Pacific Northwest Hillside Waterfall Landscape
The homeowners wanted to transform their steep, wooded backyard into a functional outdoor living space where family and friends could gather, play, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This custom hillside landscape design required creative solutions to overcome significant elevation changes, rocky terrain, existing boulders, and drainage challenges while preserving the character of the surrounding woodland.
The transformation began with large-scale tree removal and excavation to create a series of functional terraces across the steep hillside. Belgard® paver stairs, retaining walls, pathways, and a custom natural stone bridge connect each outdoor living space, including a Portland Trail Blazers-themed basketball court, rain gardens, a dramatic flowing waterfall, a fire pit area, and a large putting green. Throughout the design, natural materials were carefully selected to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Pacific Northwest woodland.
A combination of drip and spray irrigation supports plants selected to thrive beneath mature trees, in rocky soils, and despite frequent deer activity. Landscape lighting highlights key features throughout the property, allowing the homeowners to enjoy their hillside landscape in the evening.
Designing on steep terrain requires more than creating beautiful spaces—it demands thoughtful grading, drainage planning, and careful integration with the existing landscape. By preserving natural boulders, selecting plants suited to woodland conditions, and incorporating rain gardens and efficient irrigation, this custom landscape was designed to thrive in the Pacific Northwest for years to come.
Landscape Features
Multi-Level Water Feature
Gravel & Paver Paths
Belgard Walls & Steps
Block Retaining Walls
Custom Stone Bridge
Portland Blazers Sport Court
Synthetic Turf Putting Green
Perennials, Trees & Shrubs
Multiple Terrace Levels
Rain Gardens & Bioswales
Dry Creek Beds
We believe that building your landscape should be an easy and rewarding collaboration from start to finish. We combine your ideas and needs with our designers’ expertise while considering budget sensibility to create a landscape design that’s distinctively yours. We’re confident that we can help you create your dream outdoor living space!