Portland’s Pittock Mansion: A Landmark With Deep History And Spectacular Views
Positioned 1,000 above the city in Portland, Oregon, the Pittock Mansion offers unique insight into the city’s evolution from a pioneer town at the turn of the century to the advanced industrialized metro it is today.
A Portland landmark, Pittock Mansion offers permanent and temporary exhibits that spotlight the architecture and the life and times of the family who once called the mansion home.
Early History Of Pittock Mansion
Construction of the Pittock Mansion began in 1912. Nestled high in the West Hills, this ‘mansion on the hill’ is surrounded by the beauty of Forest Park.
A prime example of French Renaissance architecture, Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana Burton Pittock became the first occupants in 1914.
Tragically, the couple only lived in this home for a few years before their deaths. Their extended family lived there until 1958.
Built on a 46-acre plot using Tenino sandstone, Pittock Mansion offers panoramic views of Portland and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974- following significant restoration by the Pittock Mansion Society who had found it in a dilapidated state because of damage caused by nature through the years.
In 1965, it opened to the public as a historic house museum.
The nonprofit Pittock House Society is the steward of the facility and they aim to maintain the mansion’s allure to visitors while instilling respect and recognition of Henry Pittock’s contribution to the city.
Henry and Georgiana Pittock
Born in London, Henry Pittock was an adventurer who grew up in Pittsburgh. In his late teens, he headed west on the Oregon Trail around the same time that Georgiana Burton left Missouri with her family to also head west.
Portland was just a frontier town back then, still striving to become an industrial city.
After working as a typesetter in the highly competitive newspaper publishing industry, Henry was given ownership of The Oregonian in lieu of back wages shortly before he married Georgina.
Through years of hard work, he transformed the paper into a successful newspaper that remains a well-respected enterprise in Portland, even in today’s online media world.
Not limiting himself to publishing, Henry was an astute businessman. He increased the family’s wealth through real estate, mining, banking, ranching, railroads, steamboats, and mining. As an avid outdoorsman, he was in one of the first groups to climb Mount Hood.
A philanthropist, Georgiana was involved in several charities and cultural organizations. The gardens at Pittock Mansion still bear testimony to her passion for gardening. The Pittock family is enmeshed in Portland’s history through their hard work, community service, and pride in their home.
Panoramic View of Portland, Oregon
With captivating views as you approach the house, the city of Portland is sprawled at your feet and the Cascade Mountains are in the distance, with Mount Hood appearing prominently.
It has been reported that the five peaks are visible on a clear day- Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson.
The Pittock Mansion House
The oval-shaped house with wings on each side contains 23 rooms, each with its own purpose and unique charm. The rooms include:
- A spectacular library
- Parlor
- Music room
- 5 big bedrooms
- Turkish smoking room
- Sewing room
The unique oval rooms with curved wooden floors contain some innovative modern features such as an elevator, central heating, and a refrigerator room- quite a feat at the time.
The classic Victorian cost between $190,000 and $350,000 to build and is filled with the rich history and remarkable stories of one of Portland’s early families.
Each of the 23 rooms tells its own story this mansion tells a story. Filled with magnificent architecture, history, and innovations from that era, the mansion is currently valued at approximately $5-8 million dollars.
Features of Pittock Mansion
- The Grand Staircase: With impressive marble stairs and carved wooden rails, the staircase suggests antebellum homes in the South and leads to the upper levels of the house, mainly the bedrooms for various family members and guests.
- The Gate Lodge: Close to the original gated roadway leading up to the mansion, the lodge is open to visitors to tour this Italianate-style home with four floors connected by a central staircase. Originally occupied by the family’s chauffeur and his family, and later by the estate steward and his wife and young daughter, the lodge and main house became run down after they left in the 1950s. Only some floors of the lodge are open to touring.
- Landscaping: Because of the beauty of the view, many people choose to sit on benches or spread out on their blankets on the lawn.
- Pittock Mansion Society Events: A multitude of events are hosted every year. These exhibits showcase Portland’s history.
What You Need to Know
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210
Directions: Some GPS systems direct drivers to a dead-end street. Rather follow the street signs on Burnside.
Road Signs: There are green and white signs to guide visitors approaching from either Northwest Barnes or West Burnside Road.
Public Transport To Pittock Mansion: TriMet bus 20 (Burnside/Stark to Beaverton TC) travels to the West Burnside and stops at Northwest Barnes Road.
Be sure the bus’s electronic sign says “to Beaverton TC” or ask the driver. The mansion is a half-mile uphill walk further and is signposted.
Hours: Daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and January maintenance days
Parking: The parking lot at Pittock Mansion can fill up quickly over peak season (June–August and late November–December), especially on weekends.
The lot is run by Portland Parks and Recreation’s “Pay to Park” system and current rates can be found on their website. Carpooling, cabs, ride-sharing, or public transportation are other options.
