There are bridges... and then there's the Steel Bridge a true Portland original that doesn't just get you across the river, it gives you a front-row seat to the city itself. Coming in by train, this is where it hits you. That slow roll over the Willamette, the tracks shifting as you glide onto the bridge it's iconic. Built in 1912 by the Union Pacific Railroad, with Union Station standing proudly nearby, this bridge has been welcoming travelers into Portland for over a century. And it's no ordinary structure it's one of the only double-deck vertical lift bridges in the world, carrying trains, cars, bikes, and pedestrians all at once. But here's the part I love most on foot. Walk it, take your time, and look out. You get one of the best viewpoints of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the river bending through the city, and that full loop that calls your name if you're in the mood to move. It's the kind of spot that makes a simple walk feel like an experience. Historic, hardworking, and still showing off this bridge isn't just part of Portland... it is Portland. read more

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It has been a minute since I walked over this bridge but it is a lovely walk leading you to the ends of both parks on either side. If bike riding is your speed, you can also do that! The Max uses it for it's crossing over to the MODA Center stop so you will cross it if you are going that way. read more

Classic vertical lift operated the Steel bridge (1912) over a century old is used by the railroad, TriMet light rail, vehicles, pedestrians, bikers and walkers. It's a great place to cross the river and enjoy some recreation, particularly when most of Portland is on shut down and citizens are maintaining social spacing - spending more time indoors due to the coronavirus. But we still need exercise. Spring is a thrilling time to be down by the Willamette river and steel Bridge because the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Probably cherry blooms are passed peak condition. So if you need a little R&R this is a great place to do it. Enjoy the blossoms. Reflect on the outdoors. The clouds. The sky. The wind. Rain. Oh - SUN! Be blessed to be walking and standing on your mother earth where ever you are rather than somewhere quietly lowered eternally beneath the earth. Alive! Get it!?* read more

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When I reflect on the 2020 Pandemic, I will always think of The Steel, Hawthorne and Tilikum bridges with gratitude, as I crossed them daily for my exercise and sanity. With stunning views of Portland from both ends and the ability to look up and down the river at the few fishing boats, kayaks, and on a sunny day, sailboats and jet skis, it reminded me that life continues, just with adjustments. The Steel Bridge is another one of Portland's draw bridges with the center piece moving up and down. Luckily it never opened up while I was walking across! It's industrial in design and architecture since it is the bridge the trains cross. Not the prettiest of the Portland bridges, but it's the most productive and efficient. The Steel Bridge connects Old Town on the west Side to the Rose Quarter and The Moda Center on the East. In the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, this IS the bridge to cross to see them in all their glory. Cherry blossom trees line the pathway along the river on both sides. It's a spectacular sight. There is a pedestrian and bike lane which is fairly wide, but during the Pandemic it does get crowded, especially on weekends and sunny days. On the positive, there are far less cars crossing to create vibrations! The top level pedestrian path provides sweeping views in every direction. Great photo ops everywhere you look. There is another pedestrian and bike path on the lower level that many don't know about; on this level, you are almost flush with the water. Very cool to walk at this level; everything looks so different from this perspective. Now that the Pandemic opened up my world to walking these bridges - my usual daily workout is a swim at the gym - I'll continue even after the gyms reopen and my life gets filled back up with social engagements and all of the activities we long to engage in once again. Walking the bridges will continue to be the way I make time for me. read more

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This is one of many great bridges in Portland, a city famous for its many bridges of different styles crossing the Willamette (one of many things which for me makes it very akin in many ways to Newcastle-upon-Tyne), and this is one. It is, as the name indicates, a functional-looking steel-girder bridge, but I find it attractive in a stark, simple way, and, since it has two levels, it is one of the most pleasant to walk across, since it has a nice pedestrian/bicycle walkway on the lower level, in shade and away from traffic. It is easy to get to from downtown and the riverfront. It also provides some nice views along the river. read more

