The Temple Grounds

Seven acres of gardens, water, and Douglas fir, eight miles south of downtown Portland. Open to everyone, every day, no admission.

"It stands in quiet splendor among the trees of the forest."

Fountains and Reflecting Pools

Two Pools, Two Moods

East side: a still reflection pool at the base of the main spire. On a calm morning, it doubles the temple.

West side: a fountain feeds an infinity pool — moving water instead of still.

The Christus

Inside the visitors’ center stands a reproduction of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus — the same figure you may have seen in Salt Lake City or Rome, rendered in white marble with arms open.

Mosaic Tile Fountain

A large, beautifully crafted fountain featuring intricate mosaic tilework—a centerpiece of artistry and tranquility on the grounds.

Getting to the Grounds

The temple sits in Lake Oswego, just off I-5 near the Highway 217 interchange, about eight miles south of downtown Portland. From the freeway, the spires are visible through the firs — but the grounds themselves are quieter than the location suggests. The tree line does most of the work.

Parking is on-site and free.

What Grows Here

Beautiful, expansive, and meticulously maintained — the gardens surrounding the temple change with the Pacific Northwest seasons.

Spring in the Gardens

Tulips, daffodils, and banks of azaleas open beneath the trees each spring, set against the temple’s marble walls. The display shifts as the season moves.

🌹 Roses

First place from Portland’s Royal Rosarians, 1994. Peak bloom runs June through September.

🌲 Douglas Firs

Mature Pacific Northwest conifers enclose the grounds and set the scale for everything else. They’re the reason the site feels secluded despite sitting minutes from I-5.

🌷 Seasonal Beds

Tulips, daffodils, and azaleas in spring; roses through summer. The beds are rotated through the year, so the grounds look different in April than in October.

More to Discover

Special Witnesses of Christ

Testimonies of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in their own words.

Family History Center

One of thousands worldwide where you can research your ancestry and roots. Also available online at FamilySearch.org.

Why We Build Temples

What temples are for and what happens inside — the question most visitors arrive with.

Distribution Center

A Church bookstore offering Christian books, scriptures, and inspirational literature for purchase.

Capture the Beauty

The temple grounds are one of the most photogenic spots in the Portland area. Photography is welcome throughout the gardens, fountains, and exterior grounds.

Walk the Grounds Yourself

Words and photos can only capture so much. Come experience the peace and beauty of this sacred place in person—open every day, always free.