bool(true)

FAQ and Garden Etiquette

As of Saturday, March 12, The Grotto no longer requires masks inside the buildings at The Grotto. This includes all Masses.

Masks are optional. However, while Covid-19 is still active in the community, we encourage everyone to make the decision they feel is best for them.

VISIT_FAQ_PeaceGardenPath_web

Frequently Asked Questions

Handicapped Accessibility

All areas of The Grotto are handicapped accessible.  The pathways are paved; however there are some gentle slopes and uneven surfaces in places.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first come – first served basis.  They can be checked out in The Grotto Gift Shop.

Pets

Properly restrained pets are allowed on the grounds of the lower level.  No pets are allowed on the upper level, or in the buildings.  Service animals are allowed in all areas of The Grotto.

Credit Cards

The Grotto accepts all major credit cards: VISA, Mastercard, American Expresss, Discover.

No Smoking / Vaping

The Grotto is a smoke-free venue.  No smoking or vaping of any kind is permitted on the premises.

How long does it take to visit The Grotto?

Visit time varies depending on what you choose to do during your visit.  The walking path in The Upper Level Gardens in less than a mile, but there are many places to stop and visit.  The average visitor is here 90 minutes – 2 hours.

Tours

Tours for groups of 15 or more are available upon request. Tours are free and on an availability basis. We thank our wonderful volunteer tour guides for making this possible.

Parking

Parking is free and plenty is available on site.  The main entrance to the parking lot is located at NE 85th and Sandy Blvd.  During a busy Sunday Mass or at The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights, visitors may need to utilize the overflow parking on NE Skidmore Street.

Garden Etiquette

Cell phone Use

Please be considerate of other guests.  Limit cell phone use to outdoor areas, and be aware of those around you who may be seeking quiet solitude.

Do Not Pick Flowers

Please do not pick the flowers or other natural plants.

Stay on Path

Please stay on the pathways throughout The Grotto.

Photography & Video/Film Policy

Amateur Photography

Amateur photography is permitted throughout The Grotto during regular business hours, providing photographers and their guests stay on the paths and do not block access or disrupt the enjoyment of other guests.  We encourage you to share your photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #thegrottoPDX.

Professional Photography

Professional photography is permitted following same guidelines above.  Any use or reproduction of photography must be for not-for-profit.  Any commercial use of photography must be approved in writing by The Grotto.  Use of equipment such as lighting, staging and props must be approved by The Grotto.  No drones are permitted.

Wedding, Family, Special Events and Senior Portraits

If you would like to use The Grotto as a backdrop for your photos, we ask that each person and the photographer pay general admission and follow these guidelines:

  • No portrait photography is permitted in the Chapel of Mary, the Meditation Chapel, St. Anne’s Chapel, and in front of The Grotto Cave.
  • Everyone must stay on the pathways.
  • Do not block access or disrupt the enjoyment of other visitors.
  • Please limit time at each station so other guests may enjoy the area.
  • No changing tents.
  • Pets are not allowed in the Upper Level Gardens.
  • Drones are not permitted.

If you have any questions about The Grotto’s photography policy, please contact us at 503-254-7371 or email events@thegrotto.org.