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In the year of the flu, 2020, this is how the bridges of Portland saved my sanity. My usual bike commute takes me 5 miles one way thru some nice neighborhoods and over the Broadway Bridge. I have a commuter 9 speed. Narrow tires, sit upright, sweet little bell with a plastic cricket super glued to it. Basket with an elastic net cover. Yes, I'm that city rider. Right now things are tough. It's important to stay fit, get some fresh air. Here in Oregon we are staying home but we are not locked down. As long as we act responsibly and stay away from each other, we can be out in public doing our things. I'm not a runner, man I wish I were right now. To be able to put on my shoes and head out for 10 mind clearing miles, get all that fear and anxiety OUT - ya, sounds great. I'm a swimmer, and a gym rat. Can't swim. Can't go to the gym. But I've got a bike, and my city has bridges. The Steel Bridge, this bridge I'm nominally writing about, is pretty interesting. It is a draw bridge - the center moves up and down as one piece. It also has a train level, where the freight trains run several time a day. Yep, you can get stuck on the wrong side of them and end up waiting. There is also a pedestrian/bike path low near the water on the south side. This bridge is where I cross over from the east side trail. I either head up to the Broadway Bridge and home, or south to the Sellwood Bridge (that's a long way) for a loop. It's been Spring weather out here - cold and rainy. In the low 40s, rain spitting on my glasses. I just put on my warmies (you're not a PNW local if you haven't got the clothing to endure being wet and cold), use my shooting glasses that have yellow lenses (they make everything bright and clear), and head out. Keep moving, keep breathing, cry a little, yell a little in the wide open places where I won't scare someone. An hour or so, many hills large and small, 15 miles or so, I pull back in my driveway and I can face it again. Until tomorrow, when I'll retreat to the bridges to find my peace of mind. Peace friends, we'll make it. Strength. Courage. read more

Steel Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The Steel Bridge is really cool. It has the feeling of being an antique Bridge which it probably is. Also, there's a nice path for pedestrians and bicyclists right along the train tracks. It's meet when the train goes by you are so close you can almost touch it. In addition, you're right on top of the water and have a beautiful view of Northeast and Northwest Portland... read more

Steel Bridge - Enjoying the weather on the bikes. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Super cool to look at though I imagine it's sort of torturous to go over when traffic is bad. I loved learning about the history of the bridges as I walked along the paths near the bridge. One neat thing I discovered is there's a pedestrian/biking section on the lower part of the bridge. It even lifts when big ships come by. Really fun to walk over the river and look out at the city. I definitely recommend checking it out. read more

Steel Bridge - Steel bridge from under the Burnside Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This bridge connects Old Town with the Rose Quarter. It is used by trains, MAX, cars busses and pedestrians, It is the last bridge on the North end if you are doing the river loop, Note if you are doing the bridge with friends, talking while on the bridge is hard, car traffic above is quite loud. Not only that if a train is crossing you are walking right next to it. That said unlike the walkway is lower then the other bridges. It is not the best looking bridge but rather looks heavy duty. Not to surprising given that it is a railway bridge as well. The East end is right in the Rose Quarter and feels kind of congested. Most bridges are on major streets on both sides, in the Rose Quarter you land on a road where you will need to connect with the main streets. Given that, the transit center is right there and Moda Center, there are busses, cars and lots of pedestrians. Riding home on MAX from the airport, crossing the bridge gives me the "i'm home" feeling seeing Portland.... read more

Steel Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I'm terrified of heights and/or bridges than can go even higher than a huge boat. That being said, this was totally worth the shaky walk across. The views are spectacular, the sidewalk is wide and the rails are sturdy (trust). The area around the bridge is pretty cool too, there are plenty of places to stop and rest or take photos, and it's super close to downtown. We parked and walked all over, there's so much to see it didn't feel like it was very far at all. It's a must-add to your to do list while visiting. read more

Steel Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Yes, I realize I'm updating a bridge review. And yes my favorite word's still "esemplastic", this bridge my favorite bridge, and PDX my favorite city. So what's new? Not much, but having finally joined the rest of P-town's peddle powered peeps I happened to bike across a unique photo op while cruising along the esplanade. Just thought I'd share (What is this 1st grade?). Steel Bridge w/ bottom deck raised for sailboat passage: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/OqU318HqHD-NKiSXi1nyig?select=j1DSUjSY1F1MAbv3tI_hzg read more

Steel Bridge - Steel Bridge w/ bottom deck raised for sailboat passage - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

In Portland it's easy to take a bridge walk and I've taken 4 over my several trips to the Rose City. Here are my stories....(Cue the Law and Order Clang). The 1912-built Steel Bridge is a through truss, double lift bridge across the Willamette River. It carries railroad and pedestrian traffic on the lower deck, and road traffic and MAX light rail (of which I've taken many times on the red, blue or green lines) on the upper deck. It is the only double-deck bridge with independent lifts in the world and the second-oldest vertical lift bridge in North America, after the nearby Hawthorne Bridge. The bridge links the Rose Quarter and Lloyd District in the east to Old Town Chinatown neighborhood in the west. I also like the twin black towers as they are silueted along the river. But unlike the Steele Bridge, I'm not as sturdy, reliable, and unassuming as I could be. read more

