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”Johns Bridge
The St. Johns Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in Portland and a must-see for anyone visiting the city! The bridge spans Washington Park and connects North Portland with downtown Portland.
The bridge is over five miles long, and it’s the only suspension type of bridge in Portland. The view from up there is stunning!
History of St. Johns Bridge
St. Johns Bridge is a suspension bridge built in 1931 and connects the St. John’s neighborhood to North Portland along Interstate Avenue. It has become one of the most iconic landmarks within Oregon because it has never been painted or altered since construction, leaving its natural color as brown with rusting steel underneath – much like many other suspension bridges of that era. The bridge is also featured in the movie “Wild” the opening scene starring Reese Witherspoon.
The bridge has a total length of approximately 5000 feet, with an open-air promenade on each side for pedestrians and bicyclists and four lanes for vehicular traffic. It is also one of the first bridges to have a sidewalk for bicyclists, if not the very first bridge.
The St. Johns Bridge is one of Portland’s most photographed sites. It has become an architectural representation of individuality against conformity in Oregon today – much like it was initially intended by its designer Gustav Lindenthal who also designed New York City’s Hell Gate Bridge.
Facts About St. Johns Bridge
– The longest vertical lift span in Oregon.
– Built-in 1931, it was the first central Portland bridge to be named for a person (John Charles Olmsted), an engineer and landscape architect who supervised the construction of many other famous landmarks, including New York’s Central Park.
– The bridge has never been painted or altered since construction, leaving its natural color as brown with rusting steel underneath.
– It is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing and has become an architectural representation of individuality against conformity in Oregon today.
What to See at St. Johns Bridge
The St. Johns Bridge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portland, and for a good reason. This beautiful bridge offers stunning views of the cityscape and Mount Hood. It’s also an excellent spot for fishing, hiking, and biking. If you’re looking for a fun day out in Portland, be sure to check out the St. Johns Bridge!
On top of that, you can see downtown Portland on one side and Washington Park on the other side, which makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. You can also take a boat tour down the Willamette River and see the bridge differently. If you’re looking for something to do in Portland, be sure to check out the St. Johns Bridge! It’s one of the highlights of the city.
Activities and Events at St. Johns Bridge
The St. Johns Bridge is a great place for activities and events. Every year, the bridge is host to Moxie Festival. The festival features live music and dancing as well as delicious food vendors. This event has become one of Portland’s most prominent festivals over the past few years!
The St. Johns Bridge also holds several events for children, including Halloween trick-or-treating, which welcomes all the neighborhood kids to come by and receive candy at Halloween time.
Each year, they also host a special’ walk with Santa’ event where parents can bring their children down for photos with this festive character! These events are sure to become family traditions in Portland that you won’t want to miss out on.
If you’re looking for something to do in Portland with the kids, be sure to check out one of these St. Johns Bridge events! They are an excellent way for children and their parents to enjoy quality time together.
Things to Do at St. Johns Bridge
- Walk or bike across the bridge
- Take in views of Portland and the surrounding area from the bridge deck
- Visit John Yeon Park, which is located on the east bank of the Willamette River and offers excellent views of the bridge
- Take a walk or run along the riverfront trail, which runs parallel to the river below the park
- Visit Cathedral Park, located under the north end of the bridge, for a peaceful place to relax and take in views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, and downtown Portland
- Take a drive north to the Columbia River Gorge for more great views of bridges, waterfalls, and mountains!
Things Not to Do at St. Johns Bridge
- Do not jump off of the bridge! It is illegal and dangerous for you and others around you who may be walking across it.
- Do not walk on the train tracks. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to do so, as you may get hit by a train.
- Do not trespass on private property. It is illegal and can result in fines or arrest.
- Do not litter. Littering is punishable by law in Portland and can result in hefty fines.
What to Bring at St. Johns Bridge
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (for sunny days)
- Water bottle (there are water fountains at the park!)
- Bug spray (for summer days)
- Hiking boots/tennis shoes (if you plan to hike or walk along the riverfront trail)
- Camera! (You’ll want to remember these views forever!)
Other Things to Note
The view of Mount St. Helens is best when the mountain has recently had a snowfall! If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to check out this beautiful sight.
Having trouble finding parking? There are plenty of garages and lots where you can park for free or low cost near the bridge.
The walk across the bridge should take about 25 minutes, depending on how fast you walk and if there are people in your way. Plan accordingly!
Different Ways to See St. Johns Bridge
Drive over the bridge and park at Cathedral Park, John Yeon State Park, or other great spots along the riverfront trail for a scenic view of Portland from above!
Take a boat tour down the Willamette River through downtown Portland and upriver towards Kelley Point Park and Vancouver, WA
Hike or bike up the Historic Columbia River Highway from downtown Portland to see the bridge from a different perspective
Walk, run, or skateboard across the bridge! It’s a great way to get some exercise and take in the views.
Take public transportation! The bus lines that go near the bridge are #15 (St. Johns), #19 (Woodstock), and #75 (Foster/Powell). Plan your trip using TriMet’s trip planner.
Visit the bridge during one of its many community events, such as the annual car show in June or the Jazz Festival in September!
Check out the bridge from a distance while enjoying a meal or drink at one of Portland’s many restaurants and bars with outdoor seating.
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