Portland’s “12 Historic Bridges” boat tour – All Inclusive

Experience the stunning city of Portland, Oregon, like never before—from the water! Embark on a truly unique Pacific Northwest adventure as you glide under the iconic bridges, each with its own fascinating story. Get up close and personal with majestic bald eagles, ospreys, sea lions, and a variety of other wildlife!

Discover the rich history and hidden gems of Portland from the experts: a US Coast Guard licensed boat Captain and an Oregon-certified professional tour guide.

Portland, Oregon, is not just any city; it’s an inland, ocean-navigable river port town with a pioneering spirit and a captivating 200-year history. Join us for an unforgettable journey through time and nature in the heart of the Pacific Northwest!

See the beautiful skyline of downtown Portland Oregon from the Willamette River annd explore areas in private sunset boat cruise

Explore the natural beauty of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, a serene city park spanning approximately 141 acres in southeast Portland, Oregon. Nestled in a floodplain along the east bank of the Willamette River near Sellwood, this refuge is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a remarkable variety of bird species. Established as Portland’s first wildlife refuge in 1988 and designated the city’s first migratory bird park in 2004, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge promises an enriching experience for nature lovers and bird watchers alike.

The Ross Island Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. It carries U.S. Route 26 (Mount Hood Highway) across the river between southwest and southeast Portland. The bridge opened in 1926 and was designed by Gustav Lindenthal and honors Oregon pioneer Sherry Ross. It is named for its proximity to Ross Island. Although it looks like a deck arch bridge, it is a cantilever deck truss bridge, a rare type in Oregon.

Tilikum Crossing, also known as the Bridge of the People, spans 1,720 feet across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. The bridge was designed primarily for the MAX Orange Line light rail, but also serves pedestrians and bicyclists in a separate paralleling lane, as well as TriMet buses and the Portland Streetcar. When it opened in 2015, it became the longest bridge in the country to be used for both public transportation and pedestrians, but not private motorized vehicles.

he Hawthorne Bridge is a truss bridge with a vertical lift that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, joining Hawthorne Boulevard and Madison Street. It is the oldest vertical-lift bridge in operation in the United States and the oldest highway bridge in Portland.

The Steel Bridge is a through truss, double-deck vertical-lift bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States, opened in 1912. Its lower deck carries railroad and bicycle/pedestrian traffic, while the upper deck carries road traffic (on the Pacific Highway West No. 1W, former Oregon Route 99W), and light rail (MAX), making the bridge one of the most multimodal in the world. It is the only double-deck bridge with independent lifts in the world

Viewing the famous Portland Oregon sign from the Willamette River offers a unique and enchanting experience that enhances its significance in several ways.

Located atop the historic White Stag Building near the Burnside Bridge, the Portland Oregon sign is a prominent fixture in Portland’s skyline. Originally known as the White Satin Sugar sign, it underwent a transformation after being acquired by the city in 2010, becoming a beloved symbol that proudly declares Portland’s identity to residents and visitors alike.

From the water, the sign serves as a striking focal point against the backdrop of Portland’s urban landscape. Its illuminated presence, adorned with neon and incandescent lights, casts a vibrant reflection on the surface of the river, especially stunning during twilight and nighttime cruises. This visual spectacle not only enhances the cityscape but also creates a magical ambiance that captures the essence of Portland’s eclectic charm.

Even from a distance, the Portland captivates with its majestic presence on the Willamette River. Moored gracefully at the seawall next to Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, this historic vessel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a sight to behold. As you pass by, you’ll catch glimpses of its storied past and the intriguing Oregon Maritime Museum it houses. The Portland’s timeless charm, framed by the park’s vibrant atmosphere, makes for an unforgettable moment in your journey, leaving you with a sense of awe and curiosity about the tales this grand ship could tell.

The Morrison Bridge is a bascule bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. Completed in 1958, it is the third bridge at approximately the same site to carry that name. It is one of the most heavily used bridges in Portland. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 2012

The Fremont Bridge is a steel tied-arch bridge over the Willamette River located in Portland, Oregon, United States. It carries Interstate 405 and US 30 traffic between downtown and North Portland where it intersects with Interstate 5. It has the longest main span of any bridge in Oregon and is the second longest tied-arch bridge in the world

The Broadway Bridge is a Rall-type bascule bridge spanning the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States, built in 1913. It was Portland’s first bascule bridge, and it continues to hold the distinction of being the longest span of its bascule design type in the world.

The Sellwood Bridge is a deck arch bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, in the United States. The current bridge opened in 2016[2] and replaced a 1925 span that had carried the same name. The original bridge was Portland’s first fixed-span bridge and, being the only river crossing for miles in each direction, the busiest two-lane bridge in Oregon.

As we cruise along the Willamette River, look towards the bustling Portland Saturday Market, set against the backdrop of Tom McCall Waterfront Park beneath the Burnside Bridge. Known as the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the United States, it runs every weekend from March to December. The market is a vibrant hub featuring over 400 local artisans, generating about $12 million in annual sales and drawing around 750,000 visitors each year. Accessible by foot, bike, Segway, and the MAX Light Rail, it’s a lively spot that fuels the economic and cultural heart of Portland’s historic Old Town Chinatown neighborhood.

The St. Johns Bridge is a steel suspension bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States, between the Cathedral Park neighborhood in North Portland and the Linnton and Northwest Industrial neighborhoods in Northwest Portland. It carries the U.S. Route 30 Bypass. It is the only suspension bridge in the Willamette Valley and one of three public highway suspension bridges in Oregon

As we drift along the Willamette River, look towards the east shore and you’ll spot the striking Cathedral Park, nestled beneath the majestic St. Johns Bridge. Named for the bridge’s Gothic arches, which rise like a grand cathedral, the park is steeped in history and local lore. Once part of the city of St. Johns, the area under the bridge has a dark past, marked by the tragic 1949 murder of Thelma Taylor. The transformation from a neglected dumping ground in the 1960s to the vibrant community park you see today is a testament to the residents’ dedication, who raised $7.5 million in the 1970s. Officially opened in 1980, Cathedral Park now features artistic installations like Donald Fels’ “Drawing on the River” and serves as a cultural hub, even hosting events like the final “Trek in the Park” performance in 2013.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Maximum Person Allowed is 6 Human beings (including children and adults) as per State Laws

• Portland’s “12 Historic Bridges” boat tour – All Inclusive
  Add

• Photography Opportunities
• Life Jackets
• 2 Hour Private Tour on Willamette River Portland
• Views of nearby places with no stops and Narration By Tour Guide
• Insurance for visitors
• Oregon Registered Tour Guide
• 2 Hrs Private Boat with USCG licensed Boat Captain
• All Fees and Taxes

Trending Portland Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

How to meet us
We meet on the public boat docks in Willamette Park. Please enter into the park and park your vehicle. Walk down to the boat dock / boat ramp area.
Our boat will arrive by water Follow our Meeting points Location. if any questions get in touch with us.

Additional Information:
Maximum Person Allowed is 6 Human beings (including children and adults) as per State Laws

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Portland River Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at America/Los_Angeles.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 3 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 6 Travelers is accepted for booking.