This Breathtaking Gondola Ride In Oregon Will Show You The Fall Colors Like Never Before
By Catherine Armstrong|Published October 09, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Here’s an incredible attraction that’s hiding right in plain sight, and it’s one that most Oregonians don’t think twice about. This fall, hop on the Portland Tram to see the most amazing views of the city and its stunning fall foliage.
Built in 2006, the Portland Aerial Tram is part of many people's daily commute. It take passengers from the South Waterfront district of the city up to the campus of Oregon Health & Science University.
It's just $4.90 for a round-trip ticket on the tram, and children ages six and younger ride for free. The tram operates weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..
You'll start your journey at the tram terminal located at the corner of SW Moody and Gibbs Streets. Ride your bike to the terminal if you'd like; there's plenty of bike parking here, and bike valet if free for tram riders! The station is nicknamed "Chamanchal," a Native American word for "by the river."
Hop on one of the two tram cars, Jean or Walt. Jean gets her name from the first female engineering graduate at the university - Jean Richardson. Walt's moniker comes from Walt Reynolds, who was the first African-American medical student to graduate from OHSU.
As you zip up the tram at 22 miles per hour, you'll climb 500 feet per minute. This zippy form of transportation is a feat of engineering - and the views it offers of the city below are absolutely stunning.
