The first time I arrived in Portland, Oregon, I was drawn immediately to the Willamette River. Its gentle flow cuts right through the heart of the city, dividing east from west, while at the same time pulling people together. There’s something magnetic about the waterfront here—it’s not just a place for jogging, biking, or taking photos, but a kind of living thread that ties together Portland’s energy, its creativity, and its history.
Walking along the riverside in Portland is never just about getting from one point to another. For me, it became a ritual of discovery, with every turn offering a new view, a quirky detail, or an experience that felt uniquely Portland. Whether it was the sight of bridges rising and falling with boat traffic, or the laughter of children splashing in fountains, I felt immersed in a place where city life and natural beauty coexisted in harmony.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Location and First Encounter
Located downtown along the west bank of the Willamette River, Tom McCall Waterfront Park stretches for more than 30 acres, and it feels like the city’s living room. The very first morning I wandered into the park, I carried a steaming cup of coffee from a food cart parked nearby and let my steps slow down. The sound of seagulls mixed with the distant hum of traffic, and everywhere I turned, people were soaking up the riverside calm. Joggers passed with rhythmic footsteps, a street performer strummed a guitar under a cherry tree, and couples walked hand in hand as though time itself had softened along the water’s edge. I felt instantly at ease.
Seasonal Magic
The park has a personality that shifts with the seasons. In spring, the cherry blossoms near the Japanese American Historical Plaza explode into a sea of pink and white. I found myself stopping every few feet to take photos, unable to resist the delicate petals drifting in the breeze. Summer brought even more energy. I was lucky to catch the Portland Rose Festival, where floats rolled past in vivid colors, and live bands kept crowds moving. In autumn, I watched the paths glow under fiery red and golden leaves, while in winter, the river mirrored the glittering lights of downtown, offering a peaceful stillness that made me want to linger.
Costs and Access
The park is free, but parking downtown is often a challenge. After circling a few blocks too many, I started using apps like SpotHero to reserve a space. On later visits, I realized that booking a hotel within walking distance through Booking.com or Expedia not only saved me parking stress but also gave me more time to enjoy the park from sunrise to sunset.
Tip
Bring a blanket, a few snacks, and let the grassy riverbank become your personal picnic spot. The sunsets here are unforgettable, especially when the skyline and bridges glow against the river.
Hawthorne Bridge
A Walk Through History
One of my favorite ways to experience the riverside is crossing Hawthorne Bridge, Portland’s oldest vertical-lift bridge, opened in 1910. Located between SE Hawthorne Boulevard and SW Madison Street, it connects downtown to the east side. Walking across, I could feel the hum of the city: bikes whizzing by, the clang of metal as the bridge lifted for river traffic, and the panoramic view of the city skyline.
Photography Heaven
From the midpoint of the bridge, I had an unobstructed view of Mount Hood on a clear day, framed by the river and cityscape. My camera was working overtime. The golden light at dusk turned the river into a shimmering ribbon, and I knew this was one of those “only in Portland” moments.
Tip
Wear comfortable shoes and plan your crossing around sunset. For photographers, a tripod can help capture long-exposure shots of the city lights reflecting on the water.
Eastbank Esplanade
Where the City Meets the River
On the east side of the Willamette lies the Eastbank Esplanade, stretching from the Steel Bridge to the Hawthorne Bridge. The floating walkway here is unlike anything I’ve experienced before—it literally moves with the river. As I walked, the water lapped gently against the sides, and I felt connected to the pulse of the city in an unexpected way.
Activities and Vibe
Cyclists sped past, families pushed strollers, and fishermen cast lines into the river. I rented a bike through a local shop, which I booked conveniently online via TripAdvisor, and pedaled the entire loop that combines the Esplanade with the west-side Waterfront Park. It was about four miles of pure joy, with plenty of stops for photos and snacks.
Costs and Booking
The Esplanade itself is free. Bike rentals can range from \$20 to \$40 for a day, and booking in advance online often comes with discounts. I used Expedia’s activities section, which sometimes bundles rentals with other local tours.
