There is a section of Portland where the Willamette River and the mighty Columbia River meet. At this confluence resides the historic neighborhood of St. Johns. A section of Portland that used to be its own separate town. To this day St. Johns still retains its independent charm. Portland is a collection of neighborhoods (link to your article!) with their own distinctive personalities, and St. Johns is no different.
St. Johns was its own incorporated city from 1902 to 1915, when residents from both cities voted to approve its annexation into Portland. Because it lies at the confluence of two rivers, it’s no surprise that there are lots of parks and water-based activities in the area.
Cathedral Park
You’ve no doubt seen images of the jaw-dropping gothic St. Johns bridge as it spans over the northern Willamette River. Underneath the bridge on the east side is a lovely park where summer concerts and other events take place. It is also the only suspension bridge in the Willamette Valley!
Pier Park
A serene park where lots of towering trees shield you from the elements as you enjoy a leisurely picnic with the family (great for family reunions) or walking the pooch. There is also a disc golf course and an adjoining dog park across the bridge on the north side of the park.
Kelly Point Park
Probably the most scenic park in the area, located right at the point where the Willamette and Columbia River’s meet. It is actually just north of the St. Johns neighborhood in an industrial part of town, but the scenery is wonderful! There are several trails and picnic areas, where you can watch the ships and boats flow past you downriver.
Downtown
The center of the action is downtown St. Johns, which has retained much of its small-town charm. As you walk down the main street, many of the old storefronts from the early to mid-1900’s are still in use. A small movie theatre, second-hand shops, a record store (selling vinyl!) and even an old soda-fountain shop that is still in business.
Where to Eat
St. Johns also embodies Portland’s foodie culture, with a great food cart pod on Lombard street, and many restaurants serving everything from Chinese and Thai, to vegan Indian, to gold ol’ American soul food. Here are just a few of the great restaurants serving locals and visitors alike.
Sudra. I’m not vegan, but if I could afford to eat here every day, I would be! They serve ridiculously delicious Indian-inspired dishes with not a touch of dairy or meat. You will learn to love kale here!
Gabagool. Tony Soprano, eat your heart out. (Too soon?) These guys make their pasta in-house for ultimate freshness, using local ingredients.
Stormbreaker Brewing. New to the St. Johns neighborhood, but not new to Portland! A classic American pub with a delicious menu and many beers on tap.
McMenamins St. Johns. The beloved McMenamins chain is brought to St. Johns by an old converted residential house with an outdoor seating garden and an attached single movie theatre. Come and enjoy a McMenamins burger and brew in charm and style.
