Portland's Famous Bridges & Riverfront History Cruise

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Portland

   See the beautiful skyline of downtown Portland Oregon from the Willamette River annd explore areas in private sunset boat cruise

   12 minutes here

2. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

   Explore the natural beauty of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, a serene city park spanning approximately 141 acres in southeast Portland, Oregon. Nestled in a floodplain along the east bank of the Willamette River near Sellwood, this refuge is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a remarkable variety of bird species. Established as Portland's first wildlife refuge in 1988 and designated the city's first migratory bird park in 2004, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge promises an enriching experience for nature lovers and bird watchers alike.

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3. Ross Island Bridge

   The Ross Island Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. It carries U.S. Route 26 (Mount Hood Highway) across the river between southwest and southeast Portland. The bridge opened in 1926 and was designed by Gustav Lindenthal and honors Oregon pioneer Sherry Ross. It is named for its proximity to Ross Island. Although it looks like a deck arch bridge, it is a cantilever deck truss bridge, a rare type in Oregon.

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4. Tilikum Crossing

   Tilikum Crossing, also known as the Bridge of the People, spans 1,720 feet across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. The bridge was designed primarily for the MAX Orange Line light rail, but also serves pedestrians and bicyclists in a separate paralleling lane, as well as TriMet buses and the Portland Streetcar. When it opened in 2015, it became the longest bridge in the country to be used for both public transportation and pedestrians, but not private motorized vehicles.

   5 minutes here · Admission included

5. Hawthorne Bridge

   he Hawthorne Bridge is a truss bridge with a vertical lift that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, joining Hawthorne Boulevard and Madison Street. It is the oldest vertical-lift bridge in operation in the United States and the oldest highway bridge in Portland.

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6. Steel Bridge

   The Steel Bridge is a through truss, double-deck vertical-lift bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States, opened in 1912. Its lower deck carries railroad and bicycle/pedestrian traffic, while the upper deck carries road traffic (on the Pacific Highway West No. 1W, former Oregon Route 99W), and light rail (MAX), making the bridge one of the most multimodal in the world. It is the only double-deck bridge with independent lifts in the world

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7. Portland Oregon Sign

   Viewing the famous Portland Oregon sign from the Willamette River offers a unique and enchanting experience that enhances its significance in several ways. Located atop the historic White Stag Building near the Burnside Bridge, the Portland Oregon sign is a prominent fixture in Portland's skyline. Originally known as the White Satin Sugar sign, it underwent a transformation after being acquired by the city in 2010, becoming a beloved symbol that proudly declares Portland's identity to residents and visitors alike. From the water, the sign serves as a striking focal point against the backdrop of Portland's urban landscape. Its illuminated presence, adorned with neon and incandescent lights, casts a vibrant reflection on the surface of the river, especially stunning during twilight and nighttime cruises. This visual spectacle not only enhances the cityscape but also creates a magical ambiance that captures the essence of Portland's eclectic charm.

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8. Oregon Maritime Museum

   Even from a distance, the Portland captivates with its majestic presence on the Willamette River. Moored gracefully at the seawall next to Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, this historic vessel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a sight to behold. As you pass by, you'll catch glimpses of its storied past and the intriguing Oregon Maritime Museum it houses. The Portland's timeless charm, framed by the park's vibrant atmosphere, makes for an unforgettable moment in your journey, leaving you with a sense of awe and curiosity about the tales this grand ship could tell.

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9. Morrison Bridge

   The Morrison Bridge is a bascule bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. Completed in 1958, it is the third bridge at approximately the same site to carry that name. It is one of the most heavily used bridges in Portland. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 2012

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10. Fremont Bridge

    The Fremont Bridge is a steel tied-arch bridge over the Willamette River located in Portland, Oregon, United States. It carries Interstate 405 and US 30 traffic between downtown and North Portland where it intersects with Interstate 5. It has the longest main span of any bridge in Oregon and is the second longest tied-arch bridge in the world

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11. Broadway Bridge

    The Broadway Bridge is a Rall-type bascule bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States, built in 1913. It was Portland's first bascule bridge, and it continues to hold the distinction of being the longest span of its bascule design type in the world.

