Lone Fir Cemetery Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide – Portland

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Lone Fir Cemetery’s Significance in Portland

Nestled in Southeast Portland, Lone Fir Cemetery is one of the city’s oldest and most historically significant burial grounds. Established in the early 1850s, the cemetery spans over 30 acres and serves as the final resting place for more than 25,000 individuals—including pioneers, veterans, civic leaders, and members of marginalized communities. Its name comes from a solitary Douglas fir tree, once standing on the property, symbolizing both natural beauty and lasting legacy. Lone Fir Cemetery is not only a place for remembrance but also functions as Portland’s second-largest arboretum, home to over 550 trees and a diverse range of bird species. Managed by Metro and supported by the Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery, the site offers guided tours, educational programs, and community events that bring Portland’s layered history to life. Visitors can explore monuments like the Firefighter’s Section and Block 14—the Chinese burial ground—making the site a powerful testament to Portland’s multicultural past and ongoing efforts toward reconciliation. Admission is free, and the cemetery is open daily from dawn to dusk. For more information, see resources such as Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery, Oregon Metro, and PNW Haunts and Homicides.

Table of Contents

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

Lone Fir Cemetery was established in the early 1850s, originating on land owned by Colburn Barrell, a steamboat entrepreneur. Following the tragic 1854 explosion of the steamer Gazelle, part of the property became a burial ground. The cemetery’s name honors a lone Douglas fir tree that once stood on the grounds (PNW Haunts and Homicides). Today, Lone Fir covers roughly 30.5 acres and reflects Portland’s rich, diverse heritage (Portland Fire History).

Ownership, Expansion, and Community Role

Originally managed privately, Lone Fir transitioned to Multnomah County stewardship and is now overseen by Metro, Portland’s regional government agency. Over the decades, the cemetery has seen periods of neglect and revitalization. Community organizations, especially the Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery, have played integral roles in preservation, public education, and event programming (All Events).

Notable Sections and Burials

The Firefighter’s Section

Established in 1862, this section (Block 5) is dedicated to Portland’s firefighters and their families. It contains 146 burials, including twelve who died in the line of duty, and features plaques, a rose garden, and a flagpole as tributes to bravery (Portland Fire History).

Block 14: The Chinese Burial Ground

Block 14 served as the resting place for nearly 3,000 Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans from the 1860s to the late 1950s. Many of those buried here were laborers involved in railroad and mining projects. The site was disturbed in the 1950s during a redevelopment attempt, prompting community efforts to restore and memorialize the area. A new memorial pavilion and healing garden are planned, supported by a formal apology and $1 million funding from Multnomah County (Building on History; Hoodline).

Diversity of Burials and Social History

Lone Fir’s graves range from ornate mausoleums to simple, unmarked plots, reflecting Portland’s evolving demographics and social history. The site is the final resting place for pioneers, veterans, artists, mental health patients, and other marginalized groups (PNW Haunts and Homicides; Oregon Metro).


Visiting Lone Fir Cemetery

Address and Location

2422 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214

Located in central Southeast Portland, bounded by SE Stark (north), SE Morrison (south), and SE 20th–26th avenues (Oregon Metro; Southeast Examiner).

Visiting Hours

  • Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset (dawn to dusk).
  • Check Oregon Metro for seasonal updates or weather-related closures.

Ticket Information

  • General admission is free; no tickets are required for entry.
  • Tickets are required for special guided tours and events.

Accessibility

Parking and Transportation

  • Free parking along internal cemetery roads and adjacent streets.
  • TriMet Bus 15 serves SE Belmont and Morrison, with stops near main entrances (Southeast Examiner).
  • Bike racks near the entrance.

  • The Soldier’s Monument (Built 1903): Honors veterans of the Civil War, Spanish-American War, Mexican War, and Indian Wars (Wikipedia).
  • Block 14: Chinese burial section, now the focus of a major memorial.
  • Heritage Trees: Original Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, incense cedar (Portland Urban Forestry).
  • Pioneer Rose Garden: Roses propagated from plants brought on the Oregon Trail (Oregon Metro Field Guide PDF).
  • Chestnut Grove Memorial Garden: For cremated remains, reflecting evolving memorial practices.

Maps are available at the entrance or via the Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery website.


Guided Tours and Events

Guided Tours

Advance booking is recommended for special event tickets (All Events In Portland).

Self-Guided Exploration


Nearby Attractions and Seasonal Experiences

Lone Fir Cemetery is near:

  • Portland Art Museum
  • Oregon Historical Society
  • Eastside Historic Districts
  • Local dining and shops in Southeast Portland

Seasonal highlights include blooming roses in spring, autumn foliage, and special events throughout the year.


