Esplanade - Enjoy Portland's most traveled running loop

Distance: 4 miles

Route map:  http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2318159

This classic Portland route heads down Couch to the waterfront to the Japanese-American Historical Plaza. Head left and cross to the East Side via Steel Bridge. You'll continue on the waterfront over a 1200 foot long floating bridge, under the Burnside and Morrison Bridges, and then cross back to the West Side via the Hawthorne Bridge. Head past the Salmon Street Fountain and back to the Japanese-American Historical plaza to complete your Esplanade loop. Head back up Couch Street to return to the start to complete the 4 miles.

  

Highlights:

1. Japanese-American Historical Plaza

One of the thirteen engraved basalt and granite stones that commemorate the Japanese-American experience.

2. Portland's tribute to the real Argo

 

3. Steel Bridge

Built in 1912, the Steel Bridge has upper and lower decks that raise independently. Pedestrians, cyclists, cars, trains, and light rail all use the bridge on a daily basis.

4. Floating bridge

At 1,200 feet, the floating walkway is the longest one of its kind in the United States

5. Ghost ship
 

The Ghost Ship by James Harrison pays homage to the ships that have gone down in crossing the Columbia River Bar