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    Oregon City Municipal Elevator

    4.4 (36 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Oregon City Municipal Elevator Photos

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    Top floor. Step off into the cool observation deck.
    Andrew C.

    It's just an elevator, folks. Nothing remarkable about its operation or interior. Two metal doors. One button. One floor up. BUT -- there is a pretty neat saucer-shaped observation deck at that top floor, which hangs, kind of a like a UFO, over the city. So there are some pretty sweet views to be had on a clear day. Plus it's free. Not worth a special trip, but if you're in the area, might as well give it a shot: it's the only outdoor municipal elevator in the US (don't quote me on that). The McLoughlin Promenade runs along the top of the cliff; If you exit that observation deck and go right, it becomes a nice path overlooking the river. Exit left, and there's a pretty cool stone stairway going back down to street level. There's even a mini waterfall along the way.

    Nico B.

    The Oregon City Municipal Elevator is one of 4 municipal evevators in the world, and makes for a fun tourist stop in Oregon City! Visitors won't be disappointed of the gorgeous view of downtown Oregon City, as well as the river, waterfall, and forested hillsides in the distance. The site offers an abundance of streetside parking, a designated restroom, and the viewing deck of the elevator is staffed with an attendant ready to aswer questions about the historic attraction, or ring up souveniers. If you find yourself in Oregon City, please don't hesitate to check this site out. There are lots of photos depicting the history and origin of the elevator, and visitors can be in/out in less than 15 minutes if they're short on time.

    Stacey W.

    This was a pretty cool place to visit. Took the free elevator up to the top and looked out. Spent about 10 min up there looking around and reading the history. Then took a long walk along the promenade for a better view. Would recommend visiting this place.

    Jen L.

    I am a weirdo. When I saw Anna review this elevator last year, it was on the top of my list of things to do once I arrived in Oregon. Yes. I know. I love this vertical street elevator. And that it has a suitably space age look and an operator. For flatlander me this was quite the novelty and wandering around Oregon City's old downtown was fun and a great way to catch up with my friend. Highly recommended if this is the sort of thing that amuses you.

    Wow. Just wow.
    Natalie R.

    Great views. Worth the visit. And it's free! Go up to see a great trail with a nice walk and take some photos. when you go down below, select one of the restaurants and have something to eat. This is a great date area even during Covid. We've enjoyed many of these places and always love the ever changing view from above. I think many people overlook this gem of a location for outdoor activity. Such a shame.

    Jen K.

    Screaming and running through the rain are highly underrated. I was one of those kids who would walk home from school in the rain (slowly) and try to get as wet as possible. It drove my parents nuts. They couldn't understand why I found this fun. So it is perfect that I am the mother to two boys who don't mind mucking around either. While others were all dressed up in their Sunday finest on Easter, I took my boys for a drive around Oregon City looking for something to do. I'd always wanted to ride the Elevator because: *I'm a history freak and it is the only municipal outdoor elevator in the U.S. *I'm a sci fi geek and the observation deck looks like a flying saucer *I love free stuff So on a rainy Sunday we had the place to ourselves. We went to the lower entrance and were greeted by the attendant. My boys decided they wanted to take the stairs rather than ride, so the attendant "raced" us to the top and back several times. There is a nice path (with many little half stairs) that goes past a man made waterfall. It was dumping rain so I decided why not scream while we did this. It was so much fun! The observation deck gives a view of the Willamette Falls and the Arch and Abernethy Bridges. And don't miss the 3-D photos in the entry hall down below which flash back and forth between historic and present day views of the area.

    Entrance (November 2016)
    Luke L.

    Oregon City Municipal Elevator is a somewhat outdated elevator that was dedicated on May 5th, 1955 (it replaced the original 1912 hydraulic elevator, which later replaced with electricity in 1924). Due to the topography of Oregon City (steep riverside cliffs), it serves as a bridge between the lower levels and the upper levels of the town. This is currently the only outdoor municipal elevator in the United States as well as the only "vertical street" in North America. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. Don't be startled if you see an operator inside the elevator. You can also take the stairs back down to the bottom levels instead of taking the elevator. Once you are on the top, then there's a pretty nice observation deck with a great view of downtown Oregon City. The elevator is not as cool as it sounds, but this artifact has an important historical value. P.S. - Old fashioned parking meters right next to the elevator, so bring some coins.

    Cindy L.

    The address on Yelp led me to the wrong place, so double check and be careful to avoid the same unfortunate mistake I made. Best typing the place in Maps instead of redirecting. The Municipal Elevator receives a 3.5 star rating from me. I enjoyed learning the history of the city and experiencing the unique charm of the historical building, but it was such a short trip with a mediocre view that I didn't feel the time and gas invested was well worth it. However, street parking was free, the portraits in the hallway are interesting, the elevator attendant was cheerful and kind, and it was nice and peaceful at the observation deck. Instead of taking the elevator back down, take the stairs! PARKING Street meter parking readily available when I arrived. Free on weekends, but check the meter just in case! Look both ways crossing the street - the path leading to the elevator is shared with cars.

    Eloisa C.

    I enjoyed my self coming here this place is unique to go, though I really wanted a gift shop here but there isn't but I am not sure if there is a shop with souvenirs near this place. I love it how you can take the elevator going up and you can walk and you go all around and you come down and you can see this mini waterfall and keep going down the stairs you end up at the bottom again it was a really nice experience coming here my daughters enjoyed them self and we just grabbed a quick bit in one of the local restaurants it was a really pleasant and quick tour.

    Mark B.