How does one review a bridge? It is beautiful, it has excellent pedestrian and bicycle access. It allows our wonderful light rail to cross the Willamette, it's less scary to drive across than the Sellwood. It's unique in the world as a double layered drawbridge, with the lower pedestrian and train bridge able to lift independent of the upper roadway. I suppose that is what makes the Steel Bridge one of the greatest bridges in Portland. But I don't think I can put into words what makes it the best. People will argue for the St. John's Bridge, and I might flirt with the Fremont now and again... but for me, the beauty of our Steel Bridge is always there, waiting for me to pay it another visit. read more

Steel Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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A Haiku for the one-of-a-kind (world's only double level, independent lift ) Steel Bridge: Centurian Bridge Doubled levels and beauty Raising all seasons! read more

Steel Bridge (1912) This bridge dates back to 1888 when it carried railroad cars over the Willamette River. Today, the Steel carries the modern version of the electric trolley, MAX. With tracks for other trains and two-way vehicle traffic as well as foot traffic, this is a busy bridge. This link between Waterfront Park and the Eastbank Esplanade is among the world's last working dual-lift bridges. While the lower part carries pedestrians, cyclists, freight and passenger trains, the upper deck (lifting independently) handles MAX and vehicle traffic. read more

I believe this historic bridge dates back to the 1800s and was updated in the 1900s. It's a rough and tough bridge that lifts for Willamette River traffic. It connects Northeast and Northwest Portland. It's a great way to cross the river instead of swimming the Willamette. :-) #38 read more

Nice bridge. Sturdy path and easy to traverse on bike and foot. Also the top deck is a good spot to take scenic pictures of the waterfront. My favourite bridge to traverse with the bicycle. read more

Steel Bridge - Sunset over the Steel bridge. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Dear Steel Bridge, Thank you for representing everything that Portland means to me. You are punk rock, practical, offer great perspective and while you may not be what others consider the most attractive, because you offer so much, you are invaluable and therefore Gorgeous to me. Also you're not safest feeling bridge to walk across but I like going beneath you and riding my bike over and ringing the bell on my bike to let the pedestrians "on your left!" Thanks Steel Bridge. thanks for not being a rickety Sellwood Bridge that scares the hell out of me too! read more

My commute takes me across Steel Bridge at least ten times a week, either by bus or MAX. The sight of those two black towers always tells me my trip is about half over. I get an odd sense of comfort whenever they pop into view. If only people were more like Steel Bridge: sturdy, reliable, unassuming. The bridge will be 100 years old next year. I hope somebody is planning a birthday party. It's quite amazing that this rusty, steam punk marvel is still getting 1000's of people from one side of the Willamette to the other each and every day: by foot, bike, bus, car and rail. It may not be the most elegant span of trusses and girders on the planet but Steel Bridge is one helluva workhorse. Of all Portland bridges, this one is by far my favorite. read more

Of all the bridges that span the Willamette River in Portland, the Steel Bridge is the most classic and photogenic. Automobiles, the Max, and pedestrians can all use it. It's one of my favorites just based on the aesthetic beauty it brings to the city's waterfront area. I can hear the steel grating under the car right now and that familiar buzz it has. Of all the bridges in Portland, this is one that you have to get a picture of. read more

This is the best bridge and everyone knows it. I keep seeing a lot of 4 star reviews and some 3 star reviews and I don't know what their deal is but their opinion is wrong and they are probably working through some stuff right now and opted to take it out on the ranking of this bridge. That seems unfair. Move your ire elsewhere. read more

Who knew you could write a review for a bridge. Not this this guy! I've traveled across this bridge in a car,on a bike and on foot. It's location might be the key. I spent many Saturday and Sunday mornings running across this bridge. I find I get the most enjoyment out of this bridge during the Summer time right as the sun sets. There's no better place to be. read more

Did you know that you can walk the bottom portion of the steel bridge, right along where the trains run? If you live in Portland you probably do, but I'm from Salem and did not know this until a recent visit. Like a giddy teen I was ecstatic walking across the bridge late at night. A train was going through at the same time, which made it all that more exciting. (Can you tell I'm from boring Salem?) The bridge also offers great views (and history) so be sure to take a stroll along it. read more

