In my esteem, the St. John's Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in all of Portland. Prior to the bridge, the neighborhood of St. John's was served by a ferry and the construction of the bridge began just a month before the stock market crash of 1929. The bridge was built in 21 months and even one million under budget. Government officials waited until St. Patrick's Day 1931 to proclaim the bridge would be painted green. The bridge dedication ceremony was postponed until the 23rd annual Rose Festival on June 13, 1931. The bridge is a suspension style, at 2067 feet long, and 400 feet high. It's a Portland Historic Landmark and underneath you will also find stunning views from Cathedral Park. 2025 - Review # 17 read more

St. John's Bridge? Oh, now that's a sight that makes my little beaver heart thump like a tail on water. Those tall green towers stretchin' up into the sky, all graceful like cedar trees in a morning mist--just beautiful. And the way the bridge arches over the river? Why, it casts the nicest shade for an afternoon float. The water beneath is calm enough for a good paddle, and the banks are full of fine lookin' plants--perfect for a snack or two if you know where to nibble. And let me tell you, the breeze that drifts under that bridge? Cool, quiet, and peaceful... just the way us woodland folk like it. If you're lookin' for a place to sit by the water, watch the sun touch the treetops, or just listen to the soft current drift by, St. John's Bridge is the kind of spot that makes you feel lucky to share the forest! read more

St. Johns Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

An absolutely stunning bridge! This is basically Portland's version of the Golden Gate Bridge. It connects Cathedral Park and North Portland to the Forest Park. I always perk up a little when my route takes me over the bridge, and taking out of town visitors to Cathedral Park for a photo shoot is a must. Some fun facts: -It's the tallest bridge in Portland. -It's the only suspension bridge in the Willamette Valley area. -When it was built in 1931, it was the longest suspension type bridge west of the Mississippi river. -The color of the bridge is "Verde green," intended to harmonize with the forest. read more

St. Johns Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

10/10 would jump again, Had to grind for this view frfr. Alot of trashy graffiti the city needs to clean up tho. read more

St. Johns Bridge - Beautiful backdrop - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Continuing along I-5, I had the opportunity to cross this behemoth bridge that has a 1207 foot center span. The Saint Johns Bridge is the tallest bridge in Portland with 205 feet of clearance below. Built in 1931, it was the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi at the time of construction as well as having the highest clearance in the country. Today, it's not even close to longest as it is well behind the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Tacoma Narrows Bridges in Washington and the Carquinez Bridge and the Oakland Bay bridges in San Francisco. But that's okay! The bridge has two lanes in each direction with only a double-yellow line between them. There is a sidewalk/bicycle path on each side of the traffic that has no railing or barrier - just the curb. There is no toll to cross the bridge. [Review 20925 overall - 15 in Oregon - 1909 of 2023.] read more

See all

What can I say about one of my favorite things in Portland... I love driving over this bridge just to admire it. read more

See all

Did you know there are a total of 12 bridges entirely within the Portland city limits? St. Johns Bridge is by far my favorite. It is a suspension bridge over the Willamette River. It is built in the Gothic design, sea foam green in color which is just beautiful as it is often a featured picture with the season of colors of Portland in the background. It is the tallest bridge in Portland, with two 400-foot-tall towers. I am a San Francisco, CA native and I am sure that my attraction to the design and beauty of this bridge is rooted in my childhood and early adulthood from visits and walks across the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. I hope to travel up to the Cathedral Park neighborhood or St. John's neighborhood a bit more just to capture the grandeur of the beauty of this man-made structure in other photos. To learn more about the bridges in Portland, OR, check out this site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bridges_in_Portland,_Oregon read more

