Elk Rock Garden

Elk Rock's History

The Elk Rock Garden of the Bishop's Close is the name that was given to the Peter Kerr estate when it was given to the Diocese of Oregon in 1959. Located in the Dunthorpe area about two miles north of Lake Oswego, the estate sits on a high bluff on the western bank of the Willamette River.

The property includes approximately six acres of a cultivated English-style garden that was designed by the landscape architectural firm of Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, Massachusetts. It is widely known for its many varieties of magnolias as well as for outstanding examples of many other native and exotic plants.

The term "close" as it is used in this instance derives from British usage where it describes an enclosed area around a church or other sacred space which provides a place for quietude and meditation.

Peter Kerr was born in Scotland in 1862. As a young man he worked for an uncle's import business in London. In the course of his work he traveled to Portland where, with a partner, he established a grain exporting business. The property that is now Elk Rock Garden was purchased jointly by Mr. Kerr and two other bachelors. After his marriage to Laurie King in 1905, he bought out the interests of the other two owners and began plans for the present house and garden. The garden was begun in 1912 and the house was begun in 1914 and finished in 1916.   

Mr. Kerr passed away in 1957 and the property was donated by his heirs to the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon with the agreement that the garden would be open to the public. Mr. Kerr's heirs are active in the oversight of the continuing development and maintenance of the garden.   

Current Standing

The house is now the offices of the Bishop of the Diocese of Oregon and staff. A chapel was added to the house in the late 1970's and is used for daily services by the Bishop, staff and visitors. The garden is open to the public 8am to 5pm seven days a week. It is closed on Christmas Day.

The Bishop's Close is at the intersection of State Route 43 and Military Road, approximately two miles north of Lake Oswego and two miles south of the Sellwood Bridge, turn east toward the river and immediately south on Military Lane which dead ends at the entrance to the property, a distance of approximately two city blocks.

Please note: There are no public restrooms at Elk Rock Garden, picnicing and weddings are not allowed on the grounds and , pets must be kept on leash.  The garden is not available for commercial photo shoots.  The visitor center at the entrance has maps, guest book and from time to time, plants from the garden for sale at modest prices. For information about scheduling a photo shoot, please call (971) 204-4108 and ask for JT.

Want more information about Elk Rock Garden?

Physical  and mailing address:
11800 SW Military Lane
Portland, Oregon 97219-8436
Telephone: (800) 452-2562 or (503) 636-5613
Fax: (503) 636-561
E-mail: elkrock@episcopaldioceseoregon.org
Elk Rock Garden Web Site: http://www.elkrockgarden.com