Agent Info
Marisa Swenson
Earth Advantage Broker
971-285-7955
Agency Info
MRealty Inc
2211 NW Front Ave Ste. 101
Portland, OR 97209
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Rocky Butte Park
Rocky Butte is an extinct volcanic cinder cone that is a member of the Boring Lava Fields group of more than 30 extinct volcanoes in Portland, OR. Today, Rocky Butte is home to Joseph Woodhill Park and is a popular destination for rock climbers that don’t want to travel out of the city limits. The Grotto, one of my favorite places to take photos at, is also located at the base of Rocky Butte.
Located at:
3351 NE Rocky Butte Rd
Portland, OR 97220
Powell Butte Nature Park
Powell Butte is a member of the Boring Lava Fields group of extinct cinder cone volcanoes in and around Portland. Having been extinct for over 300,000 years it is now used as a city park facility. Activities include: hiking, bike and equestrian trails.
Located at:
16160 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR
The Boring Lava Fields
A couple of years ago I took an Oregon geography class at PCC and was introduce to the Boring Lava fields in Portland. I am a Portland native and had never heard of these and became fascinated with them. The Boring Lava Fields is the name given to all the small mountains that we have sprinkled through the city and along the outskirts of South Eastern Portland to Boring. The lava field is a series of 32-50 (apparently they are still locating all of them) cinder cone and shield cone volcanoes that were formed 2.7 million years ago but have been extinct for about 300,000 years. Some of these extinct volcanoes have been turned into amazing parks while others have been just names as mountains.
Here is a list of some of the more popular ones:
Mt.Scott
Kelly Butte
Larch Mountain
Mt. Sylvania
Mt. Tabor Park
photo by Marisa Swenson
This extinct cinder cone volcano is one of the most unique parks in Portland. Part of the Boring Lava Field chain of extinct shield and cinder cone volcanos, the main rocks that you will find of course is lava rocks. Other features of the park include: amphitheater, dog off-leash area, children’s play area, tennis courts, multiple picnic areas, basketball court refurbished by Nike a couple of years ago (thus the huge swoosh in the center of the court), a track at the top of the park good for running laps, very steep stairs good for exercise, and picturesque reservoirs that are still functional (and not covered thanks to the neighborhood association).
Located at:
SE 69th and Belmont
Portland, OR 97215
Thatcher’s Restaurant and Lounge
photo by Marisa Swenson
Montavilla neighborhood sports bar/dive that just had a face lift. Good place for a casual quick beer with a friend to catch up on old times.
Located across the street from the Bipartisan Cafe:
7905 SE Stark
Portland, OR 97215
Caldera Restaurant
This cozy pub style restaurant at the top of the hill on Stark in SE is a must try. The interior is mainly lit by candles and the back patio in dining in the summer has an equally soothing ambiance. The drinks and food are really good and the waiters are very friendly. Housed in a historic turn of the century drug store painted the most fabulous color of blue gray I have ever seen. It makes me want to take a sample and paint my own house the same color.
Located next to Cooper’s Coffee Shop:
6031 SE Stark
Portland, OR 97215
Salty’s Dog and Cat Shop
photo by Marisa Swenson
Nothing says “you have arrived” as a hip neighborhood like a boutique for pets. This lovely pet store offers organic food for dogs and cats as well as very hip collars, leashes and toys. Dogs are welcome to come on in and shop too of course!
Located in Montavilla:
8119 SE Stark
Portland, OR 97215
Bazaar of the Bizarre
photo by Marisa Swenson
The name pretty much says it. This odd little store is full of gag gifts, unique and vintage replica toys. I have purchased some of the toys here and found this porcelain Dark Horse comics brand Mighty Mouse Christmas ornament, which is my favorite ornament on the tree. So, if you are looking for something different or from your childhood (if you are over 30 years old) then this is the place to go.
Located at the N end of Montavilla:
7202 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR 97213
Montavilla Community Center and Park
photo by Marisa Swenson
I’m a Mom of an almost 2 year old so when me and the little man get cabin fever on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday we jet up to the Montavilla Community Center a couple of blocks away and get our indoor park on! It is a bargain at only $.50 for 2 solid hours of hardcore, nap inducing playtime. It is a great place to bond with other neighbors and moms. The community center also offers a ton of classes, outdoor swimming in the summer and hosts the monthly Neighborhood Association meetings. Montavilla Park is connected to the community center.
Located at:
8219 NE Glisan
Portland, OR 97220
Johnny’s Original Montavilla Barbershop
photo by Marisa Swenson
I took this black and white photo a couple of years ago with an old Canon A-E1 for a photography class project where I was supposed to be taking photos in the style of Robert Frank’s “The Americans”, more photos here with photos at the Bipartisan also. I had the opportunity to hang out with Johnny and one of his clients while I was shooting. If you can’t tell by the photo, this place keeps up a very original barbershop feel. Johnny knows everything about the neighborhood and was very friendly and funny. He kept asking me if I was a spy from the new hair salon across the street. So if you are looking for a clipper cut, flat top or a hot towel straight razor shave, stop on in.
Located in Montavilla:
7828 SE Stark
Portland, OR 97215
