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Rocky Butte Natural Area

Natural area
A photo of a trail at Rocky Butte Natural Area.

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Size in acres

19.64

Year acquired

1988

History

Rocky Butte is an extinct volcanic cinder cone butte with steep forested slopes visible from Interstates 205 and 84. Joseph Wood Hill Park is located at the top. The slopes of Rocky Butte are managed as the Rocky Butte Natural Area. The Butte is part of the Boring Lava Field, a group of over 30 cinder cones in Oregon and Washington. The site was formerly home to Rocky Butte Jail.

Formerly known as Wiberg Butte, a large quantity of rock was removed from the quarry on the east face of Rocky Butte in the 1940s for use in a new Multnomah County jail. After the jail was demolished in the 1980s, much of the stone was reused along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Images
Rocky Butte Natural Area Mt St Helens View

In this Park Facility

Park Location or Entrance

Rocky Butte Natural Area main entrance
NE Rocky Butte Road
Portland, OR 97220
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Open hours

5:00 p.m. to midnight.

Parking around the park is restricted in the evening; review parking signage carefully.

Park amenities/activities

Paths (Unpaved)
Trails (Hiking)
Statue or Public Art
Vista Point
Historical Site

City section

NE

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