Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Historic Willamette District

    5.0 (2 reviews)

    Historic Willamette District Photos

    More like Historic Willamette District

    Recommended Reviews - Historic Willamette District

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration
    Photo of Jody J.
    781
    537
    1728

    3 years ago

    Helpful 22
    Thanks 0
    Love this 22
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen K.
    517
    2037
    7673

    14 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 144 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Willamette Falls Scenic Overlook

    Willamette Falls Scenic Overlook

    4.1(9 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    My wife and I were in Portland with my sister and brother-in-law and we stopped after the grotto…read morefor this overlook that had a huge rush of water, I read somewhere that it had the second most volume of water in America, but it seemed far-fetched. The view was pretty, but from where we were standing, it seemed to have a lot of blocking obstructions, I know big problems, but hey.... We stayed for about 10 minutes and were on our way again. Hey, it was free, I think the other side of the river would have been better.

    I mean... who doesn't love a good scenic overlook? When in Oregon... amirite? :P…read more On a recent trip to the Beaver State, my girlfriends and I knew that we had to take a sec. to appreciate all of the beauty that this state has to offer. We were driving to Clackamas to do some shopping--the tiny town of Happy Valley itself is cute and cozy. Hungry to explore the town, we pulled off of the road to the scenic overlook. The fresh, cool, and crisp Oregon air was blowing and the Willamette river was rushing straight and fast into the Willamette Falls. Surrounded by mountains, it was truly a sight to see. As a true Hawaii girl, it was surprising and interesting to say the least to also see so many historic "American" buildings. Close to the pull-over, there's a bunch of old paper mill, and industrial buildings. Interesting fact I found out: Willamette Falls is the largest falls (by water volume) in the West.--second only to Niagara Falls.

    Photos
    Willamette Falls Scenic Overlook - Beautiful!

    Beautiful!

    Willamette Falls Scenic Overlook
    Willamette Falls Scenic Overlook

    See all

    Willamette Falls Locks

    Willamette Falls Locks

    2.5(2 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Update - The locks are currently closed to the public. They may not be able to hold the annual Lock…read moreFest this summer either due to lack of funding. Sadness. ---------------------------------------------- Reasons to visit: **Built in 1873, this is the first multi-lift navigation locks built in the United States **On the National Register of Historic Places **Visiting the locks and visitor center are free Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers since 1915, they are in dire need of funding to remain open. Every year the city and Willamette Falls Heritage Foundation sponsor a Lock Fest to publicize this landmark and raise funds to continue operation. Is this the most exciting thing since sliced bread? No. Is it a part of our local history that should be supported and available for generations to come? Absolutely! I've visited the amazing Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle and if you are expecting that level of maintenance and activity, you will be disappointed. In comparison, this is a missed opportunity to develop this location into a visitor destination. The falls and views of Mt. Hood are beautiful from here. Visitor hours vary seasonally, so I suggest you call ahead.

    Well, this used to be a pretty cool operation...actually lived a couple blocks away. It is a…read moreshame that you can't even get in to see the Salmon ladder. Maybe public support will help make this a viable facility once again.

    Photos
    Willamette Falls Locks
    Willamette Falls Locks - Boo... government shut down. The locks are even closed during Lock Fest!

    Boo... government shut down. The locks are even closed during Lock Fest!

    Willamette Falls Locks

    See all

    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge - this is what it looked like before - not very pretty and not very functional.

