The Lakefront

Visiting or living in Portland, it's impossible to ignore the Willamette River, a main artery of the city that divides it into two parts. The dense and bustling west side, sandwiched between the river and a long range of hills covered in handsome redwoods, is home to the city's most walkable neighborhoods and amazing parks. The east side, on the other hand, is sprawling and tranquil, with several long commercial corridors spangled with eateries and boutiques. The two sides are connected by a total of 12 bridges, built in different ears with various styles, the most beautiful ones include the St. Johns Bridge (#?), the Tilikum Crossing Bridge (#?) and the Broadway Bridge.

The Willamette runs south-north through Portland before joining the Columbia River at Kelly Point Park in the north-west corner of the city. While tourists often take a stroll in the Tom McCall Waterfront Park or along the East Bank Esplanade near the city center, one has to go further south to fully appreciate the beauty of the Willamette. Runners will easily find a sense of peacefulness in urban trails like the Springwater Corridor or parks like the Willamette Park and Sellwood Riverfront Park.

The Willamette is best explored by the Waterfront Loop. Don't forget to check out the views from various bridges along the loop.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is home to the Battleship Oregon Memorial and the Oregon Maritime Museum (housed in a tugboat moored on the Willamette), as well as the Japanese American Historical Plaza, whose beautiful cherry blossoms every spring turn the waterfront into a wonderland.

For the best view of Portland downtown and the Willamette River, check out the public dock at Riverplace Marina.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is home to the Battleship Oregon Memorial and the Oregon Maritime Museum (housed in a tugboat moored on the Willamette), as well as the Japanese American Historical Plaza, whose beautiful cherry blossoms every spring turn the waterfront into a wonderland.

For the best view of Portland downtown and the Willamette River, check out the public dock at Riverplace Marina.

The Lakefront

Visiting or living in Portland, it's impossible to ignore the Willamette River, a main artery of the city that divides it into two parts. The dense and bustling west side, sandwiched between the river and a long range of hills covered in handsome redwoods, is home to the city's most walkable neighborhoods and amazing parks. The east side, on the other hand, is sprawling and tranquil, with several long commercial corridors spangled with eateries and boutiques. The two sides are connected by a total of 12 bridges, built in different ears with various styles, the most beautiful ones include the St. Johns Bridge (#?), the Tilikum Crossing Bridge (#?) and the Broadway Bridge.

The Willamette runs south-north through Portland before joining the Columbia River at Kelly Point Park in the north-west corner of the city. While tourists often take a stroll in the Tom McCall Waterfront Park or along the East Bank Esplanade near the city center, one has to go further south to fully appreciate the beauty of the Willamette. Runners will easily find a sense of peacefulness in urban trails like the Springwater Corridor or parks like the Willamette Park and Sellwood Riverfront Park.

The Willamette is best explored by the Waterfront Loop. Don't forget to check out the views from various bridges along the loop.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is home to the Battleship Oregon Memorial and the Oregon Maritime Museum (housed in a tugboat moored on the Willamette), as well as the Japanese American Historical Plaza, whose beautiful cherry blossoms every spring turn the waterfront into a wonderland.

For the best view of Portland downtown and the Willamette River, check out the public dock at Riverplace Marina.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is home to the Battleship Oregon Memorial and the Oregon Maritime Museum (housed in a tugboat moored on the Willamette), as well as the Japanese American Historical Plaza, whose beautiful cherry blossoms every spring turn the waterfront into a wonderland.

For the best view of Portland downtown and the Willamette River, check out the public dock at Riverplace Marina.

Parks

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

Tracks

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

Attractions

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

Neighborhoods

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.

St. Johns Bridge & Cathedral ParkLocated at the far out west, St. Johns is one of the most underrated neighborhoods of Portland. St. Johns Bridge, with its colossal 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers, and its green paint that feels so Pacific North West and evokes the like of Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge, is spectacular from every angle. At the time of its completion, it had the highest clearance in the nation, and longest suspension west of the Mississippi River.While St. Johns Bridge looks just majestic from street level, the more interesting view comes from right under the bridge, in the Cathedral Park. From the right vantage point, the towering columns that support the bridge will transform into a series of Gothic, cathedral-like arches in a Russian doll fashions. Voilà, that is the secret that gives Cathedral Park its name. While a visit to St. Johns may seem a detour on the map, luckily for runners, it is a perfect destination for a median long or long run. You can follow the Wildwood Trail (or NW Leif Erikson Drive) deep into the Forest Park and exit the Park through the Ridge Trail (see Route #2 for details) to reach the St. Johns Bridge; or go from the city side and take the Willamette Blvd with a sweeping view of Portland's industrial northern part (see Route #5 for details). The St. Johns neighborhood features several artisanal coffee houses and cafés, making it easy to motive your run and replenish afterwards.

Tom Park

This beautiful park on the west bank of the Willamette River runs along the edge of Portland downtown. The space was originally used as Harbor Dr, a major urban freeway. When was removed in 1974, the then Oregon governor, Tom McCall led the effort to replace it with public green space. The project is a milestone in urban planning and the first instance in the freeway removal movement in the US.