ROCKY BUTTE STATE PARK
Rocky Butte State Park is a stunning natural area that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park's most prominent feature is an extinct volcanic cinder cone known as Rocky Butte which rises to 612 feet above sea level and provides panoramic vistas of Portland cityscape, Columbia River Gorge and Cascade Mountains including Mount Hood. It features lush greenery with hiking trails winding through dense forests leading up to its summit where there stands Joseph Wood Hill Park - home to historical landmarks like a castle-like former jail building now serving as Bible College campus and an old airway beacon tower. This urban oasis serves not only for recreational activities such as picnicking or rock climbing but also acts as educational hub due its rich geological history.
Located in Portland, Oregon, this natural area is a volcanic cinder cone and part of the Boring Lava Field. The site was initially used as a quarry during the early 20th century before being converted into an outdoor recreational space.
In its earlier history around World War II era, it served as home to barracks for civil defense workers. Later on from 1948-1952, these were transformed into classrooms that formed the initial campus of Portland Community College (PCC).
The location also housed Rocky Butte Jail until it closed down in 1983 due to structural issues caused by landslides. Afterward, Multnomah County sold most parts of this land back to City Parks Department while retaining some portions for emergency management services.
Over time with various developments including construction work done under Works Progress Administration (WPA), today's park features include Joseph Wood Hill Park at its summit offering panoramic views along with amenities like picnic tables and interpretive signs about local geology & vegetation.
It has become popular among locals not just because of historical significance but also owing to opportunities offered such as hiking trails leading up through woods filled with Douglas fir trees or biking routes providing challenging uphill climbs rewarding cyclists' efforts with stunning vistas over Columbia River Gorge towards Mount Hood & St Helens volcanoes beyond cityscape below.