Day trip destination: The view from Rocky Butte

PORTLAND, Ore. - When I was a teenager the kids would head up to Rocky Butte at night to sit in their cars and make out.

I have no idea whether that's still done (I'm ol' married folk now) but I do know that if you head there during the day it can be a great place to just hang out, relax and take in the view.

I recently took my little Chihuahua, Chester, up to Rocky Butte for a little 'me and the dog' time.  And judging from the look on his face (see Exhibit A below), I think it's safe to say he enjoyed our little outing.

If you've never been to the top of Rocky Butte, the view is spectacular - a 360-degree look at the mountains that surround the Portland area, the rivers than run through the city and the civilization below (you can even see the giant IKEA store). 

The park at the top of Rocky Butte, Joseph Wood Hill Park, dates back to the 1930s.  Even more interesting is that Rocky Butte is actually a volcanic cinder cone that sits on the Boring Lava Field.  You can learn more at the USGS Web site.

Park hours are 5 a.m. to midnight and it costs absolutely nothing to go there.  Click here for a map and directions. 

And don't forget the camera!

(All photos by Shannon L. Cheesman, KATU.com Producer/Reporter)