This mostly easy 3-mile Walking Portland route includes four NW Portland neighborhoods (Pearl District, Northwest District, Nob Hill, Slabtown), three gorgeous parks (The Fields, Tanner Springs, Couch), an optional 2-mile extension into the Willamette Heights neighborhood, and iconic NW 21st and NW 23rd streets.
It’s a great winter walk, with tons of visual interest, a stunning bridge crossing, numerous local coffee respites, popular eateries, and interesting shops along the route.
The walk launches from Portland’s Pearl District, slips under I-205, and heads east to the shopping district locals call Nob Hill and/or The District.
Northeast 21st and 23rd Avenues are the heart of this lively neighborhood and are packed with eateries, bakeries, taverns, coffee enclaves, funky-cool shops, local folks, and the local scene. And you don’t want to miss the Curiously Delicious Ice Cream.
But to get to The District, you must bypass one blaring, four-lane freeway above. Heading east, at NE 15th Street, put your hands to your ears and walk fast. At 16th Street you’ll be in the Northwest District.
From there you’ll head to NW 21st and NW 23rd streets where you’ll find at least five local coffee shops and two iconic tea meccas. Definitely check out Steven Smith Tea’s flagship shop on the avenue. It’s a stunner. But first experience Stenzel Healing Garden while you’re nearby.
After you’ve toured NW 21st and NW 23rd streets, the route heads a few blocks west and then north to NW Thurman Street, at which point you can head back through Slabtown or take the optional route further west into the Willamette Heights neighborhood. If you have time, definitely head west.
Willamette Heights is a world removed, serene and lovely in all seasons. Plus spectacular views of the city and river below. You’ll be rewarded with a very cool bridge crossing, spectacular views, and some of the loveliest homes in Portland.
Online Interactive Walking Route Map
Our route maps are designed so you can both follow and keep track of where you are on the route from your iPhone while walking. On your computer, save the route map to your bookmarks bar and then open that link from your iPhone.
While walking, open the Legend field on the map to get turn-by-turn directions. If Google Maps is tracking properly (occasionally, in some areas, it glitches) you’ll see a small blue ball that represents you on the map. That helps to keep track of where you actually are on the route.
Walk Details
ROUTE MAP: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1aFaLojhf88fl3GGiHE4AOUTCE6g&usp=sharing
ROUTE MAP IN REVERSE: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=18Iz-bMx_ToY0i8eb0-kOxVmJBikwmjhF&usp=sharing
PARKING: Paid street parking near Ovation Coffee. Or hop onboard Portland Streetcar and debark at NW Johnson (across from Tanner Springs Park).
DISTANCE: 3-5 miles
TIME: 2-3+ hours.
TERRAIN: Mostly flat, city sidewalks, some of which are in dire need of repair. Caution!
DIFFICULTY: Mostly easy. And fun!
PARKING: Paid street parking near Ovation Coffee. Or hop onboard Portland Streetcar and debark at NW Johnson (across from Tanner Springs Park).
Monthly Group Walks
SkyBlue Portland Real Estate Group hosts monthly group walks through some of Portland Metro’s most beautiful, uplifting, and interesting neighborhoods.
For info on our Portland Metro walking tours, check out our Facebook page, Women Who Walk and corresponding Meetups (PDX Women Who Walk and West Linn Women Who Walk). And join us!
Willamette Heights Photo Gallery
Northwest District Photo Gallery
Centennial Mills, Portland, Oregon
Wallace Park, Portland,
Oregon
Northwest District, Portland, Oregon