The steel bridge is a great connector of East Portland to west Portland, well as do all the bridges, but Steel takes you from Old Town on the East to Interstate Ave and immediate Max station on the West This bridge is used among anyone with hip sockets: Max Travelers, Cars, bikes, runners, sight surveyors, and those god awful pedal cars for rent! From a runners point of view: I love running across this bridge, sometimes when I just know I can't get that extra mile out of myself i'll take a quick bridge detour to steel bridge and pray that I don't regret it. However, 80% of the time on a sunny day, I 100% of the time regret it, those pedal cars that take up the entire lower deck pedestrian pathway are what drives me nuts! the lower deck pathway is just large enough to allow two flows of pedestrian traffic; those heading east, and those heading west, and throw a pedal car in the mix and you're playing frogger! Watch out says that bird! wait, there was no bird, there's a pedal cart! read more

Take a close look at the West Tower of the bridge sometime, and look closely, and you might see the very faded - if it isn't already gone - Union Pacific Railroad emblem. Thank you random knowledge of school field trips past. read more

I can't believe people are rating this bridge. Sure, it's nice to look at, drive on, and sight see, but seriously, I've seen better! :) read more

Industrial and intimate at the same time. I'm pretty sure you could choose your friends and lovers in Portland based on bridge preferences ;) read more

What do you write about a bridge that's already had so much said about it? It's not just the bridge but the surrounding area that makes it so gorgeous. From the NW side the convention center definitely adds to it. read more

Steel Bridge - That Steel Bridge, tho. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Furthering my odd affinity for bridges, the Steel Bridge is very cool sight from Old Town Portland. This bridge is a functioning rail bridge across the Willamette River, and is something you'd almost expect to see in some old rail/steel/blue collar town. I love it, and it provides some great pictures too. read more

Steel Bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Yes, I am reviewing a bridge. Hell, I'm 5-starring a bridge. What makes the Steel bridge my favorite in town? It hosts more modes of transportation than any other bridge in Portland - driving, busing, MAXing, AmTracking, biking, skating, walking. It offers a spectacular view of the cherry blossoms when in bloom each spring yet provides a dramatic, industrial, man-made, in-your-face backdrop to those same cherry blossoms when viewed from the river walk. It screams of utilitarian function. It is not trying to be pretty. It simply serves its purpose. And for that, it is beautiful. read more

Oh boy, here comes another part of my personal Portland history. Like all the bridges in Portland, I have white knuckle syndrome when crossing it by car, but it's also the stuff of childhood nightmares. I don't know why because it's almost a piece of art in all its brooding industrial-style glory. However, I couldn't see that as a child, but I certainly do now. It's probably the grain silos and the ships along side that set off the nightmares at the time. Anyway, wouldn't this be the best location for a movie or TV show? Maybe Grimm has already shot some sequences there; I don't know about that, but I do know that it holds quite a place in my mind and that I shiver a little every time I cross it. read more

Unique bridge. I miss the vintage trolly that used to traverse it.

You look like you're about to rust and fall down every day, yet you never do. Why do you taunt me?

I take the max, the max travels over this bridge. It's historic and unique and driving on it is fun. I hear some folks walk/bike it as well. What more can a bridge do for you? Plus, no reservations needed! read more

I love this bridge it is my favorite. I like to ride across it with my bike

I have been looking and admiring the Steel Bridge for years since I was a youngster! It is the oldest Bridge and being a lift Bridge with two decks and crossing the Willamette into downtown Portland and was opened in 1912 then replacing another steel bridge that had been there since the late 19th century [1888] Both Bridges were originally Railroad Bridges with foot paths before being redesigned for modern Automobile traffic? Myself I have always like the rustic design with it's steel girders!'' 5 stars*****! ''Thank you'' read more

This iconic view of portland is a must see and visit. Its what makes portland unique. It's also a great place to walk around and see the portland skyline or what is of it. It's not anything monumental but it's quite a unique bridge. read more

Great for a photo shoot. Did senior pics here and it was perf.

The Steel Bridge is one of my favorites. Great looking, great bike and pedestrian access, the complete opposite of the Ross Island Bridge.

One of the coolest things about Portland is the river, and one of the coolest bridges over that river is the Steel Bridge. I love going across it every morning during my bus commute to work. read more