Tilikum Crossing Bridge

Walking Tilikum Crossing: What to Know Before You Go

Tilikum Crossing links the South Waterfront district on the west bank with the Central Eastside, near the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. It is a cable-stayed bridge, and its white cables and towers make it easy to spot from the riverbank. The bridge carries MAX light rail on the Orange Line, the Portland Streetcar and TriMet buses, with separate lanes for people on foot and on bikes. Private cars are not allowed, so the walk is calmer and quieter than on most river crossings in the city.

Making a loop of it

Many walkers use the bridge as part of a longer loop. On the west side you can join the Willamette Greenway paths through South Waterfront. On the east side the Eastbank Esplanade runs north toward the Hawthorne and Steel bridges. Crossing back over one of those bridges and returning along Tom McCall Waterfront Park makes a varied route of a few miles, mostly flat and paved. Wear shoes you have already broken in. Brand-new pairs can rub on longer distances.

Choosing footwear for the walk

• Cushioned sneakers suit the concrete and asphalt surfaces. Look for good heel support if you plan to cover the full loop.
• Water-resistant shoes or boots are worth having in Portland's wetter months, when paths along the river can stay damp for hours after rain.
• Grippy outsoles help on wet metal joints and painted markings, which can be slick.

If you are not sure about sizing for a walking shoe, our size guide explains how to measure your feet. Measuring later in the day is best, when feet are slightly larger.

Practical tips

Stay in the marked pedestrian lane and watch for cyclists, who share the space on each side. The bridge has aesthetic lighting that changes colour after dark, so an evening walk is popular, but bring a layer because wind off the river can feel cold. For transit times, check TriMet's official information before you set out. For more ideas on what to wear around town, browse our new arrivals.