How freakin' cool is this?! It's historic architecture and it's FREE! So fun! Can't believe I'm just now realizing how 'cute' Oregon City is. Easily the best of the Portland 'burbs. read more

A short elevator ride in the center of town with a great view of the city. It's free so worth a quick ride up. Can walk from here to the waterfall viewpoint. read more

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What a site! This is historic Oc. From the real OC to across the bridge into WestLinn. At night the elevator lights up. There's also a staircase. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Oregon City Municipal Elevator - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Oregon City, Oregon

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. read more

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I am on the border of giving this a four, but considering the great price (free) and excellent views, I feel that anything below a five would be a shame. Is it the most exciting tourist attraction? To be honest, no, not really. It's a very plain elevator in a space age-esque building; almost like the top of the Seattle Space Needle. There are big windows that look out over a 90 foot bluff onto Oregon City, the Willamette River, Willamette Falls and in the distance the various mountains and downtown Portland. There are visual guides on each window showing you what you are seeing, which is very nice if you're unsure of what you are looking at. There is a booth with an attendant, which has various guides and information for local and state-wide attractions. The history of the elevator is quite interesting, and remains the only vertical street in North America. If you're going to be in or near Oregon City, I would recommend visiting since it is free and the views are amazing. Keep in mind that there are parking meters at the top and paid street parking at the bottom, but the price is very cheap (and free during the weekend, which is when I went.) There is also a trail that goes up/down the bluff too, which I heard is a great exercise if you want to do a hike one-way. read more

A must see & experience!!! Stunning views of Oregon City and Willamette river & falls, bridge. HUGE piece of history. I feel lucky & proud to call this city my home being a native Oregonian. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Oregon City Municipal Elevator - Wow. Just wow. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Oregon City, Oregon

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. read more

Oregon City Municipal Elevator - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Oregon City, Oregon

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. read more

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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. read more

Oregon City Municipal Elevator - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Oregon City, Oregon

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Oregon City Municipal Elevator - Top of the elevator - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Oregon City, Oregon

After much city turmoil the first elevator was put into service December 3, 1915. It could be run by water power or electricity. Water Power would bring down water pressure in the surrounding area and took 3 - 5 minutes for a 89' ride. At times it broke down. Making the passengers literally escape and climb down a ladder. Amongst other problems. Suffice to say, a new elevator was needed. So they tore down the old and on May 5, 1955 The now (new) present elevator was put to use. The view is awesome from on top. The whole place is full of 3-D pictures about the construction of it all. The elevator has an operator. Although the operator seemed to not like his job. I tried to be friendly but he was a buzz kill. To bad for him. Maybe he was having an off day. Any who. It was cool. read more

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The Situationist International was a group of progressive thinking designers and activists in the mid 20th century who, among other things (like influencing the Sex Pistols) are known for the concept of the dérive. It translates to drift, and the idea is to wander through the city streets, following your emotion at the moment rather than your routine or the path laid out for you. One doesn't need to live in a big metropolis to experience such a phenomena, smaller towns such as Oregon City are surprisingly fascinating places for such a venture. One stop you are bound to end up at is the Municipal Elevator. This might be due to your curiosity of the alien looking tower, or fear of the creepy NYC subway-esque tunnel, or shock when you realize there's someone inside behind the plastic partition. Regardless, riding to the top of the elevator and looking out onto the river & falls, the downtown, and the basalt cliffs that flank either side of the room, one gains a new perspective on the first incorporated city west of the Rockies. Though now I think I've influenced your dérive too much (what would the most prominent member Guy Debord think!?) I suppose whatever else you're in for, you'll have to drift to on your own. read more

This is a "must do" for any Oregon City-onian. I did it with my mom, and took my daughter last summer. Here's the routine: take the cutest trolley in the world for a (free) spin as your friendly guide points out the historical homes and beautiful sights. Hop off at Muno's bakery and get a Teddy bear sugar cookie for the ride up the elevator. Round the block and be greeted by the most friendly and knowledgeable elevator attendant and enjoy the view! read more

A cute landmark that you must visit while you are in the area. They have an actual elevator operator that takes riders up and down. Take it to the top and check out the view of the town. read more

I'm sure this has nothing to do with my earlier comment about the Sponge Bob band-aid but I was quite surprised this morning to step off the elevator at the lower level to see bright shiny new marble tiles on the walls. It's all sparkly and beautiful! The one thing I forgot to mention in my previous review was that the 3D pictures are really cool because as you approach them from one direction and pass by they change from the historical view to the current view of the area and visa versa. For instance, the current view of the elevator is replaced with a photo of the original elevator circa 1915. If you get a chance, take the time to look over the pictures from all angles for the full effect. read more

