Tom McCall Waterfront Park 🌳 | Walking Tour of Portland in a Day

Audio Guide Portland | Walking Tour of Portland in a Day

Tom McCall Waterfront Park 🌳

Welcome to Tom McCall Waterfront Park, one of Portland’s most beloved outdoor spaces! Stretching along the Willamette River, this park offers stunning views, a relaxing atmosphere, and plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you're here for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or a community festival, this park is the perfect spot to experience the beauty of Portland. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your visit!

(1) 📍 Google Maps Link:

Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Google Maps

(2) 🚇 Nearest Subway Station:

To get to the park, the Skidmore Fountain MAX Station (served by the Blue and Red lines) is your closest light rail stop. From there, it’s just a short walk to the park’s northern end. If you're heading to the southern section, the Yamhill District MAX Station is also nearby.

(3) 🍽️ Good Places to Eat Nearby:

There are tons of great places to grab a bite or a drink near the park! Here are some of the best spots:

• 🍔 Pine Street Market: Just a few blocks away, this popular food hall offers a variety of delicious options, from burgers to ramen. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal after a walk in the park.
• 🍣 Takahashi Market: Craving sushi? Head over to this casual Japanese spot for fresh rolls and a relaxed atmosphere.
• 🍕 Sizzle Pie: Known for its creative pizza toppings and vegan options, this iconic Portland pizzeria is just a short walk from the park.

For coffee:

• ☕️ Stumptown Coffee Roasters: A Portland classic! Grab a cup of this locally famous coffee at the nearby 3rd Avenue location.
• ☕️ Case Study Coffee: Another excellent choice for coffee lovers, offering a more laid-back vibe with great pastries.

For drinks:

• 🍺 Kells Irish Pub: This lively pub is perfect for a pint of beer or a cocktail. It’s a short walk from the park and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• 🍸 The Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill: With waterfront views, this spot offers a solid drink menu and classic pub fare. Ideal for relaxing after exploring the park.

(4) 📸 Best Photo Spots:

Tom McCall Waterfront Park offers plenty of beautiful photo opportunities. Here are a few must-capture spots:

• The Morrison Bridge Viewpoint: This spot offers panoramic views of the Willamette River with Portland’s iconic bridges in the background. Perfect for a classic Portland skyline shot!
• The Cherry Blossoms (in Spring): If you’re visiting in the spring, you MUST stop by the Japanese American Historical Plaza. The cherry blossoms here are absolutely stunning and make for dreamy photos.
• Salmon Street Springs Fountain: This interactive fountain is a fun spot for family photos or just capturing the lively atmosphere of the park.
• The Hawthorne Bridge: This historic bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Portland. Get a shot of it during sunset for a truly picturesque scene!

(5) ⏰ Opening Times:

• The park is open 24/7 to the public, so feel free to visit at any time. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset!
• During the summer, the park hosts several large events and festivals, like the Portland Saturday Market, Waterfront Blues Festival, and Rose Festival, so check the schedule to see what's happening during your visit.

(6) 💡 Insider Tips:

• Rent a bike! Tom McCall Waterfront Park is part of Portland's extensive bike loop. You can rent a bike from one of the nearby BIKETOWN stations and enjoy a ride along the river.
• Visit during a festival: This park is home to some of Portland’s best events. If your timing is right, you might catch live music, food trucks, and art shows. The Portland Saturday Market (just north of the park) is a weekend favorite for local arts, crafts, and tasty treats.
• Bring a picnic: There are plenty of grassy areas, so pack a picnic and enjoy lunch with river views. If you're here in the summer, it's a great place to relax and people-watch.

(7) 🌟 Hidden Gem:

Just south of the park is the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade, a floating walkway that runs along the east side of the Willamette River. It’s a peaceful spot to walk, and the views of the city skyline from here are unbeatable! Many visitors miss this hidden gem, but it’s well worth the walk.

(8) 🚻 Public Bathrooms Nearby:

There are public restrooms at Salmon Street Springs and near the Portland Saturday Market. They’re well-maintained and convenient for park-goers.