Exploring the Waterfront in Portland, Oregon

Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a 30.22-acre stretch of greenery along the Willamette River between the SteelBridge and the RiverPlace Marina. This green space has become a popular place for joggers, in-line skaters and other wanting to cool off in Salmon Springs, a unique fountain that changes colors depending on the city's mood. This park also features a boat dock and a disabled access restroom. The park is open from 5:00am to midnight.

Some of the annual events held at this park include the Portland Rose Festival, the Oregon Brewers Festival and the Waterfront Blues Festival. On Saturdays and Sundays from March until September, the Portland Saturday Market turns the area near this park into a bustling marketplace with arts and crafts.

Maritime enthusiasts can explore the Oregon Maritime Museum, at the foot of Pine Street between the Morrison and Burnside Bridges. This museum is contained inside the Portland, which is the last operating US-based steam-powered sternwheel tug. Volunteer docents are available for tours around the entire tug, which includes a trip to the engine room and pilot house. Alone the way, they can point out the various ship models and memorabilia on display. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11am to 4pm and Sunday from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. The museum is closed December 24-25, and 31, January 1, and Easter. The last tour takes place 30 minutes before closing. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 Senior (62+), and $3 Youth (ages 6-17). Children (under 6) and military with an ID are admitted free.

History buffs might want to explore some of the parks historical monuments including the Police Memorial dedicated in 1993 to honor those Portland police officers who gave their lives in service to the city, The Battleship Oregon Memorial built in 1956 to commemorate an 1893 ship nicknamed "the Bulldog of the United States Navy," and the Founders Stone that honors William Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy, the two founders of Portland, who flipped a coin to determine if this city would be named Portland or Boston.

Continuing the adventure to the north of the park one can see the Japanese American Historical Plaza. Those wishing to venture a bit away from the waterfront to check out some of Portland's other highlights might want to venture west towards the tranquil Lan Su Chinese Garden. Afterward, stop by nearby Voodoo donuts. And no trip to Portland would be complete without a stop at Powell's Book Store, the largest independent book store in the United States.