The Pioneer Courthouse is open for public tours from 9-4. You'll go through security, then you can…read morewalk around the different levels. There is a brochure stand on the first floor in front of the post office windows. It was helpful with a few maps and some guidance. Plaques line the walls in each room and hallway with detailed descriptions about the history of the Courthouse. I only encountered 4 people in the offices today, so it was quiet. I meandered a bit, then headed upstairs. The Cupola was the best part. A 360' view of downtown. It's a beautiful building and I'm glad I took the time to check it out.

Our daughter has always enjoyed the architecture of courthouses…read more Pioneer Courthouse is the oldest Federal building in the Pacific Northwest. It was built in 1869. The architecture was remarkable.

Without revealing too much about why I was here, it was in support of a friend. They had a VERY…read morequick courtroom session, sentence, them everything after pretty much flowed seamlessly. The only suggestion is moving booking photos AND fingerprints to the same place. It was weird and time wasting to do that and have to go between two buildings. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, kind and made the entire experience seamless and as painless at it could be. Not one person treated my friend differently with a felony sentence. No one looked down on them, was anything but kind. I was very impressed with our court and staff. I do hope to never visit the courthouse in this capacity again but I am thankful for the experience I had as well as for my friend.

The new courthouse is modern for sure. Elevators only open on certain floors. They have a kiosk for…read moreselecting elevators depending on where you're going which makes it easier to navigate. Security is onpoint. Beautiful views and great staff. Everyone has always been helpful

This is the Old Town district of St. Helens and if you know anything about this small town is home…read moreto the 1998 Disney TV movie Halloweentown. The film starred veteran actress (mom to Carrie Fisher) Debbie Reynolds and Kimberly J. Brown. Filming locations, were of course in St. Helens and Scappoose, Washington. This film spawned 2 more sequels after. Around the courthouse, within this small town, are other landmarks and historical buildings and sites as well, so explore. This town celebrates Halloween the entire month once October starts until its very last day. Having activities, live music, food and sometimes the cast from the film drop by (but that's rare I think now) and crazy costumes are also welcomed, so be wild.

You need to be quite careful if you move to St. Helens Or. or Columbia County. Do NOT mess with the…read morelocals who have been there a long time. They are all inter related and the Judges , City Police , County Police , and court employee's will do their best to cause you a problem if you go against one of their BUDDIES. Trust me I know. I moved back there after leaving as a youngster and they haven't changed at all in their small town mentality. I'm not saying their all bad, but do your research of who you are moving by before you relocate there. And DO NOT try to stand your GROUND against any who is a friend or relative of Judge Ted E. Grove, cause he'll make it his job to make you pay for messing with one of his. Of coarse this is just the opinion of a OLD 67 year male who became a JAIL BIRD after moving back the after 50 years while trying to protect himself from physical harm the harassment of his neighbors. And instead got more from their buddies at the Courthouse, Sheriffs Department, and City Police who were their friends. And lol the people who I was trying to protect myself from even bragged in Court to the fact that THEY were friends with the Columbia County Sheriffs And after the treatment I received in my 30 day stay in jail I believe that to be VERY true. AND do NOT expect any true LEGAL help once they start with YOU. Well just my opinion, but I'm usually pretty right on about folks. LOL My Dad owned a business there a long time ago and he taught me well about these SMALL TOWN FOLKS. So BEWARE!! Check the neighbors out before you relocate there and do your do research well, it may not be the DEAL you want. OH and I met a lot of young fellas there that got involved with the local gals there and guess where that got them LOL in jail.

Great atmosphere. The staff were very cordial and helpful. We were there for the joining of my…read moreson and his girl. The children were ecstatic and touched. It was a cute ceremony and quick. Saved funds doing it this way. Short and sweet ceremony. Thank you Clark County.