The architecture is outdated, yet really cool. And there's a nice view of OC atop the elevator, and a bit of a history lesson as well, which is pretty cool. I'd give it 3.5 stars, or 3 out of 4. My only "thing" is, unless you essentially live in Clackamas County, I'm not sure it's totally 100% worth the trip - with gasoline being as expensive as it is - to visit the OCME. read more

As a child, riding the elevator was a huge event for us. The tunnel felt spooky, the elevator was slow, I was always scared by the attendant talking to me, but when we reached the top it was amazing. Big windows circled around, scarey looking painting of pioneers on the walls and trains passing below. Well, as an adult, it's pretty much the same experience for me. LOL I hear they finally changed the paintings, so I look forward to seeing that. (1 week later) Today, I'm giving it a 4th star. I went to visit the elevator again this week. I said that I would. I entered from the top so I could post photos of a different view. The first thing I noticed was the new floor. Gone were the formica tiles from the 50's. In it's place is a layout showing each block from the elevator to the river. Gone are the painted murals of John McLaughlin "father of Oregon City" with evil eyes and a sneer on his face. Now they have cool hologram or what ever pictures that at one angle you see what it looked like 100 years ago and then if you move 6 inches it changes to modern day. Pretty cool. They were a little hard to see because it looked like they had just hosed out the platform which is a good thing because one of my other memories of the elevator was all of the cobwebs, dead flies, trapped buzzing flies, dirty glass windows and filthy floors. Hopefully now I can erase all of the bad associations I had with the elevator and truly enjoy it in all it's glory, past and present. I hope that you enjoy the photos. read more

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Nice experience here. The elevator offers great views and paths to other sights. Interesting history and very friendly operator. You get a souvenir sticker for visiting and it's free :-) read more

A view and an operator is a 100 year tradition for the on foot mobile crowd.. Its a wonderful alternative to the fair weathered or knee challenged folks who skip the joy and beauty of stone carved stairs.. read more

Waldo was spot on with their customer service!! I appreciate the attentiveness and effort that was put forth to give my dad and I directions, as we haven't visited in sometime. We asked if we could tip, and were declined. This service definitely deserves one!!! read more

Sometimes kitschy things are cool. The Oregon City Municipal Elevator is one of those types of kitschy things. There is an elevator operator ready assist in your travels from 7th Street to S. 10th Street, or vice versa. Our operator was quick to let us know that the Oregon City Elevator is the only outdoor municipal elevator in the U.S. and one of the only four in the world. As much as we found this elevator kitschy, he explained that a lot of commuters use the elevator because parking is difficult to find near the Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse. He also told us that if we want a ride back up, that we should plan accordingly as they stop operating at 7:00 PM. Not a lot of things are free in life, so thank you, Oregon City for taking care of this lift ride for me. read more

This is the coolest thing since sliced [gluten-free] bread. You might think I'm exaggerating, but anyone who has tried to climb the treacherously steep and looong stairs from downtown Oregon City to Singer Hill knows what I'm talking about. During its open hours, taking this elevator will save you minutes and also sore quadriceps. Plus, it's fun to partake in something that's free and that's also been around forever. read more

Nice view, good Oregon City history. Holographic pictures line halls. The top of the elevator leads into the promenade for a nice stroll with benches to overlook the falls. A favorite for our family. read more

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

One of the best things in Oregon City! Who wants to climb some stairs to get a view or see the top side of the OC, when you can take an elevator! It's not just any elevator, it's a municipal elevator! Every town with a hill should have one of these marvels! read more

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.

Just look at the facts: one of four outdoor municipal elevators in the would, the only in the US, AND it looks like a throwback Disney ride. Best thing in Oregon City, hands down. Even better than the Willamette Falls Locks (is that blasphemy around here?). read more

Its a short elevator ride, but how many places do u know that have an elevator like this one that has been there so long? It got remodeled but still has all the same elegance and historic feeling as it did before. The new feel starts off on the inside round-about, where pictures that line the rounded walk on the walls of the lookout are awesome. They are multiple pictures in one. Like the old school "moving" images u could get as a kid. So u walk the rounded lookout and see the great view of historic downtown Oregon city, and as u look at the pictures u feel as though u are looking into the past, seeing oregon city and the elevator how they looked back in their hayday. I've visited the elevator over and over again. My daughter and niece love going there and seeing the pictures and then riding the elevator where a man inside greets you with a big smile and a tiny bit of knowledge on the elevator and its history. We then get to walk right down the street to main street and take a nice walk past the old stores and smiling faces of all the great oregon city people. A great way to spend a few hours with the FAM. Love it. read more

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,

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