Eastside Esplanade 40-Mile Loop Trail System

EASTSIDE ESPLANADE: OMSI TO THE STEEL BRIDGE

The 40 Mile Loop Land Trust is an Advocacy Group Promoting a System of Connected Recreational Trails in the Portland Metro Area. The Trust also Pursues Completion of the 40 Mile Trail Around the Portland Metropolitan Area.
Eastside Esplanade (OMSI to the Steel Bridge)
Officially named the Vera Katz Eastside Esplanade to honor the former mayor's vision and perseverance to the project, this portion of the loop is the busiest. Riders need to exercise caution among the strollers, skaters, joggers, dog walkers, skateboarders and cyclists who share a wide but busy esplanade from OMSI to the Steel Bridge. At one point the trail runs only inches above the river's waterline on a 1,200-foot-long floating walkway, one of the longest of its kind in the nation. At another place the best view of the city is revealed while crossing the Steel Bridge and looking back downtown. Toss in outdoor artwork, some 22 interpretive panels and that it's even lit up at night, and it's no wonder the Esplanade has become such a wildly popular attraction for locals and visitors. From the Esplanade, you'll see the Convention Center's own dock. It's not terribly busy of course, but the Steel Bridge is. With cars, buses and MAX trains rumbling overhead, the lower deck sends massive Amtrak and freight trains only a couple of feet from cyclists and other trail users as they cross the river. And kids will love the noisy cantilevered sections of the Esplanade as they navigate the twists and turns under the bridges and over the water. You may want to turn left off the Steel Bridge and walk/ride downtown along the seawall. Portland's river sidewalk is home to many of the city's biggest festivals. But on quieter days, the walk or ride is fast and fun as you roll under the Burnside, Morrison and Hawthorne bridges. Dozens of restaurants and shops are just a block off the river to quench your thirst or grab a bite. If you don't want to go back the way you came, the Hawthorne Bridge is the most rider-friendly and even has its own off-ramp back to the Eastside Esplanade. Things to See Views of the city's skyline and everything on the Willamette River such as bridge lifts and freight trains on the Steel Bridge. Also dragon boat racers and kayakers. Distance 3.1 miles one way. Source for some of the above: "The 40-Mile Loop: More than a bike trail, and more than 40 miles" The Oregonian, September 30, 2009.
Support the 40-Mile Loop Land Trust
Operations of the 40-Mile Loop Land Trust are financed by interested individuals, foundations, and businesses. All contributions are tax-deductible. The Trust remains independent of any governmental body and is managed by a volunteer citizen board of directors. For more information about giving to the 40-Mile Loop Land Trust visit Make a Contribution, or call (503) 665-5519 or (503)244-7206.