St. Johns Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Seattle has its Space Needle. San Francisco has its Golden Gate Bridge. NYC has its Rockefeller Center and Chrysler Building, and Chicago has its Sears Tower. Every city has its pivotal landmark which makes the city instantly recognizable. The iconic landmark that is depicted on its souvenirs. The landmark which, without any doubt, proclaims which city it hails from. Portland has its St. Johns Bridge. (Also known as the Cathedral Bridge, due to the cathedral-like arches). This bridge is on nearly every city souvenir from Portland, and with good reason: it is incredibly picturesque, with its seafood green patina and distinctive arches, towering majestically over the Willamette River, connecting the St. Johns neighborhood with the Portland mainland. My kid lives in St. John's, so we crossed over this bridge many multiple times. I admit, I was a bit taken aback when I realized that this bridge's railings aren't that high and there is no safety netting or other barrier to prevent people from jumping over the guardrail. (I used to be a paramedic, so this is where my mind automatically goes). There also is no barrier between bicycle riders riding across the bridge and vehicular traffic; they have to share the far right lane. So, this bridge, as gorgeous as it is, really doesn't pass the modern safety checklist for bikers or pedestrians (or potential jumpers). But yeah, it sure is pretty. (Perhaps Portland doesn't have a big problem with bike accidents or suicidal jumpers. I don't know the stats here). There is a beautiful park under the bridge called Cathedral Park, and it's the venue for many festivals and gatherings. I was told that lots of wedding photos take place here, and actual wedding ceremonies. It really is super picturesque. (There's a popular jazz festival on the grands this coming weekend I believe). The only feature I think this bridge needs is illumination at night. When you go over this bridge in the dark, you can't see the arches at all. This bridge is so beautiful, it really would be enhanced by some uplights so one could see the arches at night. read more

This is the most beautiful bridge I've ever seen. And if you visit Cathedral Park, located directly under the bridge, you can get some amazing photos. read more

See all

This Gothic designed suspension bridge, with it's sea foam green metal and gothic arches illuminating against the lush hills of Forest Park on the west and creating an arched entry into St. John's on the east, is truly iconic due to it's unique grandeur and beauty. During the Pandemic when gyms were closed, I set a goal of walking across the various Portland bridges as a form of exercise and to maintain sanity. While walking across the Cathedral Bridge isn't as peaceful as let's say the Burnside bridge, with so many trucks wizzing by and a very, very narrow sidewalk, it is still an exceptional experience not to be missed. The sheer beauty is memorizing. There are sidewalks on both sides so you can enjoy the views north and south. At two spots along the way, on both sides, there are vestibules that jet out and allow one to take in the panoramic vistas without fear of the traffic. Stop, pause, take it in. Even the vestibules have a series of arches making for great selfies and photo ops. As you are driving to Cathedral Bridge coming from Portland on the west side, about 100 yards before the bridge entrance, there is a small area to the left where about 7 cars can park. I drove across the bridge and parked on the St. John's side in one of the many side streets. Then walked across and back. Afterwards, either walk or drive down to Cathedral Park situated under this magnificent bridge for the most incredible views of the bridge and it's amazing metalwork and series of cascading arches. Have a picnic on the grass, by the beach area near the river, or on one of the many picnic tables available. Make sure to walk up the stairs under the Far East side of park to central point for more awesome views and photo ops. Often you will see wedding shoots and other professional photo shoots happening. In the summer during non-pandemic years, there are movies and concerts in the park and the fabulous 3 day Portland Jazz Festival. All of these are must do activities that are fun and enhanced in this spectacular setting. The town of St. John's is small and cute, lots of restaurants, home of one of the the historic McMenamin's theatres, a farmers market on Saturdays from 9-2pm, and cute little shops & boutiques. Totally worth a drive, and then a walk, over this magnificent bridge, through the park and the town. Enjoy! read more

See all

Easy access for people wanting to jump. And people don't want fences put up because it will look ugly. Hate this bridge so much.

