When I recently arrived, a US Marshal was out front waiting to greet us. He walked us through a metal detector into a central room for the courthouse. He gave a brief yet informative history of the courthouse, and gave us more information (Including what rooms we could go into and what was on each floor). An interesting piece of trivia was the fact it is the oldest public building in Portland, OR. He then split from us to go out front again. We continued into the library filled with law books and court records. We walked around in there, admiring the old furniture and architecture. We continued down a main hall which featured windows for the old Post Office (No longer there) and brochures for all ages. Another hall stranded off of this, now splitting into multiple rooms filled with furniture. After exploring the area a bit, we decided to go into the almost 100-year-old elevator. According to the Marshal, the elevator was originally one consisting of only a cage and a few buttons. Over the years, they updated it to include walls and more electronics to make it much safer. We went up all the way to the top, where there were stairs leading to the cupola. (Note: The elevator does not go up to the cupola, instead it goes to a floor with more stairs leading to the cupola.) Inside the cupola, we got an amazing 360° view of Portland including Pioneer Square (Across the street), Portland State University, and other buildings around the area. The cupola consisted of 26 panes around, with all but 6 being from as early as 1885. All-in-all, I really enjoyed the experience. I'd definitely recommend visiting the site if your in the area, and is a great stop on any road trip!

Since it opened in 1875, Pioneer Courthouse is one of four primary locations where the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit hears oral arguments. It also houses the chambers of the Portland-based judges on the Ninth Circuit. It is open for self-guided tours between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday (except holidays). A brochure for the self-guided tour is available from the Clerk's Office. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera and take photos in spaces open to visitors. Spaces included in the tour are the historic lobbies, the Judges' Conference Room, the Courthouse Visitor's Center, the historic courtroom, the library, the attorney waiting area, all of the visiting judges' chambers, and the historic cupola. Some spaces are not available for viewing during weeks when court is in session. #LocalGuides #OnGoogleMaps #LetsGuide

I actually helped design the fire sprinkler system with Master Fire back during the seismic upgrade...so can attest to it's safety if nothing else! LOL Otherwise, not so sure..I hope I don't end up with the kind of situation that necessitates a federal judge...But, if I do, I suppose I can take heart in the fact that I am not going to burn to death in the building if catches fire! Now just being repetitive to make sure I write two hundred characters, not much else can really say beyond tooting my horn about doing the Fire Sprinklers! LOL

I was absolutely floored by the architecture of the homeless camps! Stunningly complex, layers and layers of garbage combined with used needles and stolen goods. A must see if you're in the area!! Aaand the degenerate addicts aggressively begging for money made me feel more than welcome. Overall experience 10 out of 10! Whatever Portland is doing, it's working and it shows! Keep up the good work!! Obviously less police is better, obviously

Best cupola since Sophia. From the bathroom I overheard the homeless and composed this haiku: "Get out of here now. Get out of here now" she said. "Get out of here now."
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Free entry
Yes

A truly hidden attraction. People don't really know that it's available for self-guided tours. Most of the rooms are open and available for viewing. It's really cool to be able to see all of the interesting court-related things.

Amazing place ! The cupola view it’s stunning ! Its free to visit you only have to bring an ID
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Geheimtipp: Hier kann jedermann hinein, der einen Ausweis/Pass dabei hat. Wenn man die Treppen nach oben geht, gelangt man in die Kuppel des Gebäudes und hat einen schönen Blick über den Pioneer Square

An informative introduction from the friendly security guy at the door, and I enjoyed being able to wander through every floor, visiting the courtroom, offices and the cupola.

Nice to have a look around and read some of the history. Good views of Mt Hood.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

This location is convince if you take the max. And is only few blocks from Multnomah county courthouse. If I have time I would visit both for compare and contrast.

WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO FILE YOUR DIVORCE PAPERWORK TO SERVE AN EX HIDING FROM CHILD SUPPORT FOR OVER 7 YEARS!

Feel like the oldest building in downtown Portland! It is also a famous landmark of pioneer square

Beautiful courthouse overlooking the square. Lots of fun things to do in the area

Nice, good and clean place, they have clean bathrooms and the service is good

With asking to step into the tower and enjoy if the view of Pioneer Square.

Absolutely beautifully lit up at night. Such a historic place.

An old historic courthouse. Great to photograph.

Been there and really liked it, historic one,

It was close when we got there.

位於市中心的歷史建物。兩旁分別是大型mall和百貨公司。

Great looking landmark.

근사한 건물. 포틀랜드의 구경거리다.

Nice relaxed stroll

Open 'er back up

I saw it

Snowday

Snazzy