So I had a Case out of here where the county pulled my name from the Long hat slow to speak…read more I was charged with a felony in which I didn't commit wasting 8months of my time and over $6,000.00 in assets. The way and manner in which the court functions left me with having absolutely no respect for WA Justice I was guilty until proven innocent no matter what the law says that's how I was treated. I won by jury trial which I am thankful that the people of Clark County are able to see the truth and understood my resolve. Let me tell you the prosecution I was told was this ambitious new upcoming prosecutor Katie Sinclair but let's just say she is sloppy and a terrible closer even with a judge allowing her every free opportunity to make a case against objections that had just cause. This prosecutor can't close cases and even worse is how she was promoted to such a position when evident by her using the law books in court to reference the law and her serious lack of confidence that look more like a child asking Daddy for permission to speaks in court the position is not earned but rather given by a poorly weak prosecution within Clark County. This prosecutor isn't ready for her position she is unqualified and lacks proper guidance from experienced prosecutors and even with a judge giving her the case on a silver platter she still lost. Some might say "it's like watching theatre" I'm sorry theatre and amateur prosecutors have no place in matters relating to real peoples lives and decisions that threatens the freedoms of its citizens this court and it's legal representatives should be ashamed. I will give some counsel to this court it's judges and prosecutors 1st The People have the final say and thank god for that. 2nd sometimes it's better to learn to choose your battles more carefully. And 3rd stop putting weak lambs when they have less experience then most paralegals in position of such great responsibilities. The recommendation from me and perhaps many others who have seen Ms.Sinclair would agree Send this prosecutor to a mandatory 2 years of aggressive Mock Trials so she can have some respect and can be a wolf when standing inside of any court. Katie Sinclair you have much to learn and you are not ready. I appreciate the people of my new home and thank the people for giving justice and truth accordingly.

Judge Eric Lentz and crew, Thank you for bringing Don Lunan…read moreConstruction to task after all these years! Your presentation and degree of fairness to every case I observed was impressive. Thank You Teresa McCormick

Very fast and quiet. No wait time at all. Staff was courteous and helpful. Newer building as well.read more

I once heard Mark Hatfield in person. He was a consummate senator, charming. He got things done…read more OHSU was made by this Oregon senator. I respect him, unlike Senator Packwood who went off track. I'm a big fan of Senator Wyden. I'm also a big fan of the 9th Circuit Federal Appeals Court and they sometimes meet in Portland. I have to admit, this building has always been off-putting to me, while the old Pioneer Courthouse is less so and charming. Modern age vs traditional age. https://www.yelp.com/biz/pioneer-courthouse-portland?hrid=gM3Sg2Un3_gSgqhhm4ldmA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) It is completely open to the public after the necessary federal building search and security of our modern situation, fine. I have a fascination with the law, and particularly environmental law. I engaged an opportunity to hear oral arguments in the Mark O Hatfield Courthouse for Kelsey Rose Juliana v. USA in person. https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/media/view_video.php?pk_vid=0000015741&fbclid=IwAR3K3vnHCO4M2KlcMZ1NSQ4ua1ZZhpdyA-hONwyj6N7uS0u1X5ojmuVVkCc Jump to 29:00. All of the security staff were polite and helpful with directions to me unfamiliar with the building. I had heard a long time ago that this building might have an outdoor deck. Yes they do! Ask security for the simple directions and admit yourself to a little-used 2 story deck. It has beautiful and well-maintained geometric plantings. I would not choose the bronze cast art myself, but kids might enjoy it. The deck would be a great place for a romantic picnic. Security said you can bring food and cart food in for a picnic, but confirm that in advance, day of, security adjusts. I gave the Pioneer Courthouse five stars. And I'm also reviewing this courthouse from an architectural view. The nature of courthouses, government buildings, and religious buildings is to overwhelm, dominate, and inspire visitors with grand spaces and rich materials. The signature tone of the building is a wavy white in grey stone, both gauged (perfectly flat, but rough) and polished. But they they mix in green and white marble, a cream stone, terrazzo and others. Too many materials! What were the architects thinking? So minus a star for architectural confusion. I would agree with other Yelpers, check the quotes inscribed in the walls, five stars for that.

