Pittock Mansion

When I visit I always like to go to Washington Park to see the roses and get a nice view of Portland.  Because we had relatives visiting we decided to go to Pittock Mansion which is this beautiful mansion (duh!) that overlooks Portland and gives you a GREAT view of Mt. Hood...usually.  Because of the forrest fires in California we actually were under a smoke warning so the top of Mt. Hood was cut off!  We were able to see the bottom with all of the snow and the green around it but the top was completely chopped off.  That was a bit disappointing.  We were able to walk around the house and look at the different flowers in bloom - even some roses -- which was great.  The grass was very lush and green and it was just nice to walk around the grounds.  You don't have to pay to walk around the grounds, only if you decide to go inside the mansion.  I don't know if I have ever been inside but my sister and mother go often.  Every Christmas they decorate the outside AND inside of the mansion so its a good time to visit - especially if you like tea because they do a high tea service.