[5] Located in the Portland Basin, the Boring Lava Field consists of monogenetic volcanic cones that appear as hills throughout the area, reaching heights of 650 feet (200 m) above their surroundings.

[10] After these hyaloclastite units were deposited, further deformation occurred,[10] leading to the accumulation of gravel and lithic fragments to elevations of 600 to 700 feet (180 to 210 m) in the Portland area.

[8] Powell Butte is partially mantled by post hyaloclastite gravel from the Troutdale Formation,[8] which is likely the result of redeposited soil after erosion.

[4] Powell Butte sits near Johnson Creek, a tributary of the Willamette River that sustains native salmon and rainbow trout.

These habitats are populated by bats, black-tailed mule deer, chipmunks, coyotes, gray foxes, ground squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, ring-necked pheasants, and skunks.

Birds of prey are common among the park's open meadows, groves of wild hawthorn and western red cedar trees, and wetlands.

In 1925, the Portland city government bought the land encompassing Powell Butte from George Wilson with the intent to use it for water reservoirs.

They leased the northeastern part of the land to farmer Henry Anderegg, who owned and operated the Meadowland Crest Dairy until 1948.

In the mid-1970s, Portland's Water Bureau created a development plan for Powell Butte including four 50,000,000-US-gallon (190,000,000 L) underground reservoirs to be built at the northern side of the mountain.