There is a whimsical outdoor sculpture garden on the 8th floor of this 16 floor building that is…read morefun to see on an outdoor terrace with good views of the Plaza Blocks. Even if you're not there for litigation, that garden and also views from the 16th floor gallery windows provide a reason to go to this Federal Courthouse named in honor of the late Mark O. Hatfield, a state legislator then a two term Oregon Governor and then for three decades a US Senator, who was a the finest sort of politician. Back in the day when the role was considered an honorable profession, Senator Hatfield operated as a first class statesman who earned the respect of constituents and folks on each side of the aisle in DC. He did a lot of good things for the State of Oregon. Here are just a few examples. In 1953 when racial discrimination was still a practice in our state, as people who were African American were denied entry through the door at places like hotels, Hatfield introduced and passed in Salem state legislation to end that discrimination. As Governor he pressed education and transportation initiatives with deep rooted benefits beyond the logging and fishing industries which were Oregon's mainstay. As a Senator he was instrumental in securing funding for State outdoor spaces, environmental causes and medical facilities and research. Sometimes called St. Mark because of his well liked persona, it may surprise many to learn he was a liberal Republican in the day when the description was not a pejorative. On a recent visit to Portland, my hubby and I went in to see the Courthouse which bears the late Senator Hatfield's name since I was a big fan of this good man. He died just two years ago to the month of our visit; this is not ancient history. On his passing current Governor Kitzhaber said ""No one has had a more profound impact on Oregon in the last half century than Mark Hatfield." Yes, indeed. You might note how cold and sleek this building is in contrast to how warm and personable was the man after whom it is named. You might be struck by the unique water feature cascading down the wall in the lobby. Or the quotations about Justice etched in the walls in different places. Waiting for the elevator you might meet litigants in cases being ajudicated in one of the courtrooms and hearing their tale be grateful you are a law abiding type. After you've enjoyed the 8th floor outdoor terrace with the fun sculptures head up to the 16th floor for some great views from the hall gallery windows. (But "shhhh..." about the oohing and aahing given court will likely be in session.) If you do this you might marvel that even the threats to public safety in our times, the security screening here is not at all invasive, the guards are very nice, and one can wander through a Federal Courthouse at will even when cases are taking place. Warts and all of recent times, I am continually reminded of what a remarkable form of government we enjoy. THIS N THAT: 1) ENTRY: Can be a little tough to determine, or was for us at least. It is on the west side of the building. 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Universally accessible throughout, including the sculpture garden. One would expect no less in a Federal building in 2013. 3) MRS. HATFIELD: Antoinette was known as a gracious hostess and fine cook. She even published a cookbook or two when her husband was Governor and Senator. If you can get your hands on her Key Lime pie recipe you're in for a treat. I remember a Junior League focused senior citizen neighbor who baked up quite a few of those when I was a little kid and gave me an autographed copy of the cookbook. Sadly, no longer in my possession. 4) PIONEER COURTHOUSE: As a retired Senator, Mark O. Hatfield was instrumental in ensuring the preservation of the incredible historical Pioneer Courthouse in downtown Portland, where the 9th Circuit hears appeals even today. Another great place to visit. 5) THE O: The O stands for Odom. I bet you didn't know that.

If you are anywhere near Vancouver and have even the slightest appreciation for history, do…read moreyourself a favor and walk the waterfront, then wander over to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and soak it all in. Right nearby sits Old Apple Tree Park, home to what was known as the oldest apple tree in the Pacific Northwest. I remember seeing the old tree standing there like some weathered pioneer that had witnessed centuries pass by. The original trunk finally died, but shoots from its living roots were replanted, and the tree lives on through its offspring. Considering apple trees were not native to this land and had to be brought across oceans and continents, there is something downright incredible about standing next to the very beginning of Northwest orchard history. Fort Vancouver itself is fascinating. Established by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1825, it became the center of trade, farming, and industry in the Pacific Northwest long before Washington or Oregon were even states. Back then this place was a bustling multicultural settlement with trappers, traders, farmers, blacksmiths, sailors, and families from all over the world. They cultivated massive gardens, orchards, and farmland here to feed thousands of people traveling through the region. It was essentially the headquarters of the Pacific Northwest during the fur trade era. Walking through the fort today feels like stepping into another century. Between the wooden palisades, parade grounds, river breeze, and views of the Columbia, you can almost imagine canoes arriving loaded with furs while smoke curled from fireplaces inside the fort walls. It is peaceful now, but this place once shaped the entire region. I honestly think one of the best afternoons you can have in Vancouver is to stroll the riverfront, grab a coffee, walk through the historic reserve, and end up here reflecting on how much history happened on this patch of ground. Relish it. So much of the Northwest rushes forward so fast that we forget where it all began. Fort Vancouver reminds you.

We love visiting this 191 acre site! There's so much to see...Officer's Row, barracks, gazebo, the…read moreFort, gardens, land bridge trail, and the Pearson Air Museum. We've been to almost everything this historical site has to offer. Our favorite part is just walking around any time of year and seeing what's in bloom. In the spring they have gorgeous cherry blossoms and tulip trees. In summer there's tons of hydrangeas around the historic buildings along Officer's Row. The Fort Vancouver gardens are gorgeous in summer with a wide variety of plants and flowers. There's a lot of vegetables too! Overall a great place to explore. I feel so lucky to have such a gem so close to home! Would highly recommend.