The St Johns Bridge is one of those landmarks that has the design and the scale and the location just right - making it the defining spot in Portland for me, even though I don't live anywhere near it. I've made an earnest attempt at crossing on foot, but my fear of heights won out - not making it all the way across remains a major disappointment, because I'd love to explore this bridge from every possible angle. Fortunately, the park below and the St Johns neighborhood provide countless viewpoints of their own. Exploration of the neighborhood on foot is something of a consolation for those of us who can't make it all the way across the span. read more

See all

Are you up for an adventure? Take a hike to the center (or all the way) on this historic bridge in St Johns. Take a moment to look at the architecture and the beauty of the bridge as you gaze up and down the river. Don't forget to look down! read more

St. Johns Bridge - No Traffic - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

So I was inspired to come here after realizing that the bottom of the St. John's Bridge is the entrance to the Library Annex from the show, Librarians. OF COURSE I HAD TO GO! I forced my family to take dozens of pictures of me (and brother) headed towards, and at the entrance to our Library Annex. If you seen the show, you would understand. It's basically the most magical place in this...realm (besides Disneyland, hehehehehe). Aside from the Library Annex, it is a beautiful bridge and park. It's lovely and green. Very much so a good place to have a photography session, picnic, or date-stroll. Great for kids too-let em roam free. read more

See all

Literally love this gorgeous bridge so much, especially when it's a bright day and you're in the mood to go to the park. It's an open air cathedral park (make sure you put "cathedral park" in your GPS, it'll lead you to a free parking lot below the bridge near some neighborhoods). This park is so peaceful with tons of grass and a great place to take some pictures of the bridge! Every time I came here there were a bunch of families doing family photo shoots, or people walking their dogs peacefully, etc. Its grassy areas are pretty large and there's room for everyone, I think it's honestly an ideal picnic spot if the grass isn't wet and it isn't raining. Rumor has it that the architect of St. John's bridge is the same architect as the Golden Gate in SF (because they look kind of similar) but that's actually false! St. John's is actually designed by Steinman. Strauss is the designer for the Golden Gate, whose drawbridge opening mechanism is actually utilized by the BURNSIDE Bridge (little bit of Portland fun fact for ya!) There's also a little cute sandy beach area in the park (also where some friendly and not friendly homeless people camp), but overall it's a super iconic bridge and totally worth the trip out here if you're visiting Portland! read more

See all

What a beauty! This bridge gave me the tingles going over. If you're headed from Sauvie Island towards the city you can see Mt Saint helens to the left, Mt adams straight ahead and then Mt Hood to the right! Such a beautiful piece of Portland art! read more

See all

The tallest bridge in Portland and the city's only true suspension river crossing, the St. Johns Bridge connects the Cathedral Park Neighborhood to the Northwest Industrial area. Following completion in 1931 it boasted the highest waterway clearance in the nation, and had the longest suspension span west of Detroit, Michigan. With twin 400-foot-tall towers reminiscent of gothic cathedral spires the massive feat of engineering is truly awe inspiring and worth a visit. read more

See all

Spectacular landmark, so vastly recognizable and admired by so many. What a memorable sight to connect to a great town. read more

St. Johns Bridge - St. John's Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Beautiful bridge! Very picturesque! The little St. Johns town is cute. They have a Farmer's Market on Saturdays from 9-2. Some cute little restaurants too! Headed to Cathedral Park next! read more

See all

I am not sure that I have the words to describe this place any better than the ones before me have. St. John's bridge is an open air cathedral that emanates beautiful auras of peace and quiet and dogs. There is an off leash area halfway down the park to the water. But my dog likes going all the way down to the water to get his paws wet. The grassy areas are thick and soft. Ample room for blanket picnics and chills with a solid book. Parking is free, so there shouldn't be anything to hold you back. read more

St. Johns Bridge - From the river - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Talk about the most amazing backdrop! The colors of the bridge melt so well with the trees behind it. The lines create amazing shapes. And even if it's raining, you're covered underneath it. The parking lot nearby helps too ;) Driving over the bridge is a wee bit scary, but it's so worth it!! read more

See all

Super beautiful bridge and landmark in Portland! We have driven it multiple times and are in "awe" each time at this beautiful art. The bridge is so pretty all year round. There are parks at the base of the bridge as well. I love this view, I'll have to check out other views of the bridge as well. read more

See all

Built in 1931, this gothic style bridge is a must see in portland. I recommend walking it very early hours during sunrise. Beautiful view, less cars. FYI/ the bridge does shake so not for people with fear of heights to walk across. read more

One of the most famous bridges in pdx that is iconic, especially since it suspension bridge. You need to see it to understand what I mean. The cathedral like towers set it apart from the other bridges in Portland. People in architecture can appreciate this bridge like my bf. Even he was amazed by the 408 ft bridge. It is that beautiful to stare at. As you drive across the bridge, you will notice that there is a park below it called cathedral park. It most certainly matchs the bridge's theme. You can take beautiful photos like for engagement, pregnancy or wedding photos. There are sidewalks on both sides. Great place to go walking or running. Just another free activity to do while visiting Portland. read more

VERY tall -- five star i going to give six stars but i dropped my readers off the bridge they may wash up on sovie island if so pls mail back read more

Portland has many bridges. Many look good. I've always liked the Freemont Bridge and I am a fan of the new Tillicum Crossing. The Saint Johns though ranks first on my list of best looking bridge in Portland. I don't cross it often, when I do I always think how awkward its on ramps are. I guess that is the price of being tall enough for ships to pass without stopping traffic. read more

See all

The St. John's Bridge is an architectural and engineering masterpiece for its time, a storied Portland landmark, and a hopefully permanent fixture along Portland's northern skyline. Words alone cannot do this gorgeous piece of work justice, especially when smithed by such ineloquent hands as mine. Therefore, I will just throw out some words that come to mind when viewing this functional piece of river-crossing art: Soaring Majestic Stately Classy August Grand Impressive Resplendent Praoseworthy Old Green I mean, just look at some photos of this thing. It's gorgeous. Do yourself a favor and drive, ride, or walk over this thing some time in your life before time and tear take their toll on this masterpiece. read more

St. Johns Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

While listening to the news of late, I note Multnomah County is preparing a twenty-year bridge plan. That's a great idea. It also reminds me I haven't added to my Portland Bridge series in quite awhile, and It makes me hope that they won't do anything too drastic to the St. John's Cathedral Bridge, although they did a pretty massive painting and repaving project on it back about 2000. Just a quick bit of backstory: bridges of any type tend to make me nervous, a little queasy, and make me practice white-knuckle driving. I'm not sure why or where it started, but I do know that most of the bridges give me these feelings, but not so much the the St. John's Bridge. I think it's because it's so beautiful, magnificent, soaring, and all those great words that distract me from the obvious things that usually make me uncomfortable. I think it's also that this bridge is part of my Portland history; it was here before I was and it's my great hope that it will be here long after I'm gone. So, soar on, my favorite Portland bridge. I look forward to our visits every time I drive across, and I'll be sure to support any twenty-year bridge plan that takes good care of you! read more

A must see. Make your way to the parking area just below the bridge. As I was there, a married couple was taking pictures. There also appeared to be an area below the bridge where people rent out to have dinner parties or weddings maybe!? Either way the view is gorgeous. Make your way down there! read more

This is my favorite bridge in Portland. It's so beautiful, but is often busy! The sidewalk feels skinnier than usually, but maybe that's the effect of being on a bridge this large. I'd recommend early mornings here or later evenings between 6:30-8 if you want a walk that's not too busy with passing cars! read more

St. Johns Bridge (1931) Portland 's northernmost Willamette River Bridge , the St. Johns, was finished in 1931. The bridge replaced the city's last ferry, which linked the communities of Linnton and St. Johns . The bridge is named for the community of St. Johns, which was named in honor of settler James Johns. Mr. Johns started the local ferry system with one rowboat in 1852. Designed by internationally renowned engineer David B. Steinman (1886-1960) and Holton D. Robinson, of New York , the St. Johns bridge was the longest suspension-type bridge west of the Mississippi River at the time of construction. It is the only major highway suspension bridge in the Willamette Valley and one of only three major highway suspension bridges in Oregon . The four-lane structure features lofty Gothic arch towers of steel, Gothic-inspired steel frame piers of reinforced concrete, and the longest "pre-stressed" steel cable rope strands designed up to the time of construction. Steinman also selected the color of the bridge, Verde green, which he chose to harmonize with the forest at the west end of the structure. Of the 400 bridges he was to design, Steinman said, "If you asked me which of the bridges I love best, I believe I would say the St. Johns Bridge. I put more of myself into that bridge than any other bridge." Contrary to popular belief, Steinman did not design San Francisco 's famous Golden Gate Bridge. read more

This bridge is really nice we went from Tracy California to Seattle and we stopped on the way so see it ... we recommend this place if you wanna take some nice pics with the bridge as the background read more

I think this is my favourite PDX bridge. I love the blue and the style. If and when we have the option, I prefer to take this one over all the others (don't tell them!). You can get some great shots from Forest Park and Cathedral park. read more

See all

Simply Beautiful This is a Portland landmark from the 1930's. Gothic architecture is amazing. A great place to take pictures from and take a leisurely walk across. read more

This is such a cool place to take pictures. You can walk down to the water to get a great view of the bridge and the city skyline. This is a fun place to go and skip rocks or walk your dog on a nice day. Not too crowded at all either. There were a few homeless people closer to the water, but they don't bother anyone. read more

See all

For first timers, out of staters, and photographers, make sure in your GPS you put down Cathedral Park. It's nice and dandy to drive over the bridge but on the west side of the bridge, there isn't a place (that I found) to take photos. Aside from that pointer, it's a nice bridge, with a nice park, a railroad that runs through it, and a nice view. It's a bridge, other than for the photo aesthetics, I don't know what else I can say. Just be careful as it is a dog park as well. There are piles of turd that can be seen throughout the park (I almost stepped in one getting out of my car). But if you want nice bridge photos and just a place to kill 20 minutes, this is a place for you. read more

I love this 100 years old bridge. And, I cannot make a decision if I would like to live by this beautiful bridge but industrial area. read more

See all

Amen to the St. John's Bridge. In the secular, progressive Pacific Northwest, crossing the St. John's Bridge is a religious experience, along with taking in Cathedral Park underneath it. Portland's bridges tend to have distinct characters (ask a Bay Area person about the Dumbarton&Richmond/San Rafael bridges, you'll get a blank look).. and what makes the Gothic St. John's Bridge particularly interesting is that it has the same designer as the Golden Gate. While the Golden Gate glows optimistically as it faces the Pacific&the Marin headlands, dramatically penetrating the fog, the St. John's Bridge tends to have perpetual cloud cover. It's a stunning sight, so it's no wonder it's on the artwork for Moonstruck Chocolate- http://www.moonstruckchocolate.com/category/bars-and-cocoa In Portland, the St. John's Bridge is an epiphany. read more

Coolest bridge in Portland! The only downsides are the sidewalks are a bit narrow and there's no suicide fence. But it is certainly the prettiest bridge in town! read more

I had a mind blowing experience in Europe last summer. I cycled my way through the French countryside, spent dreamy nights in chateaus and chugged enormous beers on the streets of Germany. My whimsical world of surreal moments turned in to a nightmare the day I flew back to Portland. The doctors said my mom was on her last moments of life and I spent every single day snuggled up to her comatose body, wishing it was a bad dream. My brothers rotated hospital shifts with me and on the mornings when I just couldn't cry anymore, I would strap on my running shoes and head for the bridge. There is a forceful ease that overtakes you when running across the St Johns Bridge, with its Gothic arches and beautiful architecture--full of secrets. Something that reminds you that there is beauty amidst a crisis like losing one of the people you love most in the universe. I ran over that bridge everyday for three months. Often times with a heart so heavy I could barely move, mascara'd tears running down my face. Sometimes I walked and looked down at the water. Sometimes the way the beautiful sun lit up the peaks of the mountains reassured me that things were going to be ok. That bridge, with its bewitching lights and Gothic glow, brought me more serenity than the cards and the hugs and the messages telling me that I would get through it. I did get through it and so did my mom. Months later when she smacked the nurse with the cane she had been given on her way out of the hospital, I knew she was getting back to her snarky old self. She is 100% better today and I continue to run over that bridge. Every time I do, there is something new to appreciate about it. Every time, I am reminded of how fortunate I am that my mom is alive and that I live in a town with a bridge so amazing. read more