Bridge the Knowledge Gap: A Guide to Portland's River Crossings (and Avoiding a Dramatic Splash)
Ah, Portland, Oregon. Where the coffee flows like...well, like a mighty river! And speaking of mighty rivers, Portland boasts the Willamette snaking through its heart, creating a city divided (geographically speaking, at least). But fear not, intrepid explorer! Portland has more bridges than a dentist convention to help you navigate this watery metropolis.
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| What Are The Names Of The Bridges In Portland Oregon |
A River Runs Through It (and Dozens of Bridges Cross It)
Portland wears the nicknames "Bridge City" and "Bridgetown" for a reason. We're talking about a staggering 12 bridges spanning the Willamette alone, each with its own unique personality (and traffic quirks, but that's a story for another time).
Here's a quick rundown of some of the Willamette's most famous crossings:
- The St. Johns Bridge: This granddaddy of bridges is a majestic suspension bridge, perfect for pretending you're a swashbuckling pirate traversing the seven seas (or the Willamette, which is basically the same thing, right?).
- The Fremont Bridge: This double-decker behemoth is a sight to behold, especially during rush hour when it resembles a mechanical ant colony. Fun fact: the top deck goes west, the bottom deck goes east. Don't get them confused, unless you're looking for a scenic detour.
- The Hawthorne Bridge: A favorite amongst pedestrians and cyclists (and yes, the occasional unicycle daredevil), this bridge offers stunning views of the city and is a great spot for people-watching (or should we say, bridge-watching?).
This is just a taste of Portland's bridge bounty. There's the historic Burnside Bridge, the colorful Steel Bridge, and the humble Sellwood Bridge, each with its own story to tell.
Tip: Pause if your attention drifts.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Seriously, There Are a Lot of Bridges)
We haven't even mentioned the two bridges that span the mighty Columbia River, or the countless smaller bridges that grace Portland's many waterways. Let's just say, if you're looking for a bridge to cross in Portland, you're spoiled for choice.
Pro Tip: If you're planning a visit to Portland and bridge-hopping is on your agenda (because, why wouldn't it be?), grab a bike and explore the city's extensive network of bike paths. Just be sure to follow the traffic signals (even the blinking red hand means stop, no matter how thrilling a rogue jump might seem).
Frequently Asked Bridge-y Questions:
How to get the best view of Portland from a bridge?
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
St. Johns Bridge offers panoramic vistas, but for a truly unique perspective, check out the pedestrian path on the Hawthorne Bridge at sunset.
How to avoid getting stuck in bridge traffic?
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Public transportation is your friend! The MAX light rail zips across the Willamette on several bridges, offering a stress-free commute (and a chance to play Pokemon Go).
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
How to impress your friends with your Portland bridge knowledge?
Casually drop the fact that the Fremont Bridge is the longest double-decker bridge in Oregon. Bonus points for knowing the difference between a suspension bridge and a cantilever bridge (but don't worry, we won't quiz you here).
How to take the perfect bridge selfie?
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
Strike a pose in front of the colorful Steel Bridge. Just be mindful of other pedestrians and avoid blocking the flow of bridge traffic (because nobody likes a selfie hog).
How to tell your friends back home that you're basically a Portland bridge expert?
Tell them you just read this amazing blog post, wink wink.
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