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If you’re looking for the best places to watch the sunset in Portland Oregon, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will list some of our favorite spots to catch a beautiful sunset view. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot with few people or somewhere that offers a little more excitement, we have something for everyone. So grab your friends and family and get ready to enjoy some of the best sunset spots that Portland, Oregon has to offer!

Sunset Spots in Portland Oregon

When you are deciding if you want to check out sunset spots in Portland, it can be helpful to get a sunset prediction. If the sky is going to remain overcast, it may not be worth the effort to go out of your way to see a sunset if the view is not going to be very impressive. One of my favorite ways to predict how nice the sunset will be is with the Alpenglow App. While it is not always 100% accurate, it is certainly helpful to gauge how likely a sunset will be good or bad.

Keep in mind that the best time of year to visit Oregon when it comes to sunsets is definitely late spring to early fall since fall, winter and early spring have a lot of rain and overcast skies. If the forecast looks less promising, check out this post on things to do in Portland when it rains. And if you want to make the most of your day in Portland, check out this post. Now that we have talked about the quality of the sunsets, let’s discuss some of the best places to watch the sunset near Portland.

Mt Hood

One of the best places to watch the sunset near Portland, Oregon is Mt. Hood. An accessible spot near Mt. Hood for both sunrise and sunset is Trillium Lake. The lake is located in the Mount Hood National Forest and is a short drive from Mt. Hood. The views of the sunset from the lake are stunning.

Mount Tabor

This largely dormant volcano is easily one of the best sunset spots in Portland since it offers sweeping views of the surrounding area while the sun sinks beneath the horizon.

So, pack a picnic, send the kids off to the playground, and relax on the hillside with a meal before hopping on a trail to the top.

And while the views from the summit are nice, they can be obscured. So, the best place to watch the sunset is on the west slope since you can enjoy unobstructed views over the reservoir.

It’s also worth noting that the park is closed to motorized vehicles after 10:00 pm and all day Wednesday.

Pittock Mansion

If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of the sunset, then head to Pittock Mansion. The mansion is perched atop of West Hills, providing visitors with an amazing view of the sun setting behind Portland’s skyline. This is reverse sunset colors but it is still beautiful and worth the trip.

Council Crest

Sitting at a cool 1,073 feet above sea level, Council Crest is easily one of the best places to watch the sunset in Portland.

After all, this well-located spot offers visitors epic panoramas of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and Portland itself.

Plus, you can access the overlook at the summit of Council Crest by car or by doing a 3.3-mile round-trip hike.

Before you set out though, just double-check the park’s hours since the area can close kind of early.

Powell Butte

The view from Powell Butte looking west across the Willamette River and downtown Portland is one of the best sunset spots in Portland. The sunsets here are often spectacular, with deep reds and oranges painting the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.

Sauvie Island

Okay so while Sauvie Island isn’t actually in Portland it’s still a great place to watch the sunset and is close enough to the city to be added to this list of the best sunset spots in Portland.

Now, to access the island, you can drive for 30 minutes or take bus 16.

Upon arrival, do the Wappato Loop hike, the Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail, visit Sauvie Island U-Pick Farms, relax on Walton Beach, or hang out at Sturgeon Lake.

However, for the views of this natural oasis while watching the sunset, hop on the Oak Island Trail and take in the beauty all around you.

Rocky Butte Natural Area

Rocky Butte Natural Area is a great place to watch the sunset. The views of downtown Portland and the surrounding hills are spectacular, and the sunsets are always beautiful. There’s plenty of room to spread out on the grassy hilltop, and it’s a great place to relax after a busy day.

Washington Park

Brimming over with exquisitely manicured gardens and world-class museums, Washington Park is a great place to relax the day away in Portland.

And while the zoo, forestry museum, and arboretum are not to be missed, the best places to go for sunset are the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden.

In fact, both offer incredible views of the city that you need to see to believe.

However, do double-check the hours of the Portland Japanese Garden before you visit since they can vary greatly throughout the year.

Crown Point Vista House

If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful sunsets spots in Portland, Oregon, you need to go to Crown Point Vista House. This historic building offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down. There’s a small parking lot at the top of the hill. However, it can be busy during peak times, so be prepared to park down below and walk up.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

One of the best places to watch the sunset in Portland is at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The park offers beautiful views of the city skyline and the Willamette River, and it’s a great place to relax after a long day. The park is located on the west side of downtown Portland, and it’s open from sunrise to sunset.

Best Sunset Spots in Portland FAQs

Where to go for sunset in Portland OR?

The best places to go for sunset in Portland OR is:

• Mt. Tabor
• Council Crest
• Pittock Mansion
• Rose Garden in Washington Park
• Vista House

Does Oregon Have Pretty Sunsets?

Yes, Oregon has stunning sunsets. And some of the best sunsets in the state can be found along the coast and near the Cascade Mountains.

Best Places to Watch the Sunset near Portland

If you are looking for amazing sunset spots in Portland, hopefully this list will help you figure out where to go. Watching the sunset is a great way to wind down your day and there are so many great places to watch the sunset in the Portland area. If you have extra time, a sunset over the Pacific Ocean is absolutely incredible. This is one of the reasons why visiting the Oregon Coast is on the list for the best weekend trips from Portland. Have you watched a great sunset in Portland? What is your favorite sunset spot?

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Waterfalls in Oregon
• Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes
• Best Waterfalls near Portland
• Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
• 10 Places to Visit in Oregon
• Easy Hikes near Portland Oregon

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