Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Start at the upper terminal of the Portland Aerial Tram, in the OHSU
Hospital complex. While you're up here, take advantage of the easy ac-
cess to the wilderness trails through Marquam Nature Park, a 176-acre
wilderness laced with around 5 miles of trails. To reach the closest trail-
head, turn left along SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., past several OHSU
buildings; then turn right on SW 9th Ave. and, tucked behind the mo-
torcycle and scooter parking, you'll see the sign marking the start of
Connor Trail. This path loops around toward the west and south to
eventually meet up with the Marquam Trail, part of the regional
40-Mile Loop system (see
Back Story: 40-Mile Loop
), and is well worth
a detour if you have the time and inclination.
Retrace your steps back along SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. to reach the
upper terminal of the Aerial Tram. Riding the tram costs $4 round-trip
(unless you have a TriMet ticket already), and it runs about every 6
minutes most days. Aside from being adorable, the tram was also an au-
dacious undertaking design-wise, and rather expensive. As with most
such ambitious projects, its construction was not without detractors.
Some neighbors (bafflingly!) felt that the tram would not aesthetically
enhance the Portland skyline. Most of the criticism, though, was
budgetary—especially after the projected cost of the tram doubled dur-
ing the planning process. Some residents wondered if it was fair for tax-
payers to foot part of the bill for a service that would be used primarily
by OHSU students and staff. (The city's share of the total cost was 15%,
or $8.5 million.) Ultimately, though, the project was approved, and the
tram opened to the public in December 2006. It has carried more than 5
million riders so far. Its construction paved the way for development in
the South Waterfront area, particularly by OHSU.
The south terminal of the tram—the starting point of the
map
—is at
OHSU's lower office building, near the north side of the South Water-
front development. (Adding to the whole cuteness factor, the lower lawn
is “mowed” each year by three or four goats.
Aww.
) The popular Daily
Cafe, inside the lower tram terminal, is a good option for refreshments
in this neighborhood (so far there's not much else to choose from). Take
SW Bond Ave. a block south to Elizabeth Caruthers Park. Cross the
park diagonally to the corner of SW Moody Ave. and Curry St. Cross
SW Curry St. to the next lot, a landscaped green space; walk across this
to the corner of SW Gaines St. and Moody Ave. Turn left at Gaines St.
