A natural gallery in the woods, The Grotto is an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary set among 62 acres of botanical gardens offering a place of peace and quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautifully sculpted statues, reflection ponds, spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains and award-winning architecture offer inspiration for all who visit. Gardens and gift shop are open daily.
About The Grotto
Reviews & Ratings
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July 3, 2026MOTravelerkenWonderful Catholic shrine
We had a group of 5 Catholics and visited in late June on our way from the Columbia River Gorge to the Oregon Coast. This is a beautiful facility. We attended daily mass at noon and the music was wonderful. Spend the money and see the Upper Gardens as the views are lovely and flora is beautiful.
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May 2, 2026JBWA2
The Grotto is very peaceful and beautiful
The Grotto is very peaceful. We lit candles (available at the Gift Shop) for our Mothers (they burn for a week). Otherwise, there is no cost. There is plenty of parking and beautiful grounds.
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March 19, 2026MNmover
Beautiful oasis
It was amazing to turn into the driveway from heavy urban and suddenly you’re in this beautiful natural oasis. It’s literally like stepping into another land. I definitely recommend doing the upper level too. It’s all easy walking paths. Even if you aren’t Catholic, the art is amazing especially the bronze bas-relief sculptures of the 14 stations of the cross. Then the upper level has amazing Joseph’s Grove with a series of reliefs carved from Carrara marble and an original sculpture brought to the Grotto from Piertrasanta, Italy. The intricacy and detail of the sculptures was beyond description. I spent two full hours here without stopping. If I had stopped to sit on a bench or in the church (or attended daily mass at noon), I definitely could have extended my stay to three hours.
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February 19, 2026JasonHennig
Beautiful Gardens
Truly a gorgeous garden and a lovely place of meditation and prayerfulness. We went in winter, but even so, the sculptures in the garden are beautiful. Highly recommended.
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December 7, 2025NelzBelz
Beautiful Sanctuary
Built in the early 1900s, you either KNOW about The Grotto or you don't! It's just this unique sanctuary, built again a cliffside, in Portland, OR. If you've never been there, I know it sounds weird, but it is a truly beautiful and peaceful place to pray and enjoy nature. While it's Catholic based, anyone can go, explore and attend one if their many masses/celebrations.