Portland’s Public Stairways
I saw a OPB documentary on Laura Foster’s book “Portland Hill Walks” about the public stairways that were built in the 1920’s along the city’s hillsides to allow easier travel between neighborhoods. These were invaluable for kids going to school and people going work or shopping. I went exploring in the Northwest Hills from the western end of NW Northrup to the top of Kings Heights and back down to NW Overton. This is what I found.
Portlands Stairs and Public Paths
My route was,
NW Northrup St. Stair
Connects NW Northrup Street and NW Cornell Road.
NW Summit Ave. Stair
Connects NW Summit Ave and NW Westover Road.
156 stairs 3 flights with landings between, each flight has 52 stairs.
NW Fairfax Terrace Stair
Connects NW Fairfax Terrace and NW Shenandoah Terrace.
NW Cornell Rd Stair
Connects NW Cornell Road and NW Summit Ave.
NW Overton Stair
Connects NW Cornell Road and NW Overton Street.
You’ve captured those relatively unknown gems hidden within the City! How perfectly Portland – moss covered stairways leading to ?????
I see happy cardiologist from walking all those stairs and on rainy days happy orthopedic surgeons….My world revolves around Drs. these days.
I feel like I could be happy just going up and down beautiful stairways everyday for… well for- ever. Synchronistic purpose: going somewhere while also nurturing vibrant health. Not to mention the ongoing experience of beauty. Doorways, alleys, stairs, paths, walkways, portals, roads; I thank you for seeing and sharing them all.
how beautiful! The amazing greenery of the Pacific Northwest never ceases to make me happy. Even though I live here…
Thank you for sharing your adventures and pictures. It is like a little vacation of exploration for me.