Pdxguide

The Grotto, or as it’s officially known, “National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother”, is a 62-acre Catholic Shrine and botanical garden located on the fringe of the inner city (near the airport). The history of the Grotto goes way back to 1923, when one Friar Ambrose Mayer purchased the property from the Union Pacific Railroad, with the intent of starting his dream project. What you’ll find here is lots of trees, gardens, shrines, Catholic type-stuff (they even have mass here), and The Gift Shop. People who have ventured to the Grotto either find it creepy, fascinating, or fascinatingly creepy. South of the Grotto you’ll find Rocky Butte (see Parks listing), and hidden away to the east at NE Skidmore St and NE 92nd, you’ll find some well maintained BMX-bike tracks tucked into the woods