Oregon City was initially built at river level, but as it grew, it moved higher. In 1912 residents started talking about an elevator that would join the 'lower' and 'upper' cities. A rickety version went into service in 1915, although it didn't always work; passengers had to climb out a trap door and up a ladder if it stopped. The current version dates more or less from the ’50s and is one of only four municipal elevators in the world.
Municipal Elevator
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
11.49 MILES
This popular riverside park, which lines the west bank of the Willamette River, was finished in 1978 after four years of construction. It replaced an old…
Forest Park
14.25 MILES
Abutting the more manicured Washington Park to the south (to which it is linked by various trails) is the far wilder 5100-acre Forest Park, an urban…
Japanese Garden
12.17 MILES
Often called the most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan, this tranquil escape recently underwent a $30-million expansion under the guidance of…
Pioneer Courthouse Square
11.7 MILES
The heart of downtown Portland, at the heart of Portland’s retail district and the city’s transit system, is a multi-tiered brick plaza nicknamed Portland…
Washington Park
12.02 MILES
West of the city, Washington Park is a lush destination with 410 acres of green space, well-manicured gardens and forested trails. Within the parkland are…
Saturday Market
11.84 MILES
The best time to walk along the Portland Waterfront is on a weekend, when you can catch this famous market showcasing arts and crafts, street entertainers…
International Rose Test Garden
12.12 MILES
These gardens practically gave Portland its 'Rose City' nickname. They sprawl across 4.5 acres of manicured lawns, fountains and flowerbeds, and on a…
Oregon Zoo
11.63 MILES
This beautiful zoo features a primate reserve, a 'penguinarium' and a large African animals area, among many other impressive exhibits and a train that…