Oregon Maritime Center and Museum paddle steamer docked on Willamette River in Portland Oregon

Tom Mccall Waterfront Park

Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Portland Historical Sites

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a vibrant, scenic urban oasis along the west bank of the Willamette River in downtown Portland. This beloved public space is not only a testament to the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship, urban renewal, and inclusivity but also serves as the epicenter for community gatherings, major festivals, and daily recreation. This comprehensive guide covers the park’s visiting hours, ticketing information, accessibility, travel tips, historical significance, and cultural highlights—everything you need to plan a memorable visit to one of Portland’s most iconic historical sites (ASLA; Portland Waterfront Pavilion; Travel Portland).

Origins and Urban Transformation
Design and Landscape Architecture
Environmental Significance and River Revitalization
Cultural and Social Impact
Visitor Information
Key Features and Memorials
Major Events and Festivals
Park Amenities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Explore More: Nearby Attractions
Call to Action
References

Origins and Urban Transformation

Tom McCall Waterfront Park symbolizes a pivotal shift in Portland’s urban planning. In the 1970s, the city removed Harbor Drive, a major freeway that once separated downtown from the river, and replaced it with a public green space. This bold move, championed by Governor Tom McCall, reconnected Portlanders with their waterfront and set a new standard for urban renewal across the nation. The park’s creation prioritized people, open space, and the environment over automotive infrastructure, marking a transformative moment in the city’s history (ASLA; Portland Waterfront Pavilion).

Design and Landscape Architecture

Designed by ZGF Architects and the Office of Robert Perron, the park stretches over a mile and covers approximately 36 acres. Its landscape features expansive lawns, tree-lined promenades, and preserved heritage trees, including cherry blossoms gifted by Portland’s Sister City, Sapporo. The park’s flexible design accommodates both large-scale events and daily recreational use, while sustainable landscaping enhances stormwater management and ecological health (ASLA).

Environmental Significance and River Revitalization

The park is a centerpiece of Portland’s efforts to restore the Willamette River’s health. In response to EPA mandates, the city implemented advanced stormwater management systems and habitat restoration projects, many of which are visible within the park. Educational signage, native plantings, and proximity to the river make the park a natural classroom for environmental stewardship and a model for urban ecological resilience (ASLA; Portland Waterfront Pavilion).

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is Portland’s “front porch”—a central gathering place for festivals, community celebrations, and civic engagement. From the Portland Rose Festival to the Waterfront Blues Festival, the park hosts events that draw thousands annually, reinforcing its role as a hub for cultural expression and social connection. Its open design and accessible amenities foster inclusivity and invite participation from all members of the community (Only In Your State; PDX Parent).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Open daily: 5:00 a.m. – Midnight

Ticket Information

Admission: Free; no tickets required for entry
Events: Some festivals and special events may require separate tickets or donations (Travel Portland)

Directions and Parking

Location: 98 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR 97204
Parking: Pay-to-park lots near the Hawthorne and Morrison Bridges, J Lot, and limited street parking. Reserve in advance via Parking NW. Public transit is highly recommended during busy events (Portland.gov).
Public Transit: Accessible by TriMet bus and MAX light rail lines. Nearest stations: SW 1st Ave & Oak St (Blue/Red lines), SW 2nd Ave & Morrison St. Plan your route with TriMet.

Accessibility

Paths: Wide, paved, wheelchair-friendly
Restrooms: Accessible facilities throughout the park
Service Animals: Welcome everywhere
ADA Accommodations: Call 503-823-4000 or use Relay Service: 711 for auxiliary aids

Travel Tips

Visit early or on weekdays for quieter experiences
Dress in layers and bring sunscreen and water (Treksplorer)
Leashed dogs are welcome
Check Portland Parks & Recreation for event updates and closures

Key Features and Memorials

Japanese American Historical Plaza: A contemplative space with stone markers and cherry trees, honoring Japanese American heritage and civil liberties (ASLA).
Salmon Street Springs: Interactive water fountain with 185 jets, popular with families
The Bowl: Amphitheater-style green for major events and concerts
Ankeny Plaza: Entry to Portland Saturday Market, public art, and fountains
Battleship Oregon Memorial: Honoring the historic USS Oregon (MyPacer)
Oregon Maritime Museum: A floating tugboat museum on the Willamette River

Major Events and Festivals

Portland Rose Festival CityFair: Parades, carnival rides, and fireworks (Travel Portland)
Waterfront Blues Festival: Major blues music event each July
Oregon Brewers Festival: Craft beer celebration
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta: Mexican culture, music, and food (Here is Oregon)
Portland Pride Waterfront Festival: One of the largest LGBTQIA2S+ celebrations in the region
Portland Saturday Market: Largest continuous outdoor arts market in the U.S. (March–December)

Park Amenities

Multi-use Esplanade: For walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading; connects to the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade
Public Restrooms & Drinking Fountains: At multiple locations
Picnic Lawns: Open areas for relaxing and informal gatherings
Play Spaces: Family-friendly lawns and informal play zones
Dog Policy: Dogs welcome, must be leashed (except in designated areas)
Food: Food carts near Salmon Street Springs and RiverPlace dining nearby

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the park’s visiting hours?
A: Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to midnight.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or tickets required?
A: No, the park is free to enter. Special events may require tickets.

Q: Is Tom McCall Waterfront Park accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the park features wheelchair-friendly paths and ADA accommodations.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, leashed pets are welcome.

Q: How do I get there by public transit?
A: Use TriMet bus or MAX light rail lines. Plan your trip at TriMet.

Q: Where is parking available?
A: Nearby pay-to-park lots, limited street parking, and advance reservations through Parking NW.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Guided tours are offered by local organizations or during special events—check with Portland Parks & Recreation for details.

Explore More: Nearby Attractions

Pioneer Courthouse Square: The city’s “living room” just a short walk away
Portland Saturday Market: Arts, crafts, and food every weekend (March–December)
Oregon Maritime Museum: On the historic tugboat at the park’s north end
RiverPlace District: Shops, restaurants, and marina at the park’s southern end
Eastbank Esplanade: Pedestrian and cycling loop across the river

Call to Action

Plan your visit to Tom McCall Waterfront Park and experience Portland’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty firsthand! For real-time event updates, accessibility tips, and guided tour information, download the Audiala app or visit Travel Portland. Follow us on social media for insider tips and the latest news about Portland’s top attractions.

Summary

Tom McCall Waterfront Park is Portland’s signature urban park, reflecting the city’s values of sustainability, inclusivity, and civic pride. From its innovative transformation from freeway to greenway, to its role as the heart of major festivals and daily recreation, the park offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its sustainable design and ongoing evolution ensure it will remain a cherished gathering space for generations to come (ASLA; Portland Waterfront Pavilion; Travel Portland; Only In Your State).