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12. Sellwood Bridge

    The Sellwood Bridge is a deck arch bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, in the United States. The current bridge opened in 2016[2] and replaced a 1925 span that had carried the same name. The original bridge was Portland's first fixed-span bridge and, being the only river crossing for miles in each direction, the busiest two-lane bridge in Oregon.

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13. Portland Saturday Market

    As we cruise along the Willamette River, look towards the bustling Portland Saturday Market, set against the backdrop of Tom McCall Waterfront Park beneath the Burnside Bridge. Known as the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the United States, it runs every weekend from March to December. The market is a vibrant hub featuring over 400 local artisans, generating about $12 million in annual sales and drawing around 750,000 visitors each year. Accessible by foot, bike, Segway, and the MAX Light Rail, it’s a lively spot that fuels the economic and cultural heart of Portland’s historic Old Town Chinatown neighborhood.

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14. St. Johns Bridge

    The St. Johns Bridge is a steel suspension bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States, between the Cathedral Park neighborhood in North Portland and the Linnton and Northwest Industrial neighborhoods in Northwest Portland. It carries the U.S. Route 30 Bypass. It is the only suspension bridge in the Willamette Valley and one of three public highway suspension bridges in Oregon

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15. Cathedral Park

    As we drift along the Willamette River, look towards the east shore and you'll spot the striking Cathedral Park, nestled beneath the majestic St. Johns Bridge. Named for the bridge's Gothic arches, which rise like a grand cathedral, the park is steeped in history and local lore. Once part of the city of St. Johns, the area under the bridge has a dark past, marked by the tragic 1949 murder of Thelma Taylor. The transformation from a neglected dumping ground in the 1960s to the vibrant community park you see today is a testament to the residents' dedication, who raised $7.5 million in the 1970s. Officially opened in 1980, Cathedral Park now features artistic installations like Donald Fels' "Drawing on the River" and serves as a cultural hub, even hosting events like the final "Trek in the Park" performance in 2013.

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16. George Rogers Park

    As we glide past on our boat, look to the shore and imagine the bustling heart of 19th-century industry: the Oregon Iron Company. Established in 1865, it holds the distinction of being the first iron smelting company west of the Rocky Mountains. Despite its early struggles, it was reborn twice and eventually thrived with a larger furnace, peaking in production in 1890. Though it ceased smelting by 1894 due to economic pressures, its legacy continued, shaping the city of Lake Oswego and transforming from iron production to real estate. This site marks a pivotal chapter in Oregon's industrial history.

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17. Burnside Bridge

    See the beautiful Burnside Bridge from the water in Portland Oregon

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18. Elk Rock Island

    As we navigate the Willamette River, Elk Rock and nearby Elk Rock Island stand out as captivating natural landmarks steeped in Oregon's geological history. Elk Rock, once an ancient volcano, rises proudly from the river's edge, its rugged cliffs and verdant slopes reflecting millions of years of volcanic activity. Today, its rocky terrain and lush greenery create a serene contrast against the river's deep blue waters, offering a poignant reminder of nature's enduring power and beauty.

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19. Poet's Beach

    As we cruise by, you'll notice Portland Poets Beach, a serene riverside spot that came to life thanks to the Human Access Project (HAP). Originally established in 2000, it lacked proper signage and access until HAP's efforts in 2014. Volunteers cut through basalt rock and added artistic elements, including 30 children's poetry excerpts and Chinook Jargon engravings, creating a poetic path to the beach. In 2017, Mayor Ted Wheeler even took a swim here, marking the launch of the city's first "pop-up" beach with lifeguards. Although the lifeguards are gone, Poets Beach remains a cherished place for residents to connect with the Willamette River.

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20. South Waterfront Park

    As we cruise past the South Waterfront district, you'll witness one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in the United States. Rising from former industrial brownfields, this high-rise neighborhood in South Portland showcases sleek modern architecture and innovative urban design. It's seamlessly connected to downtown by the Portland Streetcar and the MAX Orange Line, with the South Waterfront/SW Moody Station as a key transit hub. The iconic Portland Aerial Tram links this vibrant district to the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) atop Marquam Hill, providing stunning views of the city and river below. This dynamic area is a testament to Portland's vision for sustainable urban growth and revitalization.

