St. Johns Bridge

St. Johns Bridge Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Portland Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to St. Johns Bridge and Its Significance

Nestled in North Portland, Oregon, the St. Johns Bridge is a striking testament to early 20th-century engineering and Gothic Revival architecture. Completed in 1931, this suspension bridge is immediately recognizable by its soaring towers, elegant pointed arches, and distinctive “Verde Green” hue. Spanning the Willamette River, it connects the historic St. Johns neighborhood with Northwest Portland, serving as both a vital transportation link and a beloved cultural icon. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its impressive dimensions—400-foot towers and a 1,207-foot main span—as well as the vibrant community spaces it anchors, notably Cathedral Park beneath its eastern end. Here, scenic views, recreational opportunities, and events such as the annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival make the bridge’s presence felt in daily Portland life.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture admirer, or traveler seeking picturesque walks and photography spots, St. Johns Bridge welcomes all with year-round, free, pedestrian-friendly access. This comprehensive guide provides essential information on visiting hours, travel tips, accessibility, and nearby attractions, ensuring a memorable experience. For further historical context and visitor details, consult authoritative sources such as Study.com, Travel Portland, and HistoricBridges.org.

Early History and Community Demand
Design Competition and Engineering Vision
Construction Milestones and Technical Achievements
Cultural and Urban Impact
Visiting Hours, Accessibility, and Tips
Preservation and Restoration
Legacy and Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Getting to St. Johns Bridge
Exploring the Bridge and Cathedral Park
Practical Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Accessibility and Special Considerations
Local Etiquette and Sustainability
Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations
Sources and Official Links

Early History and Community Demand

The St. Johns Bridge originated from the urban expansion and increasing industrial activity in Portland’s northern neighborhoods in the early 20th century. Before the bridge, crossing the Willamette River was only possible via ferry—a service that began in 1852 with James Johns’ single rowboat (Light the Bridges). As the population and industry grew following the 1915 annexation of St. Johns and Linnton, residents advocated for a permanent crossing. The Peninsula Bridge Committee was formed to lobby for a bridge. Overcoming skepticism from city officials about the area’s “remoteness,” the project was finally approved by voters in 1928 (Study.com).

Design Competition and Engineering Vision

The city sought a design that would not only fulfill practical needs but also symbolize Portland’s aspirations. Although a cantilever bridge was initially proposed, a suspension bridge was selected for its suitability to the river’s width and navigational needs. Renowned civil engineer David B. Steinman won the commission, envisioning a bridge that echoed the grandeur of European cathedrals with Gothic-style towers and pointed arches. Steinman insisted on the Verde Green color to harmonize with the landscape (Must Do Things; Study.com).

Construction Milestones and Technical Achievements

Construction began in September 1929, just as the Great Depression took hold. The project, which offered critical employment, was completed in record time and opened on June 13, 1931 (Must Do Things). At completion, the St. Johns Bridge was a marvel of engineering:

Total Length: 3,608 feet (1,100 meters)
Main Span: 1,207 feet (368 meters), among the nation’s longest at the time
Navigational Clearance: 205 feet (62 meters), the highest in the U.S. upon opening
Towers: Two 400-foot (122 meters) Gothic towers
Deck: Accommodates vehicular and pedestrian traffic

Innovative construction methods included a classic cantilever design for the roadway and advanced use of steel and reinforced concrete, ensuring durability and minimal disruption to river navigation (The Tourist Checklist).

Cultural and Urban Impact

The bridge’s completion transformed Portland’s northern neighborhoods, integrating St. Johns and Linnton into the city’s economic and social fabric (Fat Pencil Studio). Its iconic silhouette, with twin Gothic towers and sweeping cables, inspired Cathedral Park’s name and design beneath its east end (Travel Portland). Today, the bridge is central to community events, art, and festivals, furthering its role as a cultural touchstone (Must Do Things).

Visiting Hours, Accessibility, and Travel Tips

Hours: St. Johns Bridge and Cathedral Park are open to the public year-round. The bridge is accessible 24/7 for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, while Cathedral Park is open from dawn to dusk. No tickets or entrance fees are required.

Accessibility: Sidewalks on both sides of the bridge accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Wheelchair users can access sidewalks, though inclines and narrow walkways may pose challenges. Cathedral Park features paved paths and accessible facilities.

Best Times to Visit: Early mornings and late afternoons offer ideal lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Sunrise and sunset are particularly scenic.