Etiquette and Practical Tips

  • Remain quiet and respectful; avoid disrupting services.
  • Pets are not permitted except for service animals (Oregon Metro Field Guide PDF).
  • Photography for personal use is allowed; avoid commercial shoots without permission.
  • Stay on paths; report vandalism to staff or Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery.
  • Dress appropriately for Portland’s weather; winter paths can be slippery.

Preservation and Cultural Significance

Recent restoration and community efforts have revitalized Lone Fir, with interpretive signage and memorials that honor its diverse histories. The Block 14 project, in particular, stands as a symbol of reconciliation for Portland’s Chinese American community (Hoodline). The site also memorializes mental health patients, with new gardens and markers in Block 10 (Oregon Metro).

Lone Fir continues to serve as a venue for remembrance, cultural festivals, workshops, and ongoing community engagement.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Lone Fir Cemetery’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.

Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, there is no charge for general admission.

Q: Are guided tours available and do they require tickets?
A: Yes, guided tours are regularly offered. Some special events require advance ticket purchase (Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery).

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Most main paths are accessible; call ahead for specific arrangements.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals are permitted.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please do so respectfully and avoid disturbing others.


Conclusion and Key Tips

Lone Fir Cemetery is a vital part of Portland’s story, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. With free admission, regular guided tours, and ongoing preservation projects, it offers both locals and visitors an opportunity for meaningful exploration and reflection. Plan your visit, join a tour, and consider volunteering or attending a community event to deepen your connection with this remarkable Portland historical site.

For the latest visiting hours, ticketed events, and updates, consult Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery, Oregon Metro, and Southeast Examiner.


References and Further Reading


For more information and interactive guides, download the Audiala app and follow our channels for the latest news on Portland’s historic sites.