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21. Multnomah Falls

    Most people come to thinking that the Multnomah Falls are the biggest waterfall. The reality is that the Willamette Falls are the 2nd largest water falls in the United States. We Tour the Willamette Falls daily. No crowds and no parking problems. We get right up close, so close you can feel the power of the Willamette Falls!

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22. George Rogers Park

    As you glide along the serene waters of the Willamette River on a Portland River Tour, one of the most captivating sights to behold is George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego. Nestled along the riverbank, this picturesque park holds a rich history beneath its tranquil surface. The origins of George Rogers Park stretch back to 1840, when the area was home to one of Oregon's earliest iron mines. The park's scenic landscape was once the bustling site of the Oswego Iron Works, where industrious pioneers extracted iron ore from the land, transforming the region into a crucial hub for early American industry. The iron produced here was essential for constructing tools, machinery, and even weapons, playing a vital role in the development of the Pacific Northwest.

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23. Old Town

    As you meander along the Willamette River on a Portland River Tour, you’ll soon find yourself gliding past the historic heart of Old Town Portland. This vibrant district, teeming with tales of yesteryears, is where the city's colorful past and eclectic present intersect in a captivating blend. One of Old Town’s most intriguing secrets lies beneath its cobblestone streets: the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. Once shrouded in shadowy lore, these subterranean passageways were reputedly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for nefarious purposes. Allegedly, these tunnels served as routes for "shanghaiing"—a practice where unsuspecting men were kidnapped and forced into service aboard ships. Today, guided tours offer a spine-tingling glimpse into this dark chapter of Portland’s history, exploring the hidden labyrinths where such eerie events supposedly unfolded.

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24. Pearl District

    As your Portland River Tour meanders along the Willamette River, the Pearl District unfolds before you like a living mosaic of Portland’s transformation. From the tranquil vantage of the water, you’ll witness a striking contrast between the old and the new that defines this dynamic neighborhood. On one side of the river, the remnants of Portland’s industrial past stand proudly. Old warehouses, once bustling with the clamor of early 20th-century commerce, now grace the waterfront with their timeless brick facades. These historic structures, with their weathered charm and storied histories, tell tales of a bygone era when the river was a lifeline for trade and industry. Their large, arched windows and stout columns evoke a sense of nostalgia, offering a glimpse into the city’s industrious roots.

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25. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

    One of the most serene sights you'll encounter is Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. This lush expanse, visible from the water, offers a peaceful contrast to the urban landscape and showcases Portland’s commitment to preserving natural spaces. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a vibrant sanctuary of wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. From your vantage point on the river, the refuge's rich green tapestry stands out, framed by the shimmering waters. It’s a haven for bird enthusiasts, with herons, kingfishers, and bluebirds often gracing the scene. The wetlands play a vital role in filtering the river and providing essential habitat for wildlife. The refuge’s peaceful atmosphere is a retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The interplay of light on the water and the gentle rustle of reeds create a calming environment. Visible from the river are the trails and boardwalks that wind through the refuge, inviting visitors to explore and immerse themselves in its natural beauty.

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Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Private Group up to 6 person

  Duration: 2 hours Description: Led by a US Coast Guard–licensed captain and certified guide, our private charters for up to six guests or shared cruise

• Shared seats

  Duration: 2 hours

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Portland River Tours

Know before you go

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Maximum Person Allowed is 6 Human beings on Small Group and more then 7 on Large Group (including children and adults) as per State Laws
• Disclaimer: Our top priority is always your safety on the river. While we make every effort to operate tours as advertised, equipment, vessels, staffing, departure times, and schedules may change without prior notice due to mechanical issues, weather, river conditions, or other safety-related factors. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, substitutions or schedule adjustments may be necessary. In some cases, tours may not depart at the exact scheduled time due to changing river conditions. If any changes are required, we will notify you as early as reasonably practicable. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Photos

Traveler reviews

25 verified traveler reviews for Portland's Famous Bridges & Riverfront History Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.