OMSI – Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Location and First Impressions
At 1945 SE Water Avenue, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) sits right along the riverbank. From the outside, the building looks modern yet approachable, and stepping inside opened up a world of discovery. I’m not ashamed to admit that I spent hours here, fascinated by interactive exhibits and, of course, the retired Navy submarine docked outside.
Highlights
The USS Blueback Submarine, permanently moored at OMSI, was a highlight of my visit. Walking through its narrow corridors gave me a glimpse into the life of submariners. The planetarium shows and IMAX theater added layers to the experience, making it suitable for all ages.
Tickets and Booking
General admission is about \$20 for adults, with extra fees for the submarine or IMAX shows. I strongly recommend booking tickets in advance via OMSI’s official website or through platforms like TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide, especially during weekends.
Tip
If you’re traveling with family, check for combo passes online. I found discounted rates on Expedia when bundling OMSI tickets with nearby attractions.
Willamette River Cruises
Setting Sail
Seeing Portland from the water was something I couldn’t pass up. I booked a Portland Spirit River Cruise, which departs from Salmon Street Springs Fountain area. Boarding the boat, I was greeted with live music, a warm welcome, and tables set for dinner.
Experience
The cruise glided along the Willamette, offering views of Portland’s bridges illuminated at night. Dinner was a delightful mix of local cuisine—salmon with roasted vegetables, paired with Oregon wine. I remember standing on the deck, the wind in my hair, and thinking this was one of the most romantic moments of my trip.
Booking and Costs
Tickets start around \$80 for dinner cruises. I secured mine through Viator, which had an early-bird discount. Platforms like Expedia and TripAdvisor also offer bundled deals with hotels, which I recommend for convenience.
Tip
Bring a light jacket, even in summer, as evenings on the water can be breezy.
Salmon Street Springs Fountain
A Playful Stop
Located in Waterfront Park, the Salmon Street Springs Fountain is not just a fountain—it’s a gathering place. I watched kids dash through the jets of water, while couples sat nearby enjoying ice cream. At night, the fountain lights up, creating a colorful show that adds a magical touch to the riverside.
Costs
Completely free. My best tip? Grab a snack from nearby food carts before heading here.
Mill Ends Park
The World’s Smallest Park
Just a short walk from the riverfront at SW Naito Parkway and Taylor Street, Mill Ends Park holds the Guinness World Record as the smallest park in the world—just two feet in diameter. Standing there, I laughed at how something so tiny could become such a beloved landmark. It’s quirky, very Portland, and definitely worth a photo stop.
Dining Along the River
Riverside Gems
After exploring, nothing felt better than enjoying a meal along the river. I dined at Three Degrees Restaurant inside the RiverPlace Hotel, located at 1510 SW Harbor Way. Their seafood chowder was rich and comforting, and the views of the marina were perfect.
Another favorite was McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside at the Marina, where I indulged in fresh oysters while watching boats dock nearby.
Booking Platforms
I found the best availability using OpenTable, which also offered occasional promotions. Pairing dinner reservations with lodging through Booking.com made planning seamless.
Practical Travel Advice
- Flights – I booked my flights into Portland International Airport using Expedia, which often combines airfare and hotels at a discount.
- Accommodation – Staying near the waterfront made walking easy. Platforms like Booking.com and Hotels.com offered the most flexible cancellation policies.
- Dining – For riverside restaurants, OpenTable and Yelp Reservations ensured I never had to wait long.
- Tickets – For attractions like OMSI and river cruises, TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide were reliable platforms with clear cancellation policies.
As I sat one evening on a riverside bench, watching the lights shimmer across the Willamette, I felt grateful for the time I spent along Portland’s waterfront. Each stop—from grand parks to tiny quirky landmarks—offered its own story, weaving together a tapestry of urban life and natural beauty.
Portland’s riverside isn’t just about the places you visit—it’s about how you feel walking through them. For me, it was joy, discovery, and the sense that I was part of a living, breathing city. The river carried those memories along, as steady and timeless as its current.
