| What
to bring: As with any outdoor venue in Oregon, it's good to dress weather
and season specific. In the spring and fall, layering is a good idea while also
being prepared for the random rain shower. During the winter expect everything
from heavy rain to even ice. The wind is also a factor, so expect to have some
windy conditions when you visit as The Grotto is located close to the gorge.
The Rev. Topper said that most people only need to bring their cameras and have
enough time to reflect or just take a slow hike to the top of the cliff in the
middle of the sanctuary.
Season: Open every day but Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year's Day. Winter
hours (Oct. 1 - March 31): Monday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday - Sunday: 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. (Last admission taken at 3:30 p.m.)
Summer hours (April 1 - Sept.
30): Monday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday - Sunday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Last admission
taken at 6:30 p.m.)
Getting there: The main public entry to The
Grotto, located on Sandy Boulevard (Highway 30) at Northeast 85th Avenue, is near
the junction of the 1-205 and 1-84 freeways just minutes from downtown Portland
and Portland International Airport. From
1-5 or Downtown: Take 1-84 Freeway eastbound and exit at NE 82nd Avenue. Follow
the off-ramp and feeder street to the signal. Turn right on to NE 82nd (Highway
213) and continue northbound approximately 2 miles to Sandy Boulevard. Turn right
(eastbound), stay in the right lane, and continue 1/4 mile to The Grotto's main
public entry at NE 85th. From
1-84 Westbound: Take the 1-205 northbound exit. Stay in the right lane, and take
your second exit (#23B - Highway 30 Bypass). Stay in the left exit lane to a Sandy
Boulevard Westbound. Continue 3/4 of a mile to The Grotto entry, located on the
left at NE 85th Avenue. From
1-205 Northbound: Take Exit 23B - Highway 30 Bypass and follow the instructions
for 1-84 Westbound. From
1-205 Southbound: Take Sandy Boulevard exit #23A. Stay in the right lane as the
exit forces you to turn right and cross the freeway overpass. Turn right at the
first signal, next to the Best Western Motel, onto Sandy Boulevard westbound.
Continue 3/4 mile to The Grotto, located on the left side of the street at NE
85th. Tri-Met
Mass Transit: Riders can take the #12 (Sandy Boulevard) east bound to The Grotto,
or the #72 (82nd) north bound to Sandy Boulevard, we are three blocks east of
82nd avenue on Sandy Boulevard. They are within in walking distance from the new
Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center.
Fees: Admission is free, but during
the Festival of Lights, which usually runs from Thanksgiving to the end of December,
there's a general admission charge during the evening hours.
Tips:
Rev. Topper said one of the keys to enjoying The Grotto was giving yourself plenty
of time to take in the natural setting, statues and learn about the religious
significance of some of the displays. He also says that the special events are
also very special. If you can, visit during Freedom Sunday or one of the other
celebrations they have. Give
yourself at least an hour and a half for a quick walk through the sanctuary and
wear comfortable shoes. Bring a camera, as some of the views are spectacular.
History: The Grotto was established by the Servite Friars in
1924. The central attraction, Our Lady's Grotto, was carved from solid basalt
in the cliff wall in 1925, where the Pieta is featured. | 
