Bridge City or Bridge-zilla? Counting Portland's River Crossings
Portland, Oregon. City of Roses? Sure. But let's be honest, the real nickname should be Bridge City (or maybe Bridge-zilla, for the more kaiju-enthusiastic among us). We're talking about a metropolis crisscrossed by so many bridges, you might start to feel like you're living in a real-life Venice (minus the gondolas and questionable water quality).
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| How Many Bridges Are There In Portland Oregon |
But Seriously, Folks: How Many Bridges Are There?
So, how many bridges exactly does Portland have? Buckle up, because this is where things get interesting. If you stick to the strictly-within-city-limits definition, then the answer is a cool 12 bridges. These titans of steel and concrete gracefully (or not-so-gracefully, we're looking at you, Burnside Bridge with your never-ending traffic jams) span the mighty Willamette River, the lifeblood of Portland.
But wait, there's more! Portland isn't an island (although sometimes it feels that way during rush hour). We have a couple of bridges that reach out and touch our neighbors in Washington State. Including these intrepid bridge ambassadors, the grand total jumps to a respectable 15.
So, the answer depends on how you define a "Portland bridge." For the sake of conversation (and because who wants to be a bridge snob?), let's just say Portland has a whole heck of a lot of bridges.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Fun Fact Interlude:
Did you know that the Hawthorne Bridge holds the title of busiest bicycle and pedestrian bridge in the entire state of Oregon? That's a lot of two-wheeled commuters and scenic strollers taking in the sights (and dodging the occasional rogue frisbee).
But I Just Wanna Take Pretty Pictures!
If you're a tourist on a bridge-spotting mission, here are a few of the Portland bridges that deserve a place on your itinerary:
- St. Johns Bridge: This suspension bridge is the tallest in Portland and offers some seriously epic views.
- Morrison Bridge: This bad boy is the largest mechanical device in all of Oregon. Take that, amusement parks!
- Hawthorne Bridge: As mentioned before, this is the place to be for people-watching and, of course, admiring the ever-changing Portland skyline.
Basically, any bridge you choose will have its own unique charm (and probably a fair amount of traffic).
Tip: Write down what you learned.
How To Be a Bridge Boss: FAQ
Alright, alright, we get it. You're here for the practical stuff. Here are some quick answers to bridge-related questions you might have:
How to Get Across the River Without a Car?
Many of Portland's bridges are pedestrian and bicycle friendly! Take your pick and enjoy the ride (or walk).
Tip: Don’t skim — absorb.
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How to Avoid Traffic on the Bridges During Rush Hour?
This one's a tough one. Maybe invest in a jetpack? (Just kidding... mostly.)
How to Learn More About Portland's Bridges?
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
The internet is your friend! Or, you could take a historical walking tour focused on the bridges.
How to Take the Most Instagram-Worthy Bridge Photo?
Golden hour lighting is always a good bet. Also, try to avoid getting photobombed by a rogue bus.
How to Appreciate the Sheer Awesomeness of Portland's Bridges?
Just stand on one and take it all in. These bridges are more than just ways to get from point A to point B, they're symbols of the city's history and character.
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