Lone Fir Cemetery
Lone Fir Cemetery: A peaceful, historic resting place in Portland, rich with stories, stunning trees, and unique gravestones.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Lone Fir Cemetery
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lone Fir Cemetery: A peaceful, historic resting place in Portland, rich with stories, stunning trees, and unique gravestones.
"This cemetery is the shitznitzs, y'all should come here and talk to the dead people!"
🚶♀️ Walk Safely
Feel safe during daytime walks; it's peaceful. Cops are vigilant.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty respectfully. Avoid disturbing graves or being insensitive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gravestones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover unique and ornate headstones, some dating back to Portland's early days. Look for interesting carvings and epitaphs.
Victorian Mausoleums
Various sections
Explore the impressive architecture of Victorian-era mausoleums, offering a glimpse into the past and a sense of solemn grandeur.
Notable Burials
Specific plots
Seek out the final resting places of prominent Portland figures and learn about their contributions to the city's history.
Zinker Headstones
Various sections
Keep an eye out for 'zinkers,' unique headstones that make a distinct sound when tapped, a fascinating historical detail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Time for Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Safely
Feel safe during daytime walks; it's peaceful. Cops are vigilant.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty respectfully. Avoid disturbing graves or being insensitive.
🌳 Enjoy the Shade
Shady trees make it cooler on hot days, perfect for a picnic.
👻 Guided Tours
Join a Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery tour for fascinating history and stories.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Safely
Feel safe during daytime walks; it's peaceful. Cops are vigilant.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty respectfully. Avoid disturbing graves or being insensitive.
🌳 Enjoy the Shade
Shady trees make it cooler on hot days, perfect for a picnic.
👻 Guided Tours
Join a Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery tour for fascinating history and stories.
🚲 Bike-Friendly Paths
Great for bike rides with beautiful scenery and historical markers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lone Fir Cemetery for its peaceful atmosphere, historical significance, and natural beauty, especially during fall. It's a popular spot for respectful exploration, photography, and even picnics. Some reviews mention the unique stories and characters associated with the burials, adding to its 'perfectly Portland' charm.
"first time going here and it was not a disappointment. I much prefer to be around dead people than living so this was a lovely experience for my that I would highly recommend for others who also hate living people. the grass was green and lush and there was not too much mud with he rain we just had. I saw a beautiful goth couple meandering around the cemetery I'd like to see more of that for sure. all in all y'all this cemetery is the shitznitzs so y'all should come here and talk to the dead people you know not everyone in this cemetery died of natural causes......"
Elizabeth Deffenbaugh
"Totally awesome historical cemetery tour given by the friends of Line Fir Cemetery! Look it up and give them a few hours to guide you through the history and stories of the people who made Portland what it is, and how they wound up below your feet."
Zachary Stafford
"I came here on a bike ride and the day couldn’t have been better, with spectacular trees in their gorgeous fall colors, amazing old gravestones and new ones too, and a Metro-sponsored report by ghosts on the sad and often gruesome manner of their death. “Lesson kids: don’t play with dynamite.” So perfectly Portland!
Updated from six years ago with a more recent photo :)"
Sarah Gilbert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lone Fir Cemetery is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options, including bus routes, also serve the area. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.
Yes, there is parking available within the cemetery grounds, making it easy to access for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! The cemetery is a popular spot for walking and biking, with scenic paths that allow you to explore at your own pace.
Several bus lines stop near Lone Fir Cemetery. It's recommended to use a transit app or website to find the closest and most efficient route from your location.
While many paths are paved, some areas may be uneven. It's advisable to stick to the main pathways for easier navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lone Fir Cemetery is generally free to enter and explore. There are no admission tickets required for general visiting.
The cemetery is typically open daily from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them for any specific holiday hours or closures.
No, advance booking is not necessary for individual visits. However, if you plan to join a guided tour, it's recommended to check availability and book in advance.
Visitors are generally expected to leave before dusk to ensure safety and respect for the grounds.
Yes, photography is permitted, but it's crucial to do so respectfully, avoiding disturbance to gravesites or ongoing services.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historic gravestones, Victorian mausoleums, notable burials, and enjoy the beautiful natural landscape. Keep an eye out for unique features like 'zinker' headstones.
Lone Fir Cemetery is generally considered safe for daytime visits. It's a peaceful place frequented by walkers and visitors.
Yes, the Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery often offer guided tours that delve into the history and stories of the people buried there.
Yes, many visitors enjoy picnics amidst the serene surroundings, especially under the shade of the mature trees.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you'll likely be doing a lot of exploring on foot. Dress for the weather.
📸 📸 Photography
The cemetery offers numerous picturesque spots, from ornate gravestones and mausoleums to the beautiful trees, especially during fall foliage.
While photography is allowed, it's essential to be respectful. Avoid disturbing graves, stepping on them, or being intrusive.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful, soft light that enhances the atmosphere. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure peace and quiet. It's best to check with cemetery management before flying a drone.
The cemetery is ideal for historical, gothic, or nature photography, capturing the unique atmosphere and architectural details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To enhance the experience, look into guided tours that are family-friendly. These tours can transform a simple walk into an educational adventure, teaching kids about local history in a memorable way. Emphasize the importance of respectful behavior, explaining that it's a place where people are remembered, much like visiting a grandparent's grave.
📸 Photographers and Artists
Whether you're drawn to gothic aesthetics, historical details, or the beauty of nature reclaiming man-made structures, you'll find ample subjects. Remember to practice respectful photography, ensuring your creative pursuits don't disturb the peace of the grounds. Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting conditions. The fall season, with its vibrant foliage, offers particularly stunning opportunities. Look for unique angles, textures, and the stories etched into the headstones to capture compelling images.
👻 History Buffs and Urban Explorers
For urban explorers, the cemetery offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past in a tangible way. The sheer scale and variety of the monuments, from grand mausoleums to humble markers, tell a collective story of life, death, and remembrance in the Pacific Northwest. Keep an eye out for unusual headstone types like the 'zinker' for an added layer of discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History
Many visitors find immense value in taking a guided tour, often offered by organizations like the Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery. These tours bring the history to life, sharing anecdotes about the individuals buried there and their impact on Portland's development. You'll learn about the often gruesome or poignant circumstances of their deaths, adding a layer of human connection to the historical narrative.
Beyond the prominent figures, the cemetery also tells the story of everyday Portlanders. The variety of headstones, from simple markers to elaborate monuments, offers a glimpse into the lives and legacies of a diverse community. It’s a place where history is not just read about, but felt and experienced through the tangible remnants of the past.
Photography Etiquette and Inspiration
However, it's crucial to approach photography with respect. As highlighted by creators, cemeteries are places of remembrance, and visitors should avoid disturbing graves, stepping on them, or being insensitive to the solemnity of the location. The 'ghost brush' concept encourages a mindful approach, ensuring that your presence is unobtrusive and respectful of the deceased and their loved ones.
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the stone. Early mornings also tend to be quieter, allowing for more contemplative shots.
Unique Features and Discoveries
The cemetery also showcases a variety of burial practices and artistic expressions. You'll find everything from simple, weathered markers to elaborate, sculpted monuments and imposing mausoleums. This diversity reflects the evolving tastes and economic statuses of Portland's past residents.
For those interested in local lore and quirky historical facts, the cemetery offers plenty. The 'Metro-sponsored report by ghosts on the sad and often gruesome manner of their death' mentioned in a review adds a touch of Portland's characteristic dark humor and storytelling to the experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit