The Grotto
A cliffside Catholic sanctuary with a replica Grotto of Lourdes, Pieta sculpture, and serene botanical gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, find peace
The Grotto
Best Time
Avoid crowds, find peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cliffside Catholic sanctuary with a replica Grotto of Lourdes, Pieta sculpture, and serene botanical gardens.
"A place where one can let loose the shackles of this world, even if for a moment."
🎯 Free Entry, Gardens Cost
The main Grotto is free! Only the upper gardens require a ticket for elevator access. :ticket:
🧘♀️ Embrace the Serenity
This is a place for reflection. Speak softly and soak in the peaceful, calming atmosphere. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grotto Sanctuary
A cliffside sanctuary featuring a stunning Pieta sculpture, offering a place for quiet reflection and prayer.
Botanical Gardens
Upper Level
Serene gardens with walking paths, Marian shrines, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Experience profound tranquility and a sense of inner peace, regardless of your religious background.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Upper Gardens Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Gardens Cost
The main Grotto is free! Only the upper gardens require a ticket for elevator access. :ticket:
🧘♀️ Embrace the Serenity
This is a place for reflection. Speak softly and soak in the peaceful, calming atmosphere. :pray:
🚗 Plan Your Arrival
Consider arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy the quiet. :car:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially if you visit the upper gardens. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Gardens Cost
The main Grotto is free! Only the upper gardens require a ticket for elevator access. :ticket:
🧘♀️ Embrace the Serenity
This is a place for reflection. Speak softly and soak in the peaceful, calming atmosphere. :pray:
🚗 Plan Your Arrival
Consider arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy the quiet. :car:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially if you visit the upper gardens. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Grotto for its profound peace and serene atmosphere, making it a beautiful sanctuary for reflection. While the main sanctuary and lower gardens are free and highly appreciated, the upper botanical gardens, accessible for a fee, are also lauded for their stunning views and tranquil environment. It's a place that offers a sense of calm and beauty to all who visit, regardless of their religious beliefs.
"I went on a weekday and it was fairly empty. The place itself is free to visit the only thing that requires a purchase is to see the gardens above the mountain. Everything below that is beautiful and free to see. The church is nice and decorated and the sculptures outside are great. Bathrooms by the gift shop. I did buy tickets to take the elevator to the gardens and they were also cool. More sculptures and flowers up there to see. Definitely a very unique church worth visiting."
Guillermo Rangel
"A great place to visit and pray, very peaceful and comfortable.
I traveled by road for about 10 hours from Sacramento, but it was well worth the trip. Especially when I arrived at 7 a.m. before the first Sunday mass at 8 a.m., the atmosphere was still calm and quiet, allowing me to focus on prayer. I will be back again."
Lusianawati Ball
"Such a peaceful and calming place The mass session was serene and uplifting, creating a sense of deep tranquility. The garden above is absolutely spectacular; it's so quiet and soothing that even speaking loudly feels out of place. It’s the kind of atmosphere that invites reflection and inner peace. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a moment of calm away from the noise of daily life."
Aki A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grotto is located in Northeast Portland, Oregon. You can reach it by car via I-205 N or I-84 W, with ample parking available. Public transportation options include bus routes that stop nearby. :bus: :car:
Yes, The Grotto offers free parking for visitors. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can get busy. :parking:
From downtown Portland, take I-84 East to Exit 7 (NE 102nd Ave). Turn left onto NE 102nd Ave, then right onto NE Sandy Blvd. The Grotto will be on your left. :road:
Yes, you can reach The Grotto using public transportation. TriMet bus lines 12 and 72 stop within walking distance of the sanctuary. :bus:
The lower level of The Grotto is generally accessible. The elevator to the upper gardens also accommodates wheelchairs. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main Grotto sanctuary and lower gardens is free. However, there is a fee to access the upper botanical gardens via the elevator. :ticket:
The admission fee for the upper gardens is approximately $10.95 per person. This includes access to the botanical gardens and shrines via the elevator. :moneywithwings:
The Grotto is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during certain seasons or for special events. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours. :clock:
Tickets are not required for the free entry to the main sanctuary. If you plan to visit the upper gardens, you can usually purchase tickets upon arrival, but booking online might be an option. :computer:
Yes, The Grotto holds regular Catholic masses, particularly on Sundays. Check their schedule for specific mass times. :church:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the serene Grotto sanctuary with its Pieta sculpture, wander through the peaceful lower gardens, and take an elevator to the upper botanical gardens featuring more shrines and scenic views. :camerawithflash: :walking:
Yes, The Grotto offers a peaceful environment that families can enjoy. The gardens provide space for children to explore, and the serene atmosphere can be calming. :family_mm:
A visit can range from 1-2 hours for the main sanctuary and lower gardens, to 2-3 hours if you include the upper botanical gardens. :timer:
Restrooms are available near the gift shop on the lower level. :toilet:
Photography is generally permitted in most areas, but always be respectful of worshippers and any posted signage. :iphone:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a gift shop that may offer some snacks or beverages. For full meals, you'll need to dine at restaurants outside of The Grotto's immediate grounds. :coffee:
Picnicking is generally not permitted within the sanctuary or gardens to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. :sandwich:
📸 📸 Photography
The Pieta sculpture in the sanctuary, the panoramic views from the upper gardens, and the serene pathways offer excellent photo opportunities. :camera:
Drone usage is typically prohibited at religious sites like The Grotto to ensure peace and respect. Always check their specific policies. :noentrysign:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good idea to manage expectations for younger children, emphasizing the quiet nature of the site. The free entry to the main area makes it an accessible outing, and the ticketed upper gardens can be a worthwhile splurge for a different experience. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking. :family_mm: :walking:
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
The upper botanical gardens further enhance this spiritual journey with their serene pathways and numerous Marian shrines. It's a place where one can connect with nature and find inner peace. Arriving early on a weekday is advised to fully absorb the tranquility without distractions. :pray: :meditation:
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Portland
It's a perfect spot to break up a busy day, offering a moment of calm and beautiful scenery. Consider packing a light snack if you plan to stay longer, though dining options are limited on-site. The Grotto provides a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance that's worth experiencing. :daytrip: :camerawith_flash:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grotto's Spiritual Significance
The sanctuary also features botanical gardens on its upper level, accessible by an elevator. These gardens offer a tranquil escape with meticulously maintained pathways, diverse plant life, and various Marian shrines. Visitors often describe the gardens as a place of profound peace, where the natural beauty enhances the spiritual experience. It's a space designed for quiet reflection, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
While rooted in Catholic tradition, The Grotto welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. Many visitors, regardless of their religious affiliation, find the site to be a place of immense beauty, peace, and quiet contemplation. The combination of natural scenery and spiritual artistry creates a unique and uplifting environment.
Experiencing the Upper Gardens
Visitors often praise the tranquility of the upper gardens, noting how the quiet atmosphere encourages reflection and a sense of calm. It's a popular spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat, with benches strategically placed for visitors to sit and enjoy the scenery. The blend of natural beauty and spiritual elements makes it a unique and restorative space.
While there is a fee for the upper gardens, many visitors find it to be well worth the cost for the added beauty, serenity, and expansive views it offers. It's a recommended addition to a visit to The Grotto for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit