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When I reflect on the 2020 Pandemic, I will always think of The Steel, Hawthorne and Tilikum bridges with gratitude, as I crossed them daily for my exercise and sanity. With stunning views of Portland from both ends and the ability to look up and down the river at the few fishing boats, kayaks, and on a sunny day, sailboats and jet skis, it reminded me that life continues, just with adjustments. The Steel Bridge is another one of Portland's draw bridges with the center piece moving up and down. Luckily it never opened up while I was walking across! It's industrial in design and architecture since it is the bridge the trains cross. Not the prettiest of the Portland bridges, but it's the most productive and efficient. The Steel Bridge connects Old Town on the west Side to the Rose Quarter and The Moda Center on the East. In the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, this IS the bridge to cross to see them in all their glory. Cherry blossom trees line the pathway along the river on both sides. It's a spectacular sight. There is a pedestrian and bike lane which is fairly wide, but during the Pandemic it does get crowded, especially on weekends and sunny days. On the positive, there are far less cars crossing to create vibrations! The top level pedestrian path provides sweeping views in every direction. Great photo ops everywhere you look. There is another pedestrian and bike path on the lower level that many don't know about; on this level, you are almost flush with the water. Very cool to walk at this level; everything looks so different from this perspective. Now that the Pandemic opened up my world to walking these bridges - my usual daily workout is a swim at the gym - I'll continue even after the gyms reopen and my life gets filled back up with social engagements and all of the activities we long to engage in once again. Walking the bridges will continue to be the way I make time for me.
This is one of many great bridges in Portland, a city famous for its many bridges of different styles crossing the Willamette (one of many things which for me makes it very akin in many ways to Newcastle-upon-Tyne), and this is one. It is, as the name indicates, a functional-looking steel-girder bridge, but I find it attractive in a stark, simple way, and, since it has two levels, it is one of the most pleasant to walk across, since it has a nice pedestrian/bicycle walkway on the lower level, in shade and away from traffic. It is easy to get to from downtown and the riverfront. It also provides some nice views along the river.
In the year of the flu, 2020, this is how the bridges of Portland saved my sanity. My usual bike commute takes me 5 miles one way thru some nice neighborhoods and over the Broadway Bridge. I have a commuter 9 speed. Narrow tires, sit upright, sweet little bell with a plastic cricket super glued to it. Basket with an elastic net cover. Yes, I'm that city rider. Right now things are tough. It's important to stay fit, get some fresh air. Here in Oregon we are staying home but we are not locked down. As long as we act responsibly and stay away from each other, we can be out in public doing our things. I'm not a runner, man I wish I were right now. To be able to put on my shoes and head out for 10 mind clearing miles, get all that fear and anxiety OUT - ya, sounds great. I'm a swimmer, and a gym rat. Can't swim. Can't go to the gym. But I've got a bike, and my city has bridges. The Steel Bridge, this bridge I'm nominally writing about, is pretty interesting. It is a draw bridge - the center moves up and down as one piece. It also has a train level, where the freight trains run several time a day. Yep, you can get stuck on the wrong side of them and end up waiting. There is also a pedestrian/bike path low near the water on the south side. This bridge is where I cross over from the east side trail. I either head up to the Broadway Bridge and home, or south to the Sellwood Bridge (that's a long way) for a loop. It's been Spring weather out here - cold and rainy. In the low 40s, rain spitting on my glasses. I just put on my warmies (you're not a PNW local if you haven't got the clothing to endure being wet and cold), use my shooting glasses that have yellow lenses (they make everything bright and clear), and head out. Keep moving, keep breathing, cry a little, yell a little in the wide open places where I won't scare someone. An hour or so, many hills large and small, 15 miles or so, I pull back in my driveway and I can face it again. Until tomorrow, when I'll retreat to the bridges to find my peace of mind. Peace friends, we'll make it. Strength. Courage.
The Steel Bridge is really cool. It has the feeling of being an antique Bridge which it probably is. Also, there's a nice path for pedestrians and bicyclists right along the train tracks. It's meet when the train goes by you are so close you can almost touch it. In addition, you're right on top of the water and have a beautiful view of Northeast and Northwest Portland...
Super cool to look at though I imagine it's sort of torturous to go over when traffic is bad. I loved learning about the history of the bridges as I walked along the paths near the bridge. One neat thing I discovered is there's a pedestrian/biking section on the lower part of the bridge. It even lifts when big ships come by. Really fun to walk over the river and look out at the city. I definitely recommend checking it out.
This bridge connects Old Town with the Rose Quarter. It is used by trains, MAX, cars busses and pedestrians, It is the last bridge on the North end if you are doing the river loop, Note if you are doing the bridge with friends, talking while on the bridge is hard, car traffic above is quite loud. Not only that if a train is crossing you are walking right next to it. That said unlike the walkway is lower then the other bridges. It is not the best looking bridge but rather looks heavy duty. Not to surprising given that it is a railway bridge as well. The East end is right in the Rose Quarter and feels kind of congested. Most bridges are on major streets on both sides, in the Rose Quarter you land on a road where you will need to connect with the main streets. Given that, the transit center is right there and Moda Center, there are busses, cars and lots of pedestrians. Riding home on MAX from the airport, crossing the bridge gives me the "i'm home" feeling seeing Portland....
I'm terrified of heights and/or bridges than can go even higher than a huge boat. That being said, this was totally worth the shaky walk across. The views are spectacular, the sidewalk is wide and the rails are sturdy (trust). The area around the bridge is pretty cool too, there are plenty of places to stop and rest or take photos, and it's super close to downtown. We parked and walked all over, there's so much to see it didn't feel like it was very far at all. It's a must-add to your to do list while visiting.
Yes, I realize I'm updating a bridge review. And yes my favorite word's still "esemplastic", this bridge my favorite bridge, and PDX my favorite city. So what's new? Not much, but having finally joined the rest of P-town's peddle powered peeps I happened to bike across a unique photo op while cruising along the esplanade. Just thought I'd share (What is this 1st grade?). Steel Bridge w/ bottom deck raised for sailboat passage: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/OqU318HqHD-NKiSXi1nyig?select=j1DSUjSY1F1MAbv3tI_hzg
How does one review a bridge? It is beautiful, it has excellent pedestrian and bicycle access. It allows our wonderful light rail to cross the Willamette, it's less scary to drive across than the Sellwood. It's unique in the world as a double layered drawbridge, with the lower pedestrian and train bridge able to lift independent of the upper roadway. I suppose that is what makes the Steel Bridge one of the greatest bridges in Portland. But I don't think I can put into words what makes it the best. People will argue for the St. John's Bridge, and I might flirt with the Fremont now and again... but for me, the beauty of our Steel Bridge is always there, waiting for me to pay it another visit.
There are bridges... and then there's the Steel Bridge a true Portland original that doesn't just get you across the river, it gives you a front-row seat to the city itself. Coming in by train, this is where it hits you. That slow roll over the Willamette, the tracks shifting as you glide onto the bridge it's iconic. Built in 1912 by the Union Pacific Railroad, with Union Station standing proudly nearby, this bridge has been welcoming travelers into Portland for over a century. And it's no ordinary structure it's one of the only double-deck vertical lift bridges in the world, carrying trains, cars, bikes, and pedestrians all at once. But here's the part I love most on foot. Walk it, take your time, and look out. You get one of the best viewpoints of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the river bending through the city, and that full loop that calls your name if you're in the mood to move. It's the kind of spot that makes a simple walk feel like an experience. Historic, hardworking, and still showing off this bridge isn't just part of Portland... it is Portland. read more
2 years ago
Classic vertical lift operated the Steel bridge (1912) over a century old is used by the railroad, TriMet light rail, vehicles, pedestrians, bikers and walkers. It's a great place to cross the river and enjoy some recreation, particularly when most of Portland is on shut down and citizens are maintaining social spacing - spending more time indoors due to the coronavirus. But we still need exercise. Spring is a thrilling time to be down by the Willamette river and steel Bridge because the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Probably cherry blooms are passed peak condition. So if you need a little R&R this is a great place to do it. Enjoy the blossoms. Reflect on the outdoors. The clouds. The sky. The wind. Rain. Oh - SUN! Be blessed to be walking and standing on your mother earth where ever you are rather than somewhere quietly lowered eternally beneath the earth. Alive! Get it!?* read more
When I reflect on the 2020 Pandemic, I will always think of The Steel, Hawthorne and Tilikum bridges with gratitude, as I crossed them daily for my exercise and sanity. With stunning views of Portland from both ends and the ability to look up and down the river at the few fishing boats, kayaks, and on a sunny day, sailboats and jet skis, it reminded me that life continues, just with adjustments. The Steel Bridge is another one of Portland's draw bridges with the center piece moving up and down. Luckily it never opened up while I was walking across! It's industrial in design and architecture since it is the bridge the trains cross. Not the prettiest of the Portland bridges, but it's the most productive and efficient. The Steel Bridge connects Old Town on the west Side to the Rose Quarter and The Moda Center on the East. In the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, this IS the bridge to cross to see them in all their glory. Cherry blossom trees line the pathway along the river on both sides. It's a spectacular sight. There is a pedestrian and bike lane which is fairly wide, but during the Pandemic it does get crowded, especially on weekends and sunny days. On the positive, there are far less cars crossing to create vibrations! The top level pedestrian path provides sweeping views in every direction. Great photo ops everywhere you look. There is another pedestrian and bike path on the lower level that many don't know about; on this level, you are almost flush with the water. Very cool to walk at this level; everything looks so different from this perspective. Now that the Pandemic opened up my world to walking these bridges - my usual daily workout is a swim at the gym - I'll continue even after the gyms reopen and my life gets filled back up with social engagements and all of the activities we long to engage in once again. Walking the bridges will continue to be the way I make time for me. read more
3 years ago
This is one of many great bridges in Portland, a city famous for its many bridges of different styles crossing the Willamette (one of many things which for me makes it very akin in many ways to Newcastle-upon-Tyne), and this is one. It is, as the name indicates, a functional-looking steel-girder bridge, but I find it attractive in a stark, simple way, and, since it has two levels, it is one of the most pleasant to walk across, since it has a nice pedestrian/bicycle walkway on the lower level, in shade and away from traffic. It is easy to get to from downtown and the riverfront. It also provides some nice views along the river. read more
In the year of the flu, 2020, this is how the bridges of Portland saved my sanity. My usual bike commute takes me 5 miles one way thru some nice neighborhoods and over the Broadway Bridge. I have a commuter 9 speed. Narrow tires, sit upright, sweet little bell with a plastic cricket super glued to it. Basket with an elastic net cover. Yes, I'm that city rider. Right now things are tough. It's important to stay fit, get some fresh air. Here in Oregon we are staying home but we are not locked down. As long as we act responsibly and stay away from each other, we can be out in public doing our things. I'm not a runner, man I wish I were right now. To be able to put on my shoes and head out for 10 mind clearing miles, get all that fear and anxiety OUT - ya, sounds great. I'm a swimmer, and a gym rat. Can't swim. Can't go to the gym. But I've got a bike, and my city has bridges. The Steel Bridge, this bridge I'm nominally writing about, is pretty interesting. It is a draw bridge - the center moves up and down as one piece. It also has a train level, where the freight trains run several time a day. Yep, you can get stuck on the wrong side of them and end up waiting. There is also a pedestrian/bike path low near the water on the south side. This bridge is where I cross over from the east side trail. I either head up to the Broadway Bridge and home, or south to the Sellwood Bridge (that's a long way) for a loop. It's been Spring weather out here - cold and rainy. In the low 40s, rain spitting on my glasses. I just put on my warmies (you're not a PNW local if you haven't got the clothing to endure being wet and cold), use my shooting glasses that have yellow lenses (they make everything bright and clear), and head out. Keep moving, keep breathing, cry a little, yell a little in the wide open places where I won't scare someone. An hour or so, many hills large and small, 15 miles or so, I pull back in my driveway and I can face it again. Until tomorrow, when I'll retreat to the bridges to find my peace of mind. Peace friends, we'll make it. Strength. Courage. read more
The Steel Bridge is really cool. It has the feeling of being an antique Bridge which it probably is. Also, there's a nice path for pedestrians and bicyclists right along the train tracks. It's meet when the train goes by you are so close you can almost touch it. In addition, you're right on top of the water and have a beautiful view of Northeast and Northwest Portland... read more
Super cool to look at though I imagine it's sort of torturous to go over when traffic is bad. I loved learning about the history of the bridges as I walked along the paths near the bridge. One neat thing I discovered is there's a pedestrian/biking section on the lower part of the bridge. It even lifts when big ships come by. Really fun to walk over the river and look out at the city. I definitely recommend checking it out. read more
This bridge connects Old Town with the Rose Quarter. It is used by trains, MAX, cars busses and pedestrians, It is the last bridge on the North end if you are doing the river loop, Note if you are doing the bridge with friends, talking while on the bridge is hard, car traffic above is quite loud. Not only that if a train is crossing you are walking right next to it. That said unlike the walkway is lower then the other bridges. It is not the best looking bridge but rather looks heavy duty. Not to surprising given that it is a railway bridge as well. The East end is right in the Rose Quarter and feels kind of congested. Most bridges are on major streets on both sides, in the Rose Quarter you land on a road where you will need to connect with the main streets. Given that, the transit center is right there and Moda Center, there are busses, cars and lots of pedestrians. Riding home on MAX from the airport, crossing the bridge gives me the "i'm home" feeling seeing Portland.... read more
I'm terrified of heights and/or bridges than can go even higher than a huge boat. That being said, this was totally worth the shaky walk across. The views are spectacular, the sidewalk is wide and the rails are sturdy (trust). The area around the bridge is pretty cool too, there are plenty of places to stop and rest or take photos, and it's super close to downtown. We parked and walked all over, there's so much to see it didn't feel like it was very far at all. It's a must-add to your to do list while visiting. read more
Yes, I realize I'm updating a bridge review. And yes my favorite word's still "esemplastic", this bridge my favorite bridge, and PDX my favorite city. So what's new? Not much, but having finally joined the rest of P-town's peddle powered peeps I happened to bike across a unique photo op while cruising along the esplanade. Just thought I'd share (What is this 1st grade?). Steel Bridge w/ bottom deck raised for sailboat passage: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/OqU318HqHD-NKiSXi1nyig?select=j1DSUjSY1F1MAbv3tI_hzg read more
How does one review a bridge? It is beautiful, it has excellent pedestrian and bicycle access. It allows our wonderful light rail to cross the Willamette, it's less scary to drive across than the Sellwood. It's unique in the world as a double layered drawbridge, with the lower pedestrian and train bridge able to lift independent of the upper roadway. I suppose that is what makes the Steel Bridge one of the greatest bridges in Portland. But I don't think I can put into words what makes it the best. People will argue for the St. John's Bridge, and I might flirt with the Fremont now and again... but for me, the beauty of our Steel Bridge is always there, waiting for me to pay it another visit. read more
14 years ago
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What do you write about a bridge that's already had so much said about it? It's not just the bridge but the surrounding area that makes it so gorgeous. From the NW side the convention center definitely adds to it. read more
Furthering my odd affinity for bridges, the Steel Bridge is very cool sight from Old Town Portland. This bridge is a functioning rail bridge across the Willamette River, and is something you'd almost expect to see in some old rail/steel/blue collar town. I love it, and it provides some great pictures too. read more
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