Highlight • Bridge
Road cycling
4.8
(20)
The Hawthorne Bridge is a historic vertical-lift truss bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. Standing at an elevation of 2 meters, it connects Hawthorne Boulevard on the city's east side with Madison Street in downtown Portland. This iconic structure holds the distinction of being the oldest vertical-lift bridge still in operation in the United States and Portland's oldest highway bridge, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
Visitors consistently praise the Hawthorne Bridge…
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September 19, 2024
Road cycling
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Best routes near Hawthorne Bridge
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.
72
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Yes, the Hawthorne Bridge is a central part of several popular routes. It seamlessly connects to the Eastbank Esplanade on the east side, which offers scenic pathways along the Willamette River. From there, you can easily link to other bridges like the Tilikum Crossing or Steel Bridge to create various loop routes, such as a 3-mile (5 km) downtown bridge loop, perfect for walking or cycling. The bridge itself provides a flat, easy crossing.
The Hawthorne Bridge offers an exceptionally easy crossing. It has wide, flat sidewalks and no steep inclines, making it accessible for nearly everyone. The surface is paved and smooth, ideal for walking, running, or cycling. Its low elevation of just 2 meters above the river means there's no significant climb involved.
Absolutely. The wide sidewalks and flat terrain make it very family-friendly for both walking and cycling. Children can safely enjoy the views and the experience of crossing the river. The connection to the Eastbank Esplanade also provides a safe, car-free environment for families to explore further along the riverfront.
Yes, the Hawthorne Bridge is considered wheelchair accessible. Its wide sidewalks and flat, even surface ensure a smooth crossing without any significant barriers. The connections to the Eastbank Esplanade also maintain accessibility, making it a great option for those using wheelchairs or strollers.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Hawthorne Bridge, provided they are kept on a leash. It's a popular spot for dog walkers, especially given its connection to the Eastbank Esplanade and nearby parks. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to keep the area pleasant for everyone.
From the bridge itself, you get panoramic views of the Willamette River, the downtown Portland skyline, and other iconic bridges. For views of the Hawthorne Bridge, the Eastbank Esplanade offers excellent perspectives, especially from the north or south, allowing you to capture its distinctive green truss structure. Tom McCall Waterfront Park on the west bank also provides great angles.
Direct parking immediately at the bridge is limited due to its central urban location. However, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in downtown Portland on the west side, and in the inner Southeast neighborhoods on the east side. Public transportation is highly recommended, as the bridge is a major transit hub.
The Hawthorne Bridge is extremely well-served by public transport. It's a major route for TriMet buses, with numerous lines crossing daily. Many bus stops are located at both ends of the bridge. Additionally, it's within walking distance of MAX Light Rail stations in downtown Portland and near the Oregon Convention Center, making it very accessible.
Yes, both sides of the Hawthorne Bridge offer a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants. On the west side, you're in downtown Portland with countless options. On the east side, the vibrant neighborhoods of Southeast Portland, particularly along Hawthorne Boulevard, boast numerous eclectic cafes, breweries, and eateries perfect for a post-walk or ride refreshment.
The Hawthorne Bridge is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with less chance of extreme weather. Summer is popular but can be hot, so early mornings or evenings are ideal. Winter can be chilly and wet, but the bridge remains accessible, and the views can be dramatic, especially on clear days.
The Hawthorne Bridge is Oregon's busiest bicycle and transit bridge, so it can get quite busy, especially during weekday rush hours (morning and late afternoon). Cyclists can even outnumber cars during these times. Weekends, particularly sunny ones, also see high pedestrian and cyclist traffic. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours or mid-day.
The Hawthorne Bridge is a significant historical landmark. Opened in 1910, it is the oldest vertical-lift bridge still in operation in the United States and the oldest highway bridge in Portland. It was a pioneering structure in bridge engineering, designed by the firm credited with inventing the modern vertical-lift bridge. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.