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Portland

5Th Avenue Cinema
5Th Avenue Cinema
|
  Acadia: A New Orleans Bistro
| Acadia: A New Orleans Bistro
Ainu And Native American Power Boards
Ainu And Native American Power Boards
Akadi
Akadi
Alberta Park
Alberta Park
Alphabet Historic District
Alphabet Historic District
Ankeny Square
Ankeny Square
Arbor Lodge Park
Arbor Lodge Park
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Bagdad Theater
Bagdad Theater
Berkeley Park
Berkeley Park
Berrydale Park
Berrydale Park
Bipartisan Cafe
Bipartisan Cafe
Bit House Saloon
Bit House Saloon
Biwa
Biwa
Blackstone Hall
Blackstone Hall
Bloomington Park
Bloomington Park
Bluehour
Bluehour
Bob White Theatre
Bob White Theatre
Brasserie Montmartre
Brasserie Montmartre
Brentwood Park
Brentwood Park
British Overseas Restaurant Corporation
British Overseas Restaurant Corporation
Broadway Bridge
Broadway Bridge
Brushstrokes
Brushstrokes
Burnside Bridge
Burnside Bridge
Bust Of York
Bust Of York
Cadillac Cafe
Cadillac Cafe
Captain William Clark Monument
Captain William Clark Monument
Caruthers Park
Caruthers Park
Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park
|
  Cheryl'S On 12Th
| Cheryl'S On 12Th
Chiles Center
Chiles Center
Chiming Fountain
Chiming Fountain
Chinatown Gateway
Chinatown Gateway
Cinemagic Theater
Cinemagic Theater
Clinton Park
Clinton Park
Coffin Club
Coffin Club
Colonel Summers Park
Colonel Summers Park
Columbia Park
Columbia Park
Coming Of The White Man
Coming Of The White Man
Commodore Hotel
Commodore Hotel
Concordia University Portland
Concordia University Portland
Congregation Neveh Shalom
Congregation Neveh Shalom
Congregation Shaarie Torah
Congregation Shaarie Torah
Consulate Of Mexico, Portland
Consulate Of Mexico, Portland
Couch Park
Couch Park
Council Crest Park
Council Crest Park
Crystal Ballroom
Crystal Ballroom
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Cully Park
Cully Park
Dan And Louis Oyster Bar
Dan And Louis Oyster Bar
Darcelle Xv Plaza
Darcelle Xv Plaza
Darcelle Xv Showplace
Darcelle Xv Showplace
Davenport
Davenport
David Campbell Memorial
David Campbell Memorial
Dawson Park
Dawson Park
Delta Cafe
Delta Cafe
Delta Park
Delta Park
Der Rheinlander
Der Rheinlander
Director Park
Director Park
Dog Bowl
Dog Bowl
Duniway Park
Duniway Park
East Portland Branch, Public Library Of Multnomah County
East Portland Branch, Public Library Of Multnomah County
Eastbank Esplanade
Eastbank Esplanade
Echo Theater
Echo Theater
Ed Benedict Park
Ed Benedict Park
Eem
Eem
Either/Or
Either/Or
|
  Elk Rock Gardens Of The Bishop'S Close
| Elk Rock Gardens Of The Bishop'S Close
Errol Heights Park
Errol Heights Park
|
  Esparza'S
| Esparza'S
Essex Park
Essex Park
Farewell To Orpheus
Farewell To Orpheus
Farragut Park
Farragut Park
Flavel Park
Flavel Park
Forest Park
Forest Park
|
  Frank'S Noodle House
| Frank'S Noodle House
Fremont Bridge
Fremont Bridge
Gabriel Park
Gabriel Park
Gammans Park
Gammans Park
George Himes Park
George Himes Park
George Park
George Park
George Washington
George Washington
Ghost Ship
Ghost Ship
Grant Park
Grant Park
Gypsy Restaurant And Velvet Lounge
Gypsy Restaurant And Velvet Lounge
Harney Park
Harney Park
Hawks Pdx
Hawks Pdx
Hawthorne Bridge
Hawthorne Bridge
Hazeltine Park
Hazeltine Park
Heathman Hotel
Heathman Hotel
Henry Thiele Restaurant
Henry Thiele Restaurant
Holladay Park
Holladay Park
Hollywood Theatre
Hollywood Theatre
Holon
Holon
Horse Brass Pub
Horse Brass Pub
Hoyt Hotel
Hoyt Hotel
|
  Huber'S Restaurant
| Huber'S Restaurant
International Harvester Company Warehouse
International Harvester Company Warehouse
International Rose Test Garden
International Rose Test Garden
Interstate Bridge
Interstate Bridge
Irving Park
Irving Park
Irving Street Kitchen
Irving Street Kitchen
Irvington
Irvington
|
  Jaciva'S Bakery And Chocolatier
| Jaciva'S Bakery And Chocolatier
|
  Jake'S Famous Crawfish
| Jake'S Famous Crawfish
Jamison Square
Jamison Square
Joan Of Arc
Joan Of Arc
Joe Etzel Field
Joe Etzel Field
Johnson Creek Park
Johnson Creek Park
Keller Fountain Park
Keller Fountain Park
Kelley Point Park
Kelley Point Park
Kelly Butte Natural Area
Kelly Butte Natural Area
Kennedy School
Kennedy School
Kenton Park
Kenton Park
Kern Park
Kern Park
|
  Kim Jong Grillin'
| Kim Jong Grillin'
King Albert Hall
King Albert Hall
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
|
  Ladd'S Addition
| Ladd'S Addition
Lair Hill Park
Lair Hill Park
Laurelhurst Park
Laurelhurst Park
Laurelwood Pub And Brewery
Laurelwood Pub And Brewery
Le Happy
Le Happy
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Lents Park
Lents Park
Lincoln Hall
Lincoln Hall
Lloyd Center
Lloyd Center
Lloyd District
Lloyd District
Lone Fir Cemetery
Lone Fir Cemetery
Lovejoy Columns
Lovejoy Columns
Lovejoy Fountain Park
Lovejoy Fountain Park
Loyal B. Stearns Memorial Fountain
Loyal B. Stearns Memorial Fountain
Lutz Tavern
Lutz Tavern
Marquam Nature Park
Marquam Nature Park
Martini Glass Sign
Martini Glass Sign
Mccoy Park
Mccoy Park
Mckenna Park
Mckenna Park
Merchant Hotel
Merchant Hotel
Mill Ends Park
Mill Ends Park
Moda Center
Moda Center
Montavilla Park
Montavilla Park
Morrison Bridge
Morrison Bridge
Mt. Scott Park
Mt. Scott Park
Multnomah University
Multnomah University
National Cash Register Building
National Cash Register Building
Ned Flanders Crossing
Ned Flanders Crossing
Neuberger Hall
Neuberger Hall
Normandale Park
Normandale Park
Northwest Film Center