Pittock Mansion ticket price: Exploring the grounds and enjoying the view is free but to go inside Pittock Mansion, the tickets cost-
- Adults: $14.50
- Seniors (65+): $12.50
- Youth (ages 6–18): $10.50
- Children (under 6): FREE
Advance Booking: In peak season it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Photography policy: Visitors may take photos of the mansion and casual photos of each other but no flash photography is allowed indoors.
Visitors should note that by entering the premises, they consent to the use of their likeness for promotional or educational purposes by Pittock Mansion, its affiliates, and representatives. Inform the photographer or a visitor services representative if you don’t want to be photographed.
Anyone wanting to use the Mansion as a backdrop or film sets, portraits, or artistic photography may do so outside normal operating hours but must submit a commercial photography & filming request. The requests are all subject to approval and facility rental fees will be payable.
These details are all subject to change. The latest information is available on the Official Pittock Mansion website.
Pittock Mansion Weather Forecast
| Weather Condition | Comport | Precipitation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Condition | Temperature | Amount | Rain Chance | Wind | Humidity | Pressure | |
|
Today
12:00 pm
|
36° | 43°°F | 0.03 inch | 71% | 5 mph | 73 % | 1017 hPa | ||
|
Tomorrow
12:00 pm
|
36° | 40°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 8 mph | 78 % | 1012 hPa | ||
|
Friday
12:00 pm
|
37° | 45°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 12 mph | 87 % | 1009 hPa | ||
|
Saturday
12:00 pm
|
39° | 44°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 11 mph | 90 % | 1013 hPa | ||
|
Sunday
12:00 pm
|
35° | 42°°F | 0 inch | 0% | 3 mph | 67 % | 1026 hPa | ||
|
Monday
12:00 pm
|
37° | 42°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 15 mph | 92 % | 1012 hPa | ||
|
Tuesday
12:00 pm
|
42° | 46°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 12 mph | 92 % | 1020 hPa | ||
|
Wednesday
12:00 pm
|
44° | 45°°F | 0.04 inch | 100% | 5 mph | 96 % | 1026 hPa | ||
| Weather Condition | Comport | Precipitation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Condition | Temperature | Amount | Rain Chance | Wind | Humidity | Pressure | |
|
Today
11:00 am
|
40° | | 0 inch | 0% | 2 mph | 69 % | 1017 hPa | ||
|
Today
12:00 pm
|
40° | | 0 inch | 0% | 3 mph | 73 % | 1017 hPa | ||
|
Today
1:00 pm
|
41° | | 0 inch | 0% | 1 mph | 67 % | 1017 hPa | ||
|
Today
2:00 pm
|
42° | | 0 inch | 0% | 2 mph | 61 % | 1016 hPa | ||
|
Today
3:00 pm
|
43° | | 0 inch | 0% | 1 mph | 56 % | 1015 hPa | ||
|
Today
4:00 pm
|
42° | | 0 inch | 0% | 1 mph | 54 % | 1014 hPa | ||
|
Today
5:00 pm
|
41° | | 0 inch | 0% | 1 mph | 53 % | 1012 hPa | ||
|
Today
6:00 pm
|
42° | | 0 inch | 0% | 3 mph | 54 % | 1011 hPa | ||
|
Today
7:00 pm
|
41° | | 0 inch | 0% | 3 mph | 55 % | 1011 hPa | ||
|
Today
8:00 pm
|
40° | | 0 inch | 1% | 4 mph | 57 % | 1010 hPa | ||
|
Today
9:00 pm
|
39° | | 0.02 inch | 51% | 4 mph | 65 % | 1010 hPa | ||
|
Today
10:00 pm
|
39° | | 0.03 inch | 71% | 5 mph | 69 % | 1009 hPa | ||
Frequently Asked Questions About The Mansion
In Pittock Mansion’s Museum Store, there are light snacks and beverages available but may not be taken into the museum.
As a historic house museum, the mansion is not designed for stroller use. While they may be used, visitors will need to be able to carry them up and down the stairs or check them at admissions or the main entrance.
The lodge is not wheelchair accessible but the mansion has a designated accessible entrance and elevator. Motor scooters and larger wheelchairs will not fit in the original 1914 Otis elevator. Call Visitor Services at 503.823.3624 before visiting to find the best accessibility options.
A limited amount of donation tickets are made available to support fundraising for local nonprofits and schools. They can be requested using the Donation Request Form.
Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are allowed but staff may ask whether the animal is required because of a disability, and the task or work the dog has been trained to perform. Emotional support, therapy, and service dogs-in-training are not recognized as legal service animals under the ADA.
Pets are only allowed on the Mansion’s grounds but not in the house or lodge. Owners must comply with all City of Portland ordinances regarding pets in public spaces.
The Pittock Mansion Museum Store is in the Garage building. It sells numerous things, including period-inspired men’s and women’s accessories, décor, toys and games, history books, and holiday decorations.
Limited private event opportunities are available but weddings are not allowed. Email Lauren Hasenmiller at [email protected] for details.