Burnside Bridge Audio Guide Tour
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Welcome to the laid-back downtown Portland, Oregon! This in-app audio tour guides you west of the Willamette River, narrating the city's history as you pass by the emblematic bridges, coffee shops, craft beer breweries, and quaint urban spaces. The tour begins in the trendy Pearl District and Fields Park overlooking the second long tied-arch bridge in the world, the Fremont Bridge. From there, you will come to enjoy the artwork at the Jamison Square, famous for its wading fountain. Next, you will drop in the flagship Powell's Books, an iconic local bookstore with the concept of selling new and used ones. After that, you can line up for the off-the-wall treats at the legendary Voodoo Doughnut shop. The ornate Chinatown Gate will catch your eye on the way there. As you walk the riverside next, you will see the Burnside Bridge marking the border between north and south Portland. And then, observe the Hawthorne Bridge, an oldest highway bridge in the city. Back to downtown, you will stroll the majestic twelve-block South Park Blocks park. Passing by the Oregon Historical Society, you will discover the city's foundation plot and get a chance to witness the evidence on display inside if you like. To round up, you will take in the bustle of Portland’s Living Room, as they call the fun Pioneer Square, the most-visited urban site in Oregon. Join this tour to enjoy the unique cityscape and try to grasp the fabled weird vibe that Portlanders are proud of!
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About Burnside Bridge
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Opened in 1926, Burnside Bridge replaced an earlier crossing as Portland expanded on both sides of the Willamette River. Its movable bascule span lets boats pass beneath the roadway, while its distinctive towers make it one of the city’s most recognizable bridges. The crossing carries Burnside Street, a major route whose name also marks the traditional north–south dividing line in Portland’s street grid. From the bridge, the relationship between downtown, the riverfront, and the Central Eastside is easy to see. More than a way across the water, Burnside Bridge reflects a period when Portland invested in substantial new river crossings to connect its growing neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Before you enter
- Check the weather; wind and rain feel more exposed over the river.
- Allow time to cross on foot rather than stopping only at one end.
- Plan a route that continues along the waterfront or into the Central Eastside.
What to expect
- This is a working road bridge, with traffic noise and active pedestrian and bicycle routes.
- The movable span may occasionally open for river traffic.
- Views include the Willamette River, nearby bridges, and downtown Portland.
During your visit
- Stay on the designated pedestrian path and keep clear of cyclists.
- Pause where the path allows others to pass before taking photos.
- Look back from either bank for a better view of the bridge’s towers.
FAQ about Burnside Bridge
Burnside Bridge is located in Portland, surrounded by many other great sights.
These tours cover Burnside Bridge and other nearby highlights:
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