Historically, the mountain was the home of the Rocky Butte Jail, Judson Baptist College, and Hill Military Academy, as well as an extensive Works Progress Administration construction project; it is also the site of a still functioning but decommissioned airway beacon, Portland Bible College, and a campus for the City Bible Church. The slopes of Rocky Butte currently support Joseph Wood Hill Park and the Rocky Butte Natural Area, which includes a wide variety of flora and fauna and supports rich forest stands. Located next to Interstate 205, the Butte is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and seeing mountains from its summit viewpoint.