Is my opinion this is a den of thieves. My father passed away had a will. My didn't bother to tell…read moreme my father passed away for 5 years. The attorney handling the case was disbarred for stealing from an elderly couple. Attorney James burien. I was promised things from my father that I never got. My dad's land was sold for next to nothing against my will. His assets were sold. My niece works for the Clackamas county dispatcher. Took over the case before I even knew what happened and everything was sold and squandered. I was entitled to a third of the estate. I doubt if I got a fraction of that. When I went in to put my name down on the estate and give them my contact information I was yelled and screamed at by the clerk. Told I was not part of the case I informed her it was my father's estate and that I was part of the case she argued with me and put on the paperwork that she informed me that I was not part of the case. Talk about the blue wall of silence. When I went into a hearing I got yelled and screamed at by a cop calling Audi name I did not recognize ran up to me. made me produce ID to prove I was not the person. And then yelled at me and said that you come when I call you. I believe Clackamas county is a nut House. and that half the people in the system need to be put in the jails that they're running. Attorneys on the take. And I believe judges on the take. It is no longer for the people by the people. It's all about stealing your money at least that's my opinion.

If I could give this courthouse 0/5 stars, I would. Every single employee is not only rude and…read moreinappropriate, but unhelpful and lacking the intelligence required to work in such an important government position. They give misinformation to people who are trying to post civil claims and, in addition to this, will blame (and fine) the poster for their own (the courthouse's) mistakes. In the time I have had to deal with the Clackamas County Courthouse I have been met with: * Bigotry, transphobia and a reluctance to help in an otherwise simple process. (Which other courthouses have, surprisingly, no problem with!) * A lack of professional presence. They are unable to keep a cool, level and professional head when working with ANYONE for ANY reason and start ALL interactions off aggressively. I have been talked down to, yelled at and hung up on for asking nothing more than a simple question. * A complete disregard to organization or accountability. If someone tells you something (ANYTHING) at the Clackamas County Courthouse I have learned to NOT believe it. Not a single person in that building has any idea of what they're talking about. An example: They will tell you that they will call you in a week (which, to the woman who answered the phone: we HAVE been called MULTIPLE times, so maybe do some research into your own job) only to NOT call you in two months (which leaves us, the poster, to assume weather might be a factor). When you finally call them to ask about your case they will yell at you and berate you for even daring to reiterate what THEY told you for the sake of being right. They will also tell you how to fill out forms only to tell you after two months of going back and forth that you (they) were wrong and you have to completely restart the process. * If you attempt to call and express a complaint you will be berated until you hang up. They also do not accept complaints until they have a name and face to go with said complaint, so as to ensure an even worse experience for the person on the other end. In addition to ALL THAT, they will also threaten and coerce you into coming back while simultaneously disclosing other people's private cases and information as if it has any prevalence to your experience (but it does prove that they do not care about the privacy of their other cases). I would go on (because OH BOY could I) but it would be getting redundant at that point. This courthouse is the worst in this area with uneducated (or under trained) senior staff members who will make sure to pitfall you and pickpocket you throughout your whole interaction with them. By far one of the worst experiences of my life; I absolutely dread having to work with these con-artists. Please, I implore you, if you can manage it: stay as far away from this courthouse as possible (unless you are a masochistic rich person with too much time on your hands). P.S. (After this, I promise I'm finished) Clackamas County Courthouse does not check their reviews, just so you know - not even their supervisors, as expressed on the phone today by their supervisor. They believe they are without fault in everything and prove it by keeping their head buried in the sand, because bad reviews don't exist if you don't read them!

Well security was a HUGE pain. I had to leave a wine bottle opener because it's a weapon. I mean…read moreTSA won't take them anymore but I was in a hurry to get to my attorney so I said whatever let's go. I met her in the "cafeteria" which isn't a cafeteria at all. Not even a break room actually. It's small, old and doesn't really offer any real food. My court date was for 2pm and we didn't actually get before the judge until closer to 2:30. But I have to say it was due to the lengthy speeches several previous petitioners gave to the judge even though he kept asking them to get to the point. I felt BAD for the judge when we finished because of the nonsense he has to deal with. The court is small and still it's not incredibly clear where everything is. I just was nervous I would be late and wanted to be on time with my ducks in order. At least the outside is pretty. Oh and the other thing: PARKING is insane. Take at least 15 minutes extra for yourself to park!!!

The Washington County Courthouse is pretty decent--helpful staff, but wait times and confusion pop…read moreup often.