The Grotto — Attraction in Portland

I was really disappointed in my experience at The Grotto because I did not get to go to the upper gardens, and I was really looking forward to that part due to some of the very high praise for them in some other reviews here.

I arrived at ~6:45pm and there were no signs pointing to different areas at the entry I arrived at after looking up directions on Google Maps, so I started walking on the first path I saw (again, unlabeled). This led me through the stations of the cross which are quite 3D and very stunning. Unfortunately, this led me to arrive at the gift shop at 6:57pm, which worried me since admission to the upper gardens stops being sold at 7:00pm according to the website, but I thought I should still be good as it was technically before the cut-off. Well, turns out I was wrong. I was still able to view the famous cave and the sanctuary is beautiful, but not being able to go up really put a damper on my experience.

It makes sense - the elevator to go up is a bit away from the gift shop so I'd really have had to pay quickly and sprint to get to the elevator on time... but people a bit unfamiliar with the location, like me, wouldn't have known that before going. The website mentions a sales cut-off is at 7:00pm, so it seems reasonable for someone arriving to the property 15 minutes early, and to where the ticket sales are a couple minutes early, to still be able to get a ticket, right? I never usually get to places within their last couple hours open and I suppose this reinforced why. I just can't understand why an institution this important and old wouldn't have good signage at the first path when entering the property, and wouldn't explain online how far in advance one should expect to arrive at the ticket booth or at the elevator further into the property to be able to get in to the...

This is my absolute favourite spot in Portland. It's a gem, really and truly, in every way. Tucked away off the Sandy & 82nd intersection in NE, it's a lesser known paradise of the Portland area.

At ground level, there is a gift shop, a chapel built into the side of a cliff and a quaint church for services. These services are free and open to all. For $6, you can take the elevator 100 feet up to the part of The Grotto that makes it truly special.

At the top of this cliff, is a meditation room that clings in silent repose with a lovely view on a clear day. Aside from the meditation room, there is a sprawling garden and grounds that are lovingly tended to and home to thousands of different plants, trees and flowers. Set within this environment is an array of Christian art, much of it focused on the later life of Christ and his mother Mary (to whom The Grotto is dedicated). The lovely setting is perfect for meditating on your own existence, and your place within the grander scheme of existence.

Most visitors respect the silent nature of this space, and refrain from speaking loudly or making telephone calls while atop The Grotto. Please respect the reflective nature of this place, if you visit. While it's a Catholic establishment, folks of any background can surely respect and admire the beauty of this dedication to Mother Mary and the earth which we inhabit. Dogs are not allowed in the upper gardens, so plan accordingly.

During holidays, The Grotto hosts beautiful musical events that come with raving recommendations. Though please note that these events tend to be a...

This was a surprise recommendation from a travel bog & I am glad that I checked it out.

The Grotto is a quiet, green and peaceful space! There are two levels - lower & upper. To get to the upper levels, there is an admission fee of 10$ per adult. You can purchase them at the visitor center or the gift shop. They give you coins for a turnstile which allows access to an elevator that takes you to the upper level. I did not like that the only way to/from the upper level was via that 1 elevator, for the public that is.The upper level is essentially the space at the top of the hill. Mind you, the place is not too big. Expect to spend 20-40 minutes here.

I liked the meditation building which is perched on a cliff, facing the valley in the north, yielding views of blue skies & St Helens on a clear day. But, it wasn't much for meditation though. Apart from that, there were many panels, sculptures and marble art pieces placed along the garden path that told stories of Jesus and Joseph's sorrows & joys.I found these very interesting! There was also a very cute little chapel in the upper level. The lower level has a bigger chapel with many pews. And, it looks like they've regular mass there.

I'd recommend this place as a one time visit, at least for the view from the meditation center as well as the quiet, green space even if, like me, you're not interested in the religious services that this...