the property to Henry Anderegg, a farmer and owner of Meadowland Crest Dairy, until 1948 when the farming was discontinued. However, dairy cattle were permitted to graze on the acreage to preserve the pastures. In the mid-1970s the Water Bureau prepared a development plan for Powell Butte that called for the construction of four 50-million gallon underground reservoirs to be located at the north end of the butte. In 1981 the first, and only, reservoir was built and still serves as the hub of the Water Bureau's distribution system. Also, the Powell Valley Water District has three reservoirs on the butte. In 1987 the City officially established Powell Butte as a nature park and the park was opened to the public in 1990.

Today, miles of trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Abundant wildlife populates the park, including rabbits, ring-necked pheasants, ground squirrels, raccoons, gray foxes, skunks, bats, chipmunks, coyotes, and black-tailed mule deer. The park is home to many birds of prey with its open meadows, groves of wild hawthorn trees, forested slopes of Western red cedar, and wetlands near Johnson Creek.