Cross These 7 Bridges In Portland Just Because They're So Awesome
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Katherine Green
Author
All bridges are not created equal. While some add beauty to the skyline, others, like the Marquam Bridge, are just workhorses that are best avoided, especially during rush hour. If you want to experience the best bridges in town, by foot is definitely the way to go. Trek across these beautiful bridges to enjoy some of the best views around.
Portland's newest bridge gets top billing, in part due to its newness, but also because it just looks so nice. Named after the the Chinook word for people, it is the only city bridge not open to cars. Pedestrians and bikers rule the bridge, but if you don't want to walk, bus, street car and light rail also travel over the bridge.
The striking gothic-style towers give this bridge a distinct look that sets it apart. The St. John's bridge is the only suspension bridge in the valley, and at 408 feet, it is the tallest.
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Once known as the longest drawbridge in the world, today the bridge is mostly notable for its shade of Golden Gate red. Connecting the Lloyd district to Union Station, the bridge is accessible on foot, bike and car.
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Built in 1926, this is actually the second bridge in this location of the same name. Also a drawbridge, the Burnside Bridge features two Italian Renaissance towers which are its focal feature.
Dubbed the "hardest working bridge on the river" by the Oregonian, this bridge is a serious workhorse. Carrying cars and light rail trains on the top level and pedestrians, cyclists, and freight and Amtrak trains on its lower level, this giant erector-set looking bridge connects Old Town Chinatown and the Rose Quarter.
Notable as the oldest vertical life bridge in the United States, the Hawthorne Bridge is also one of our city's busiest for bike traffic, seeing over 8,000 cyclists daily. Connecting the Eastbank Esplanade to downtown, this bridge, standing since 1910, has undergone many makeovers in recent years to improve is accessibility and strength.
Built in 1958, this is the third bridge by the same name that has crossed the Willamette in this location. Most notable as the bridge illuminated by computer-controlled LED lights at night, the Morrison Bridge dazzles with its displays of color.
Do you have a favorite bridge, or bridges in Portland? You may also enjoy these 10 enchanting man-made wonders in Portland.
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