    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge

    3.2(5 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    Will you open already?…read more I've been inconvenienced by the closure of this bridge almost daily for the past 18 months. And while I don't expect the re-opening in October to magically solve the I-205 snarl through West Linn, it certainly can't hurt. My observation is that the closure has been particularly disruptive to the business owners in downtown Oregon City. What was once an easy jog from West Linn to Oregon City became much more of an ordeal during the commute hours. And sometimes it just isn't worth the effort. To coincide with the reopening of the bridge, they've been repaving and refreshing Main Street in downtown Oregon City, so things may finally get back on track for customers and businesses next month. Aside from the transportation aspect, this small bridge has a fun little spot in my heart as a West Linn resident. The West Linn-Oregon City game is the longest continuously played football rivalry west of the Mississippi. Because the high school football fields are located within a mile of the bridge on either side, in the old days it was common for one school's players and fans to march across the bride to the other school's stadium with a police escort, no less. The football game is known as "The Battle of the Bridge." Another fun fact for the engineers out there is that this is the only bridge in Oregon encased in gunite, which protects it from corrosive sulfur dioxide emissions from paper mills south of the bridge. The re-opening will be part of the Willamette Falls Festival (aka Lock Fest), October 12 - 14: http://www.willamettefallsfestival.com/.

    It's Finally Going To Open!!! This bridge has been dearly missed for the last 2 years. After 90…read moreyears of service, it was due for much needed repairs and restoration. Willamette Falls Festival will celebrate the reopening with a 3 day festival October 12 - 14th. Lots of events, tents, races, fireworks, art and even a mass vow renewal ceremony on the bridge October 14th at 1pm. Married couples can register online for this FREE Vow Renewal ceremony and even a Reception at the Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom. Register by October 8th at www.willamettefallsfestival.com This will be a great event and a perfect way to celebrate the bridge finally reopening!!!

    Photos
    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge - They did a great job on the rebuild

    They did a great job on the rebuild

    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge - Willamette Falls, The Locks and the Oregon City West Linn Arch Bridge.

    Willamette Falls, The Locks and the Oregon City West Linn Arch Bridge.

    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge - This is what it looks like now - very pretty and not very functional.

    See all

    This is what it looks like now - very pretty and not very functional.

    Oregon City Municipal Elevator

    Oregon City Municipal Elevator

    4.5(36 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    The Oregon City Municipal Elevator instantly made my list of coolest things to do in Oregon. You're…read morewalking the beautiful Oregon City riverfront, doing the loop downtown, surrounded by clean streets, old buildings, shops, restaurants, and then boom, there it is standing in front of you like some futuristic tower from another era. Straight ahead you've got the bridge crossing into West Linn, the river below, cliffs around you, and somehow this little elevator ties it all together perfectly. What makes it even crazier is the history behind it. The original elevator opened clear back in 1915 after years of debate and legal battles. The first version took about three years to build and cost around $12000, which was a serious amount of money back then. The current elevator was rebuilt in 1955 and cost about $116000 to construct. It rises about 130 feet up the bluff and is still one of only a handful of municipal elevators in the entire world. Even better, the street connected to it is considered the only vertical street in North America. That alone is worth seeing. From the outside, the thing is beautiful. It honestly looks like a little flying saucer perched on the cliffside. Then you walk through this little hallway tunnel underneath the tracks, step inside, and suddenly you are shooting straight up the side of the mountain. Fifteen seconds later, boom, you're standing up top with these incredible postcard views overlooking the river, downtown Oregon City, and the surrounding hills. It feels like a tiny postage stamp observation deck with a full 360 degree view. What I loved most was how easy and fun the whole experience felt. Everything is close together downtown. Parking was easy, bathrooms are nearby, the waterfront is right there, and the elevator itself is completely free. That alone makes it such a cool experience because most cities would charge you ten bucks just to stand at a viewpoint like this. This place is historic, unique, fun, and honestly just flat out memorable. If you are anywhere near Oregon City, highly recommend making the stop. It is one of those rare attractions that is actually better in person than people describe. Absolutely loved it.

    How freakin' cool is this?!…read more It's historic architecture and it's FREE! So fun! Can't believe I'm just now realizing how 'cute' Oregon City is. Easily the best of the Portland 'burbs.

    Photos
    Oregon City Municipal Elevator - The mid century mod observation deck from the outside

    The mid century mod observation deck from the outside

    Oregon City Municipal Elevator - Mini waterfall near the top of the stairs

    Mini waterfall near the top of the stairs

    Oregon City Municipal Elevator - Arch Bridge ornament

    See all

    Arch Bridge ornament

    Historic Willamette District - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...