Having already explored Oregon by train, trolley, and railcar over the last few weeks, I set out on a little jaunt today to try out a tram as well. Connecting Portland’s South Waterfront area to the OHSU campus on Marquam Hill, the ride provided stunning unobstructed views of the Willamette River, cityscape, and several bridges.
Designed by an architectural firm in Zurich and constructed in 2005, the Portland Ariel tram is one of the few commuter tramways in the United States, transporting tourists as well as thousands of medical personnel, patients, and students daily.
Boarding at the terminal on Bond Avenue, I positioned myself near the front of the Swiss made cabin, giving myself the perfect vantage point to check out the scenery on the short four-minute ride up the hill 500 feet in elevation above the base.
After ascending quickly from the terminal, the tram swayed back and forth as it passed the intermediate support tower before settling into a smooth ride with striking views of the orange, yellow and red fall foliage, the curved silvery blue waters of the Willamette, and the double decked steel truss Hawthorne Bridge.
Stopping at the top to admire the city skyline from the terminal’s observation deck, I boarded the tram again for the trip down the hill, savoring the sight of a strip of bright blue sky nestled between two layers of clouds hovering above the city below. Another great day out and about!
