In mid-May 2016, the Powell Butte Nature Park Visitor Center officially opened its doors to the public.

The new Visitor Center is now open for public use Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservation is needed.

The facility features a solar roof, full-wall mural of Portland, interactive display panels, pipe exhibits including a 90’ walk-through pipe, a paved interpretive trail highlighting the butte’s diverse habitat types, and displays by local tribes. The facility also includes restrooms that will be open during park hours.

The Visitor Center replaces the “little red shed” which served as the Nature Park’s maintenance building and restroom for many years.

The Visitor Center, along with the caretaker’s house and maintenance building, were required under the Portland Water Bureau’s Conditional Use Master Plan to build the second of two 50-million gallon underground reservoirs at Powell Butte. The first 50-million gallon underground reservoir became operational in 1981 and the second in 2014.

For additional information, visit www.portlandoregon.gov/water/powellbutte.  

Keeping the Visitor Center Safe
If you see someone in the act of tampering with, removing, or destroying park property, please contact Portland Police at 9-1-1 and Water Bureau Security at 503-823-6084.