Portland, Oregon's largest city, sits at just 15 meters (50 ft) above sea level at its core, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. However, the city's West Hills rise dramatically to over 500 m, creating one of the most dramatic urban elevation profiles in America.
Key Facts at a Glance
| City centre elevation | 15 m |
|---|---|
| West Hills | 300–511 m |
| Highest point (Pittock Mansion area) | ~165 m in city, 511 m overall |
| Coordinates | 45.5231° N, 122.6765° W |
| Country / Region | Oregon, USA |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Pearl District | 10–30 m |
| Hawthorne / SE Portland | 20–50 m |
| NE Portland / Alberta Arts District | 15–45 m |
| North Portland / St. Johns | 5–30 m |
| West Hills / Forest Park | 80–511 m |
| Lake Oswego / SW Portland | 25–120 m |
Compare: Portland and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | 56 m |
| San Francisco, CA | 16 m |
| Vancouver, BC | 3 m |
| Denver, CO | 1609 m |
Interesting Facts About Portland's Elevation
- Forest Park in Portland's West Hills is one of the largest urban forest reserves in the US, stretching 18 km along the Tualatin Mountains at 100–500 m elevation.
- Portland's Pittock Mansion at 165 m offers views of five Cascade volcanoes on clear days.
- The Columbia River, forming Portland's northern boundary, is the most powerful river in the western US by volume.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Portland
What is the elevation of Portland, Oregon?
Portland's city centre is at about 15 metres (50 feet) above sea level near the Willamette River. The West Hills rise to over 500 m, giving Portland a remarkable range of elevations.
Are there hills in Portland?
Yes, very much so. While east Portland is flat, the West Hills rise sharply from downtown to heights over 500 metres. Forest Park alone covers a 50 km² forested hillside.
Can you see Mount Hood from Portland?
Yes, on clear days Mount Hood (3,429 m), Rainier, Adams, St. Helens, and Jefferson are all visible from Portland's higher elevations.