Highlight • Bridge
Road cycling
5.0
(27)
Hiking
5.0
(2)
The Sellwood Bridge is a prominent steel deck arch bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. Located at the city's southernmost point, it connects the vibrant Sellwood and Westmoreland neighborhoods on the east side with Oregon Route 43 and Macadam Avenue on the west. This modern structure, opened in 2016, replaced a historic 1925 steel truss bridge, continuing its legacy as a vital crossing in the Portland metropolitan area.
Visitors consistently praise the Sellwood Bridge for its majestic arch…
Tips
November 2, 2023
Hiking
February 7, 2024
Road cycling
April 13, 2024
Road cycling
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Sellwood Bridge
7
riders
76.7km
03:33
610m
610m
4.8
(9)
234
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
189
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Elevation 0 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 21 March
14°C
6°C
28 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The Sellwood Bridge serves as a gateway to several popular trails. On the east side, you can access the Springwater on the Willamette path, which connects to Oaks Amusement Park and continues south. Nearby, you'll find trails within Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and Sellwood Riverfront Park. On the west side, the bridge connects to the South Waterfront Greenway and Oregon Route 43, offering routes towards downtown Portland or further south along the Willamette River.
Yes, the Sellwood Bridge is designed with accessibility in mind. It features generous 12-foot wide multi-use sidewalks on both sides, making it fully wheelchair accessible. The bridge's design ensures a smooth and comfortable experience for all pedestrians.
Many of the trails in the Sellwood Bridge area are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. The Springwater on the Willamette path and trails within Sellwood Riverfront Park are popular choices for walks with canine companions. Always check local signage for specific regulations, especially within sensitive areas like Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods on both the east (Sellwood/Westmoreland) and west (Macadam Avenue) sides of the bridge. However, spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Many visitors opt to arrive by bike or public transportation to avoid parking challenges. Consider parking a short distance away and cycling or walking to the bridge.
The Sellwood Bridge itself has a total length of 1,976 feet (approximately 0.37 miles or 602 meters). The pedestrian paths run the entire length of the bridge, offering a relatively short but scenic walk across the Willamette River.
The Sellwood Bridge is well-served by Portland's TriMet public transportation system. Several bus lines operate in the Sellwood neighborhood on the east side, with stops conveniently located near the bridge's entrance. On the west side, bus routes along Macadam Avenue (Oregon Route 43) also provide access. Check the TriMet website for current routes and schedules.
From the Sellwood Bridge, you can enjoy expansive views of the Willamette River, the Portland skyline to the north, and the surrounding natural areas. Look for the distinctive three steel arch spans of the bridge itself, which are illuminated with subtle LED lighting after dark. You can also spot Oaks Amusement Park on the east bank and the lush greenery of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
Yes, the Sellwood Bridge and its adjacent trails are generally suitable for winter walks and rides. The bridge's wide paths are well-maintained. While Portland winters can be wet, the paved surfaces remain accessible. Dress in layers and be mindful of potentially slick conditions on trails, especially after rain or during colder temperatures. The architectural lighting can make for a pleasant evening experience.
The Sellwood neighborhood, located on the east side of the bridge, offers a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You'll find options ranging from casual eateries to more upscale dining, many within walking or short cycling distance from the bridge. The west side, along Macadam Avenue, also has some dining establishments.
The current Sellwood Bridge, opened in 2016, replaced an earlier bridge from 1925. The original Sellwood Bridge was Portland's first fixed-span bridge and, for a time, was the busiest two-lane bridge in Oregon. Its replacement was a significant engineering feat, with the old bridge's main span notably moved onto temporary piers to maintain traffic flow during construction. The new bridge continues its legacy as a vital crossing.
The Sellwood Bridge is a popular spot for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, especially on pleasant weekends. While its wide multi-use paths are designed to accommodate many users, you can expect higher traffic during peak weekend hours, particularly in the late morning and afternoon. For a quieter experience, consider visiting earlier in the morning or on weekdays.