Northwest Film Center
Nostrana
Nostrana
Nuestra Cocina
Nuestra Cocina
O Cruceiro
O Cruceiro
Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Ocean City Seafood Restaurant
Ocean City Seafood Restaurant
Old Town / Chinatown
Old Town / Chinatown
Old Town Pizza
Old Town Pizza
Olive Or Twist
Olive Or Twist
Oregon College Of Oriental Medicine
Oregon College Of Oriental Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon Holocaust Memorial
Oregon Holocaust Memorial
Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry
Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry
Oregon Park
Oregon Park
Oregon Zoo
Oregon Zoo
Oriental Theatre
Oriental Theatre
|
  Otto'S Sausage Kitchen
| Otto'S Sausage Kitchen
Overlook Restaurant
Overlook Restaurant
Pambiche Cocina And Repostería Cubana
Pambiche Cocina And Repostería Cubana
|
  Papi Chulo'S
| Papi Chulo'S
Paris Theatre
Paris Theatre
Parklane Park
Parklane Park
Peace Chant
Peace Chant
Peninsula Park
Peninsula Park
Peter Stott Center
Peter Stott Center
Pettygrove Park
Pettygrove Park
Pier Park
Pier Park
Pioneer Courthouse
Pioneer Courthouse
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Place
Pioneer Place
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion
Por Que No
Por Que No
Portland Art Museum
Portland Art Museum
Portland Building
Portland Building
Portland City Grill
Portland City Grill
Portland Firefighters Park
Portland Firefighters Park
Portland Institute For Contemporary Art
Portland Institute For Contemporary Art
Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport
Portland International Raceway
Portland International Raceway
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland State University
Portland State University
Portlandia
Portlandia
|
  Portland'S Centers For The Arts
| Portland'S Centers For The Arts
Powell Park
Powell Park
Produce Row Café
Produce Row Café
Providence Park
Providence Park
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Ring Of Time
Ring Of Time
River View Cemetery
River View Cemetery
Rose City Park
Rose City Park
Ross Island Bridge
Ross Island Bridge
Sacajawea And Jean-Baptiste
Sacajawea And Jean-Baptiste
Sacajawea Park
Sacajawea Park
Salmon Street Springs
Salmon Street Springs
Screen Door
Screen Door
Sellwood Park
Sellwood Park
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Sewallcrest Park
Sewallcrest Park
Shanghai Tunnel Bar
Shanghai Tunnel Bar
Shift Drinks
Shift Drinks
Shriners Hospital For Children
Shriners Hospital For Children
Simon Benson House
Simon Benson House
Skidmore Old Town Historic District
Skidmore Old Town Historic District
South Park Blocks
South Park Blocks
South Waterfront Greenway
South Waterfront Greenway
South Waterfront Park
South Waterfront Park
|
  Spanish–American War Soldier'S Monument
| Spanish–American War Soldier'S Monument
Spanish–American War Veterans Memorial
Spanish–American War Veterans Memorial
Spirit Of 77
Spirit Of 77
St. Helens Court
St. Helens Court
St. Johns Bridge
St. Johns Bridge
St. Johns Park
St. Johns Park
St. Johns Racquet Center
St. Johns Racquet Center
Star Theater
Star Theater
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Paul Bunyan
Statue Of Paul Bunyan
Stratum
Stratum
Sunnyside School Park
Sunnyside School Park
Swan Island Municipal Airport
Swan Island Municipal Airport
Tanner Springs Park
Tanner Springs Park
Tasty N Alder
Tasty N Alder
Terry Schrunk Plaza
Terry Schrunk Plaza
The Alibi
The Alibi
The Dime Store
The Dime Store
The Dream
The Dream
The Fields Park
The Fields Park
The Oregonian Printing Press Park
The Oregonian Printing Press Park
The Parish
The Parish
The Roxy
The Roxy
The Woodsman Tavern
The Woodsman Tavern
Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Rider
Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Rider
Thor
Thor
Tideman Johnson Natural Area
Tideman Johnson Natural Area
Tikitotmoniki Totems
Tikitotmoniki Totems
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge Of The People
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge Of The People
Tom Mccall Waterfront Park
Tom Mccall Waterfront Park
Toro Bravo
Toro Bravo
Town Club
Town Club
Trenton Park
Trenton Park
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Two Plum Park
Two Plum Park
Union Station
Union Station
Union Station / Northwest 6Th & Hoyt Street
Union Station / Northwest 6Th & Hoyt Street
University Of Portland
University Of Portland
University Of Western States
University Of Western States
Unthank Park
Unthank Park
Urban Hydrology
Urban Hydrology
Urban Plaza
Urban Plaza
Uss Blueback
Uss Blueback
Vault Cocktail Lounge
Vault Cocktail Lounge
Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park
Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Virginia Cafe
Virginia Cafe
Voices Of Remembrance
Voices Of Remembrance
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut
Walk Of The Heroines
Walk Of The Heroines
Wallace Park
Wallace Park
Warner Pacific University
Warner Pacific University
Wellington Park
Wellington Park
Wells Fargo Center
Wells Fargo Center
Westmoreland Park
Westmoreland Park
White Stag Block
White Stag Block
Wildwood
Wildwood
Willamette National Cemetery
Willamette National Cemetery
Willamette Park
Willamette Park
Wilshire Park
Wilshire Park
Winter Rider No. 2
Winter Rider No. 2
|
  Wong'S King
| Wong'S King
Woodlawn Park
Woodlawn Park
Woodstock Park
Woodstock Park
Yale Union Laundry Building
Yale Union Laundry Building
Yankee Champion
Yankee Champion