    This is one of those things that it is hard to believe exists, It is an elevator that takes you from the main shopping area in Oregon City to up on a hill. OK there is not much up there unless you live there but the elevator is free and has an actual operator. He was quite friendly to. The entrance tunnel to the bottom of the elevator is lined with pictures that change as you walk past them. Each frame has three different pictures that change as you move. At the top there are more of the 3 in one pictures and widows all around. Its not that high but high enough the views are nice. I enjoyed looking around town from up there. It doesn't take long. A few minutes each up and down. I would say check it out if your in the area.

    Top of the elevator
    Naomi L.

    While this elevator was probably a huge deal when it opened, it is now a weird and wonderful stumble-upon kind of a thing. My friend and I were walking though Oregon City and wondered why an elevator would be so special. You walk though a hallway that takes you to the base of the elevator. There are photos on the wall that change depending on your angle and take you though the building process if you walk in the right pattern (explained on the side of the wall near the elevator doors). Once in the elevator, we were surprised to find someone operating it! What an interesting job... That is also probably a remnant of old construction, but also keeps hooligans out/away. The top has a nice observation area of the city, but the best way to see the river and man-made dam is to walk about 200 feet down the path away from the McLoughlin House. For those scared of old machines/elevators, there's an alternative walking trail that gets you to the top as well. All in all, a well maintained tourist attraction in this little town with so much history.

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    15 years ago

    What a great place to learn the history of this town. This was one of our first stops after moving here, and would recommend.

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    13 years ago

    Great view of the river and the town. Fun and free place to stop Will happily come again to this rare and unsual local oddity.

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    14 years ago

    One of the interesting facts is that during 1962, the TV show " Route 66" filmed an episode at the Tower, and at 1916 Washington St,

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    12 years ago

    Maybe if the operators werent such sticklers or as rude as they were, my experience would have been better, but alas it was not.

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    Ask the Community - Oregon City Municipal Elevator

    Review Highlights - Oregon City Municipal Elevator

    Our operator was quick to let us know that the Oregon City Elevator is the only outdoor municipal elevator in the U.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge - this is what it looked like before - not very pretty and not very functional.

    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge

    3.2(5 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    Will you open already?…read more I've been inconvenienced by the closure of this bridge almost daily for the past 18 months. And while I don't expect the re-opening in October to magically solve the I-205 snarl through West Linn, it certainly can't hurt. My observation is that the closure has been particularly disruptive to the business owners in downtown Oregon City. What was once an easy jog from West Linn to Oregon City became much more of an ordeal during the commute hours. And sometimes it just isn't worth the effort. To coincide with the reopening of the bridge, they've been repaving and refreshing Main Street in downtown Oregon City, so things may finally get back on track for customers and businesses next month. Aside from the transportation aspect, this small bridge has a fun little spot in my heart as a West Linn resident. The West Linn-Oregon City game is the longest continuously played football rivalry west of the Mississippi. Because the high school football fields are located within a mile of the bridge on either side, in the old days it was common for one school's players and fans to march across the bride to the other school's stadium with a police escort, no less. The football game is known as "The Battle of the Bridge." Another fun fact for the engineers out there is that this is the only bridge in Oregon encased in gunite, which protects it from corrosive sulfur dioxide emissions from paper mills south of the bridge. The re-opening will be part of the Willamette Falls Festival (aka Lock Fest), October 12 - 14: http://www.willamettefallsfestival.com/.

    It's Finally Going To Open!!! This bridge has been dearly missed for the last 2 years. After 90…read moreyears of service, it was due for much needed repairs and restoration. Willamette Falls Festival will celebrate the reopening with a 3 day festival October 12 - 14th. Lots of events, tents, races, fireworks, art and even a mass vow renewal ceremony on the bridge October 14th at 1pm. Married couples can register online for this FREE Vow Renewal ceremony and even a Reception at the Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom. Register by October 8th at www.willamettefallsfestival.com This will be a great event and a perfect way to celebrate the bridge finally reopening!!!

    Photos
    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge - They did a great job on the rebuild

    They did a great job on the rebuild

    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge - Willamette Falls, The Locks and the Oregon City West Linn Arch Bridge.

    Willamette Falls, The Locks and the Oregon City West Linn Arch Bridge.

    Oregon City / West Linn Arch Bridge - This is what it looks like now - very pretty and not very functional.

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    This is what it looks like now - very pretty and not very functional.

    Willamette Falls Locks

    Willamette Falls Locks

    2.5(2 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Update - The locks are currently closed to the public. They may not be able to hold the annual Lock…read moreFest this summer either due to lack of funding. Sadness. ---------------------------------------------- Reasons to visit: **Built in 1873, this is the first multi-lift navigation locks built in the United States **On the National Register of Historic Places **Visiting the locks and visitor center are free Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers since 1915, they are in dire need of funding to remain open. Every year the city and Willamette Falls Heritage Foundation sponsor a Lock Fest to publicize this landmark and raise funds to continue operation. Is this the most exciting thing since sliced bread? No. Is it a part of our local history that should be supported and available for generations to come? Absolutely! I've visited the amazing Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle and if you are expecting that level of maintenance and activity, you will be disappointed. In comparison, this is a missed opportunity to develop this location into a visitor destination. The falls and views of Mt. Hood are beautiful from here. Visitor hours vary seasonally, so I suggest you call ahead.

    Well, this used to be a pretty cool operation...actually lived a couple blocks away. It is a…read moreshame that you can't even get in to see the Salmon ladder. Maybe public support will help make this a viable facility once again.

    Photos
    Willamette Falls Locks
    Willamette Falls Locks - Boo... government shut down. The locks are even closed during Lock Fest!

    Boo... government shut down. The locks are even closed during Lock Fest!

    Willamette Falls Locks

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    Oregon City Municipal Elevator - landmarks - Updated June 2026

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