Pittock Mansion has the best view in Portland. Literally. The mansion is situated 1,000 feet above the city, so you can see it all from the grounds.
The Pittocks wanted a big grand house built for themselves above the city so they could see the beautifulness of Portland right before their eyes every day of their lives. Henry and Georgiana were hard working people who had to overcome a lot to build their fortune. Henry became the owner of the Oregonian Newspaper and that's where it all began.
The house was completed in 1914 and has the most amazing view of the city. The grounds are so beautiful and well kept. It costs $12 to tour the house, but if you just want to go for the grounds and the view, it's free!
There is so much history in the mansion. It's incredibly large and grand. They offer guided tours of the place or you can walk around by yourself. Three floors of the mansion are available for you to see and you can request a special tour of the fourth floor if you feel so inclined.
This is definitely a place to add to your lists of must see places in Portland. I can't say I would want to tour the house again after going once, but I can see myself going for the grounds and the view every time I go visit my best friend. The also offer an organized hike of the grounds that span 46 acres. This activity is high on my to do list!