Pittock Mansion is a look back at Portland's history. The family home of the influential Pittock family, one of the city's founding families, the home and grounds are now open to the public. The historical home, which was a private residence well into the last century, is set amidst some of Portland's most popular hiking trails and picnic grounds. The former home includes rooms that have been restored into their original time period as well as exhibition rooms with rotating exhibits that tell stories of Portland's past.Best and worst time to go to Pittock MansionThe area surrounding the Pittock Mansion is filled with hiking trails and weekend warriors on bike rides. Avoid visiting on weekends if possible and aim for a quiet afternoon during the week so that you can explore both the home and the grounds at your leisure. Rainy days are best because the home tour is indoors and there will be far few hikers and bikers to hit on your way up to the mansion.Must see/do at Pittock MansionAlthough it can be tempting to skip the admission fee and tour the grounds, go ahead and pay the fee and explore the mansion's many rooms. From kitchens to bedrooms, each room has been recreated to look and feel like it would have been when it the home was built in 1914. If available, take a guided tour to get more details about the mansion's historical relevance in Portland as well as the family. Guided tours are random, according to volunteer availability and the number of visitors to the mansion.Admission to Pittock MansionAdmission to Pittock Mansion is free for members and then varies in price according to age.Parking and public transportation to Pittock MansionFree parking is available outside of the mansion, part of the Pittock Acres Park. The Pittock Mansion is also accessible via Tri-Met bus, but there is an uphill hike of half a mile from the bus stop on West Burnside to the mansion itself.Food at Pittock MansionDue to the small size, there are no dining options at Pittock Mansion. However, the beautiful grounds and stunning views have made Pittock Mansion a favorite place for picnics.Insider tips for visitors to Pittock MansionIf you plan a trip to Pittock Mansion, also take time to explore the surrounding hiking trails and have a picnic. There is also a gatekeeper's cottage, which is only open when there is a volunteer, so if it is open during your visit, be sure to check it out. Before you go, search local coupon sites for discounts on admission prices.Author's bio: Carly Zinderman is a freelance writer from Los Angeles that loves to travel. She has written for many websites on topics including travel, food and drink.