Getting There: The bridge is accessible by car via U.S. Route 30 and N Philadelphia Avenue. TriMet bus lines 16 and 44 serve the St. Johns area. Street parking is available near Cathedral Park and the St. Johns neighborhood (Travel Portland).

Travel Tips:

Bring a light jacket, as the bridge can be breezy even in summer.
Public restrooms are available in Cathedral Park.
Exercise caution on the narrow sidewalks and be mindful of cyclists.

Preservation and Restoration

The St. Johns Bridge has undergone significant preservation efforts, including a $27 million renovation in 1999 that improved pedestrian and cyclist access (Study.com). Recent projects focus on restoring concrete piers and arches and protecting the steel frame to ensure structural integrity through at least 2027 (Oregon.gov).

Legacy and Recognition

David B. Steinman considered the St. Johns Bridge his favorite design (Study.com). The bridge is a Portland Historic Landmark and remains one of the few suspension bridges of its kind in the U.S. Its ongoing maintenance reflects Portland’s commitment to honoring its architectural heritage while serving contemporary needs (Oregon.gov).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the hours for visiting the St. Johns Bridge and Cathedral Park?
A: The bridge is open 24/7; Cathedral Park is open from dawn to dusk.

Q: Is there an admission fee or ticket required?
A: No, both the bridge and park are free to access.

Q: Can I walk or bike across the bridge?
A: Yes, sidewalks accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Local organizations occasionally offer guided walking or photography tours. Check with the Portland Visitor Information Center for details.

Q: Is the bridge accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Ramps and paved paths provide access, but the bridge’s incline and narrow sidewalks may be challenging.

Q: Is parking available nearby?
A: Yes, there is street parking in St. Johns and near Cathedral Park.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, dogs are welcome in Cathedral Park’s off-leash area; leashes are required elsewhere.

Q: Can I fly a drone over the bridge?
A: Drone use is prohibited on the bridge and in Cathedral Park without special permission.

Getting to St. Johns Bridge

Location: North Portland, Oregon (approx. 45.5892° N, 122.7636° W)
By Car: Via U.S. Route 30 and N Philadelphia Avenue
By Public Transit: TriMet bus lines 16 and 44
By Foot/Bike: Access walkways from Cathedral Park or NW Bridge Avenue/NW St. Helens Road
(Travel Portland; HistoricBridges.org)

Exploring the Bridge and Cathedral Park

Walking and Photography

The pedestrian walkway offers a 1.6-mile (2.6 km) round-trip crossing, ideal for panoramic river and city views. The bridge’s Gothic-style towers and arches are especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset (HistoricBridges.org).

Cathedral Park

Directly beneath the bridge, Cathedral Park features:

Dramatic views of the bridge’s arches
Picnic areas, an off-leash dog park, a boat ramp, and fishing spots
Events like the annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival and outdoor movie nights (Travel Portland)

Cathedral Park is fully wheelchair accessible with paved paths and seasonal restrooms.

Practical Travel Tips

Parking: Street parking is available near Cathedral Park and in the St. Johns neighborhood. Arrive early during events or weekends.
Safety: Sidewalks are narrow; be mindful of cyclists and avoid peak traffic hours (7–9 a.m., 4–6 p.m.).
Weather: Mornings can be cool and breezy, even in summer.
Amenities: Eateries and shops are plentiful in St. Johns. Restrooms are available in Cathedral Park.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

St. Johns Neighborhood: Explore unique shops, local cafes, and historic theaters (Travel Portland).
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival: Free outdoor music every July (Travel Portland Events).
Outdoor Adventures: Kayaking from Cathedral Park or Kelley Point Park; hiking in nearby Forest Park (Powered by Tofu).
Farmers Market: Saturdays, May–October (Quartz Mountain).

Accessibility and Special Considerations

Wheelchair Access: Cathedral Park and bridge approaches are accessible, but sidewalks on the bridge are narrow.
Pets: Dogs allowed in park’s off-leash area; leashes required elsewhere.
Photography: Drones require special permits.

Local Etiquette and Sustainability

Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and respect local wildlife.
Support Local: Patronize neighborhood businesses and the farmers market.

Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations

The St. Johns Bridge is much more than a functional crossing—it is a cultural landmark and symbol of Portland’s resilience and creativity. Its scenic beauty, historic importance, and role as a hub for community events make it a must-see destination. For the best experience, plan your visit with knowledge of hours, access, and nearby amenities, and explore the vibrant St. Johns neighborhood. Stay up to date with the latest events and visitor information by visiting Travel Portland and HistoricBridges.org.