With more than 250 parks in Portland, it is easy to overlook some truly wonderful natural areas. Clatsop Butte Park is one such park that unless you live in the general vicinity, you may never have visited before. However, this lovely 43-acre park and the adjoining natural area is everything you need for some amazing views and peace and quiet in the city.
From the park on a clear day, you will find some inspired views of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens.
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At 571 feet in elevation, Clatsop Butte lies directly south of the more popular Powell Butte.
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Neighboring the park is 49 acres of land listed as a protected wildlife refuge, giving home to deer, foxes, coyotes, woodpeckers, and other migratory birds.
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Founded as a small park with 16 acres in 2000, further city land acquisitions saw the park and natural area increase to nearly 100 acres by 2007.
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In 2008, the natural area became listed by the city as a Protected Natural Area.
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There is a half-mile trail at the park that was built by local teenagers in 2010 as part of a summer program.
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Prior to declaring the area a park and protected natural area, the land was involved in a multi-year battle to prevent it from becoming a subdivision.
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Thankfully, this beautiful natural area was preserved, and now all can enjoy it for its great views and as a habitat for animals.
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Clatsop Butte Park is located at Southeast 152nd Avenue & Belmore Street, and is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily.
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Be sure to bring a camera (or phone) along so you can capture some great images while you are exploring the park.
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Have you visited Clatsop Butte Park? Let us know your experiences in the comments below.
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