Type: Paved, Loop
Difficulty: 2 / 10
Altitude: 30 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Unknown
Filed Under: Running
Waterfront Park stretches for twenty-two blocks along the west side of the Willamette River, from SW Clay Street to the Steel Bridge. A fantastic greenway loop run combining the Waterfront with the new (2002) east side Esplanade crosses the Hawthorne bridge sidewalk on the south and the Steel Brdige pedestrian Riverwalk on the north.
For decades, the congested roadway of Harbor Drive occupied the riverfront land where Waterfront Park now sits. With Governor Tom McCall's backing, the road was torn up and the park was dedicated in 1978. If you're anywhere downtown and need a breath of fresh air, just head downhill and you'll hit this welcoming green space.
The Eastbank Esplanade provides visitors with a unique and distinctively urban experience. Tucked between Interstate 5 and the Willamette River, the Esplanade is 1.5 miles long, extending from the Hawthorne Bridge to the Steel Bridge with connections to eastside neighborhoods as well as across the river. Primarily a pedestrian/bicycle corridor, it offers unparalleled views of downtown Portland and leaves visitors with a whole new perspective of the river and the eastside.
Thirteen urban markers run the length of the Esplanade, marking the eastside street grid and providing information about the river and the rich history of the area. Seating walls, benches, overlooks, and small plaza areas offer places to stop, relax, and enjoy.
The 1,200 ft. long floating walkway is the longest floating walkway in the United States. Here, the sensation of walking on water adds another dimension to the experience. The adjoining 120 ft. public boat dock provides moorage for recreational boaters as well as space for a future river taxi and other commercial uses.
A cantilevered walkway is suspended from the bulkhead of the original City Pier #2, providing opportunities to view the old pier as well as the riverbank below.
Four pieces of public art are featured between the Morrison Bridge and the floating walkway. Moving from south to north along the esplanade, The Echo Gate is located beneath the Morrison Bridge. The Ghost Ship is sited on the south end of the former City Pier #2 bulkhead. The Stackstalk sits at the north end of the bulkhead and The Alluvial Wall is just a little farther north. RIGGA, a group of local artists created the art as part of the Regional Arts and Culture Council?s Percent-for-Art program
The Steel Bridge RiverWalk, attached just 30+ feet above the Willamette River, offers pedestrians and bicyclists a new route across the river. Connecting at grade on the westside in Waterfront Park, visitors have their choice on the eastside to view the city from a stunning new overlook or continue along the Eastbank Esplanade.
Smart Park lots offer the best short-term (less than four hours) and evening parking rates. Lots are located just a few blocks from Waterfront Park at 1st and Jefferson, 4th and Yamhill, 3rd and Alder, and Naito and Davis.
Posted by: tradkelly and last modified on Feb 02, 2006 by thoos
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