Susan S. BradleyThis east/west North Willamette River loop walk is nonstop gorgeous the entire route. A mostly flat, paved 5-mile route, its an abbreviation of our considerably more strenuous 5-bridge walk with nearly all the visual impact and adventure.
By popular request, this walk includes an optional trek into the inner Eastside, including several Vintage Wonderlands (Cargo, City Home, Urbanite, Rejuvenation) and three of Portland’s crave worthy local coffee shops (Ovation, Water Avenue Coffee, Coava).
You’ll want to allow an entire morning or afternoon to take in all the sights. And do pack a camera. (We like to show off our “real” cameras in these posts but honestly, the newest iPhone camera can’t be beat for walking and shooting. Check out this phone lanyard for absolute ease.
The Route
This walk traverses Willamette River Greenway Trail, Steel Bridge, Eastbank Esplanade, Inner Eastside (optional), Hawthorne Bridge, and Waterfront Park Trail.
Even though you’ll traverse only two bridges on this route (Steel (2 level, train/ car/ped) and Hawthorne (green), you’ll see several more, namely Broadway (red), Burnside (arched 20th century bascule), Morrison (Chicago-type double-leaf bascule, LED architectural lights), Marquam (I-5), and Tilikum Crossing (newest, cable-stayed, ped/pub transit).
Interactive Route Map
Grab our interactive route map of Walking Portland: Two Bridge, Willamette River West/East Loop. Then save and open from your iPhone to follow along as you walk. No more missed turns or getting lost!
Two Bridge, Willamette River West/East Loop Walk Directions
Join Women Who Walk for a guided tour of this iconic Portland walk.
Start & End
- Ovation Coffee at 941 NW Overton St. | The Fields Park
Route Out
- NW Overton ST | Left/Southeast
- NW 9th AVE | Left/Northeast
- Willamette Greenway | Left then Right (.8 mile)
- Steel Bridge Crossing | Right/Northwest
- Eastbank Esplanade | Right then curve South
- Exit SE Salmon St. | Left/East
- SE Taylor St. | Right/East
- SE Grand Ave. | Left/North
- SE Grand Ave. | Left/North
- SE Yamhill St. | Left/West
Route Back
- SE Water Ave. | Left/Northeast
- Morrison Bridge Pedestrian Walkway | Left/East then Northeast
- Eastbank Esplanade | Left/South (.3 mile)
- SW Hawthorne Bridge Exit
- SW Hawthorne Bridge | Continue west (.3 mile)
- Waterfront Park Trail | Right/Northeast (.9 mile)
- Waterfront Trail | Right/Northwest (same trail out as back)
Distance
About 5 miles for the complete loop.
Time
About 2.5 hours, not including optional Inner Eastside romps through City Home, Asia America, Rejuvenation, Urbanite, and Cargo retro emporiums.
Terrain
Mostly flat with paved walkways, a couple of exit ramps, one steep staircase (going down), and two bridge crossings.
Difficulty
Mostly easy, with numerous great break-and-gawk opportunities.
Gear
Sturdy, well-fitting running/walking shoes are a must on Portland’s notoriously uneven, poorly maintained sidewalks and trails. Walker beware!
Portland weather can change in a matter of minutes (especially in winter), and it’s not unusual to need several varying levels of warmth, plus rain coverage on a given walk. Dress in layers and pack a collapsible umbrella and drinking water.
Camera
Bring it! (Your iPhone camera is great for walking photo shoots. (Here’s the Taporse for iPhone 13 Pro Max Crossbody Wallet Case with Credit Card Holder, Detachable Crossbody Lanyard Strap that I use. )
Coffee
There are numerous best bets for coffee along this route and for easy reference they’re all indicated on the route map. Water Avenue Coffee is worth a short detour off the main route. Their S’mores Mocha (espresso, steamed milk, chocolate sauce, toasted marshmallow, and cocoa with graham cracker on the side) is a Must Experience.
Two Bridge, Willamette River West/East Loop Photo Gallery
Click an image to watch the gallery full screen.
Portland Walkabouts
The SkyBlue Portland team hosts monthly group walks through some of Portland Metro’s most beautiful and interesting neighborhoods.
For info on our FREE Portland Walking Tours, check out our Women Who Walk Facebook page and then sign up for a walk on corresponding Women Who Walk Meetup page. Hope to see you soon!
Copyright 2023 Susan S. Bradley. All rights reserved.
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