Oregon City was initially built at river level, but as it grew, it moved higher. In 1912 residents started talking about an elevator that would join the 'lower' and 'upper' cities. A rickety version went into service in 1915, although it didn't always work; passengers had to climb out a trap door and up a ladder if it stopped. The current version dates more or less from the ’50s and is one of only four municipal elevators in the world.
Municipal Elevator
The Willamette Valley & Wine Country
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.49 MILES
This popular riverside park, which lines the west bank of the Willamette River, was finished in 1978 after four years of construction. It replaced an old…
14.25 MILES
Abutting the more manicured Washington Park to the south (to which it is linked by various trails) is the far wilder 5100-acre Forest Park, an urban…
12.17 MILES
Often called the most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan, this tranquil escape recently underwent a $30-million expansion under the guidance of…
11.7 MILES
The heart of downtown Portland, at the heart of Portland’s retail district and the city’s transit system, is a multi-tiered brick plaza nicknamed Portland…
12.02 MILES
West of the city, Washington Park is a lush destination with 410 acres of green space, well-manicured gardens and forested trails. Within the parkland are…
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Vancouver National Historic Reserve
18.57 MILES
Situated within easy walking distance of the city center is Vancouver's most important historical monument, and also one of the most important statewide…
11.84 MILES
The best time to walk along the Portland Waterfront is on a weekend, when you can catch this famous market showcasing arts and crafts, street entertainers…
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18.74 MILES
At this reconstructed fort, park rangers and actors in period costume skillfully summon the era from 1825 to 1845, when it served as headquarters of the…
Nearby The Willamette Valley & Wine Country attractions
0.1 MILES
This 1845 house was built by John McLoughlin, who was called the 'father of Oregon' for his hand in helping found Oregon City – the West's first city. At…
2. Stevens-Crawford House Museum
0.15 MILES
For a taste of the past, step into this historic museum. Owned by a pioneering family, the 1908 house still boasts most of its original furniture and…
3. Museum of the Oregon Territory
0.44 MILES
Exhibits at this engaging museum include a chunk of the Willamette Meteorite, the largest meteorite found in the US (the rest is at the American Museum of…
0.67 MILES
At the heart of town, 1500ft-wide Willamette Falls is the second-most-powerful waterfall in the US.
5. Tryon Creek State Natural Area
6.54 MILES
This verdant 670-acre forest offers a nature center, stream-side wildlife and 8 miles of trails, including a 3-mile paved bike path. Late March brings…
6. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
8.24 MILES
Located in Sellwood, this large wetland of around 140 acres has a hiking trail through it, which connects with the nearby Springwater Corridor paved bike…
7. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
8.59 MILES
The large, beautiful grounds at this 5-acre garden near Reed College are covered with more than 2000 full-grown rhododendrons, azaleas and other plants,…
10.32 MILES
Portland's aerial tram runs from the South Waterfront (where there's a streetcar stop) to Marquam Hill about every six minutes. The tram runs along a…