Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park


Go on a scenic walk or bicycle ride, browse public art and attend popular cultural events at this attractive riverfront park.

Get connected with nature and take a refreshing break on a visit to Cathedral Park. This 23-acre (9-hectare) urban oasis is nestled on the banks of the Willamette River beneath the towering St. John's Bridge, a steel suspension bridge that spans the waterway.

Note the park’s historical significance. It is thought to have been one of the landing sites in the Vancouver-Portland area of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This took place between 1804 and 1806 as the group explored land west of the Mississippi River that had been purchased from the French.

Follow the Cathedral Park Loop, a 2-mile (3-kilometer) trail through the park. Walk beneath the gothic arches of the bridge after which the park is named because of their cathedral-like appearance.

While you’re near the bridge, check out the Drawing on the River, a 40-foot-long (12-meter) steel sculpture that contains a music box at each end. Push the buttons and listen to the melodies.

Visit the Wall of History in the Memorial Garden. Somewhere behind the bricks is a time capsule from 1980 that includes ash from the Mount St. Helens volcano eruption that occurred that year. The capsule is due to be opened in 2030. Its exact location is known only to staff of the Oregon History Center.

Wander among the trees and try to identify some of the species. More than 400 trees are dotted across the landscape. Among them are evergreen conifers that are native to the Pacific Northwest. Bring food and refreshments with you and lay out your spread on one of the picnic tables.

If you are in the area during mid July, visit the park for the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, a free annual 3-day jazz and blues festival at the base of the bridge.

Cathedral Park is located in the neighborhood of the same name, about a 30-minute drive or 1-hour bike ride from downtown Portland. Alternatively, arrive by bus from the city center.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit


Top Cathedral Park Hotel Deals

Oxford Suites Portland - Jantzen Beach
Oxford Suites Portland - Jantzen Beach
3 out of 5
12226 N JANTZEN DRIVE, Portland, OR
Oxford Suites Portland - Jantzen Beach
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Portland - North
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Portland - North
2.5 out of 5
1215 N Hayden Meadows Dr, Portland, OR
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Portland - North
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
3.5 out of 5
550 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
Viking Motel
Viking Motel
2.5 out of 5
6701 North Interstate Avenue, Portland, OR
Viking Motel
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Portland North
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Portland North
2.5 out of 5
1200 N Anchor Way, Portland, OR
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Portland North
Holiday Inn Portland - Columbia Riverfront, an IHG hotel
Holiday Inn Portland - Columbia Riverfront, an IHG hotel
3 out of 5
909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland, OR
Holiday Inn Portland - Columbia Riverfront, an IHG hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

Black Friday: Members save 30%+

Members save 30%+ on selected hotels until 4 Dec (property time) with our Black Friday deals. Stay by 15 Dec 2025.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.