damabarr9 ([info]damabarr9) wrote in [info]damnportlanders,
@ 2008-08-29 18:45:00
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Aladdin's view
Hi all, I've lived in Portland for a year and a half now and there's one thing I've yet to really, really find: a place with sacred city views.  The esplanade is cool for views of downtown, and the bridges are nice, but loud and there's no place to sit and read or watch the sunset.  Tabor is nice as well, but I'm after more of a panorama and a place more centrally located.  

The HUB on Powell has some decent views as well, but again... I want that sacred panorama.  I heard once that theres a way up to the 5th floor of the City Liquidators building... which would be amazing.  I'm after something like that.  Anyone care to share their discoveries?  I''m not after trouble, but I wouldnt mind pushing through some if-y doors and risking getting kicked out.  Remember the Disney cartoon Aladdin? When our hero takes Jasmine to his abode and shares his view of the city?  Thats what I'm after. Minus the princess.  Minus the monkey.  Minus the potential violence.

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[info]sliceincircles
2008-08-30 02:04 am UTC (link)
the view from Pittock Mansion is nice, and I believe theres a few benches for your sitting and reading.

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[info]natsukaze
2008-08-30 02:15 am UTC (link)
Council Crest has a really nice panoramic view, especially on clear days.

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[info]adamsbja
2008-08-30 04:45 am UTC (link)
Probably one of the most impressive views in the city.

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[info]bigyellow_joint
2008-08-30 02:53 am UTC (link)
Theres a little cove by the river in SE that gives a much quieter, closer view of the river than the esplanade. You sit on a rock shelf, I could see Aladdin and Abu there. =] apparently its called pirate island, if there isnt a party gong on its lovely.

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[info]adamsbja
2008-08-30 04:46 am UTC (link)
Is that the island pretty much in the river? If so I didn't know there was a way out there.

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[info]bigyellow_joint
2008-09-01 02:41 am UTC (link)
not an island exactly... its like a coast if the river hadone. its just rocks but theres a neat little shelf you can climb down in so theres rock over your head and you can dangle your feet off. its peaceful =]

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[info]damabarr9
2008-08-30 08:15 am UTC (link)
ohhhhh! sounds promising. what are some cross streets nearby, so i know where to begin looking?

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[info]bigyellow_joint
2008-09-01 02:43 am UTC (link)
hmmm...the time i wandered down there my mind was...off expanding somewhere. I walked through adds addition and straight through some industrial area... couldnt remember the streets for the life of me though im sorry, Not n island, but im positive it IS known as irate island.

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[info]grain_damaged
2008-08-30 04:37 am UTC (link)
If you don't mind a cocktail or dinner (or glass walls) there are fantastic views to be had at the Portland City Grill at the top of the Bank of America Building Downtown.

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[info]baisez_moi_svp
2008-08-30 05:44 am UTC (link)
Didn't they get featured on Dirty Dining?

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[info]urban_affair
2008-08-30 04:41 am UTC (link)
Two words: Skidmore Bluffs. Shhhh
On the east side of the river, take Skidmore as far west as you possible can. You'll run into a culdesac w/ a foot path going beyond the chain stretched across the road. Its technically a city park, but is under the radar.
Pretty good views of downtown and the train yards around Swan Island. Killer place to watch the sunset and drink adult beverages.

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[info]damabarr9
2008-08-30 08:15 am UTC (link)
yes! I looked up some tagged photos on flickr and that's exactly what i'm after. thanks very much! I won't tell a soul.

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[info]_fool
2008-08-30 03:57 pm UTC (link)
seconded. i've done exactly that (watch the sunset and drink adult beverages) there.

families do occasionally wander through, but rarely hang out since there is no playground equipment.

be careful, the north bench is on its last legs (if you flop down on it, it might throw ya)

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[info]str8ontilmornin
2008-08-30 04:42 am UTC (link)
Have you tried thee rose garden?

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[info]roachpatrol
2008-08-30 05:16 am UTC (link)
I second the rose gardens. The city isn't as all-around you as it could be if you're in one of the skyscrapers, but it's pretty cool to be surrounded by roses but still looking at the city.

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[info]damabarr9
2008-08-30 08:16 am UTC (link)
I have tried the rose garden. Its great! But I'm after something a little farther out from the beaten path.

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[info]_fool
2008-08-30 03:58 pm UTC (link)
the actual "top" of the hills in the arboretum might be more your speed. bonus, you can see both the sunset to the west (and all the way out to hillsboro-ish) as well as the city to the east.

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[info]meisterdorf
2008-08-30 06:28 am UTC (link)
Go to OHSU, theres a large observation deck just off of where the tram comes in. It affords a very nice view of the entire city.

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[info]_fool
2008-08-30 03:59 pm UTC (link)
agreed--i take all my out-of-town visitors there if it isn't cloudy. not much good for sunsets though, since she faces east exclusively.

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[info]beccalavelle
2008-09-03 08:09 am UTC (link)
Gotham Tavern in NE Portland has a nice view of the Fremont Bridge, and is even better during the sunset.

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