Occupying a 1,000-foot promontory on 46 acres in the West Hills is Pittock Mansion (3229 NW Pittock Dr., 503/823-3623, http://pittockmansion.com, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. daily Feb.–June, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. daily July–Aug., 11 a.m.–4 p.m. daily Sept.–Dec., closed Jan., $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 youth ages 6–18), a grand 1914 home built by the then-editor of the Oregonian newspaper.

The 22-room mansion was built to contemporary tastes, with overlays of French, English, and Turkish design on the solidly handcrafted structure hewn from Oregon stone and timber. As much as possible, the mansion is outfitted with the Pittock family’s original furnishings, although all details have been carefully curated, making this a showcase of early-20th-century style and design.

Guided tours of the mansion are available, but it’s also worth the trip up to this coign of vantage simply for the fabulous views of Portland and the Cascade peaks rising to the east. There’s a tearoom open for lunch and beverages, or bring a picnic and take in the views.