Portland Hawthorne UC
- Nov 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 3, 2025
The Walk Itself
During a late summer vacation to the Pacific NW, we explored some new neighborhoods in the Portland area. I love just roaming around Portland streets by foot because you find the most random hidden gems in the most unexpected places! Just like Portland itself, this urban camino is unique and encorporates so many fun and quirky delights!
Enjoy two bridge crossings, an intimate view of east Portland, a jaunt across PSU's green campus, and treats worth savoring along the way. And, again, because I am OBSESSED with multi-modal travel, this UC includes a one way Aerial Tram ride. You can walk the path between but I did not include that route on the map this time to avoid confusion. So keep your eyes open for all the gratuitous art and unique finds while traversing pedestrian havens in this completely non-ordinary urban camino.
Distance in Presence
This trail is approximately 9.4 miles riding the Portland Aerial Tram and 10.2 miles navigating overland.
Mindful Reflection
The neighborhood unfolds at walking pace; be present for surprises everywhere.
The Journey Unfolds
Cross the Hawthorne Bridge, Portland's oldest working bridge, into east Portland.
Enjoy sidewalk art, murals, and quirky stops like The Skeletum Key
Odditorium, The Morrison Street Minigallery, and the
Head to Burnside St. for a sweet from Pix Patisserie's iconic dessert vending machine.
Learn the stories of Portland's founders, immigrants, and outcasts buried amongst the old growth fir trees at Lone Fir Cemetery
Take your time walking up SE Hawthorne Blvd where every block is a mix of thrift shops, coffee, art, and deliberate oddities.
Detour by Miao Fa Temple where traditional Chinese architecture disrupts modern Portland.
Enter Ladd's Addition, where Victorian planners dreamed in diagonals and roses still bloom at every compass point.
Cross the pedestrian-only Tilikum Bridge towards South Waterfront Tram station.
Board the aerial tram and surrender to the ascent—three minutes of floating meditation above hospitals, highways, and the Willamette.
Step off at Marquam Hill's sky-high tram station and stroll downhill through Portland State University's campus to complete the loop.
Start Here and Go There
Portland Hawthorne Urban Camino Map, Circa 2025
Google My Maps – Portland Hawthorne UC Map with Legend
Along the Way (Stops worth making)
🏛️ Historical & Cultural
Lone Fir Cemetery – SE 26th Ave. & SE Morrison St., Portland, OR 97214
Miao Fa Temple – 6380 SE 82nd Ave., Portland, OR 97266
USS Blueback Submarine (OMSI) – 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
🏺 Museums
Portland Art Museum – 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205
The Skeleton Key Odditorium – 939 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97205
🎨 Art & Expression
Mechan 42 – 300 NW 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97209
The Dreamer – 293 SW Harrison St., Portland, OR 97201.
David Lynch Memorial Mural – 2251 E Burnside St., Portland, OR 97214
The Morrison Street Minigallery – 1717 SW Morrison St., Portland, OR 97205
"Attitude of Gratitude" mural - 2455 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
🌳 Parks & Gardens
Mill Ends Park – SW Naito Pkwy & SW Taylor St., Portland, OR 97204
Duniway Park Lilac Garden - SW 6th Ave & SW Sheridan St, Portland, OR 97201
☕️ Food, Coffee & Craft
Coava Coffee Roasters – 1300 SE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97214
Stumptown Coffee Roasters - 3356 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Crema Coffee + Bakery - 2728 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214
Berlu Bakery – 605 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97214
Pix Patisserie / Pix-O-Matic – 2225 E Burnside St., Portland, OR 97214
GNARLYS – 3970 N Williams Ave., Portland, OR 97227
Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart Pod – 1080 SE Madison St., Portland, OR 97214
Mirisata – 2420 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97214
Grand Fir Brewing – 1403 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97214
Baerlic Brewery & Taproom – 2235 SE 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97214
🛍️ Markets, Arcades & Shopping
Powell's Books on Hawthorne – 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
Electric Castle’s Wunderland – 3451 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97214
Just So You Know (the Inside Scoop)
A fun detour is to walk the World Trade Center Portland triangular glass sky bridges starting off SW 2nd St instead of walking down Salmon St. These elevated walkways connect all three buildings internally, allowing people to move between the buildings without going outside, while providing stunning views of the river, waterfront park, and Mount Hood.
Check musuem and shop hours before you go.
These is a shortcut to the Marquam Upper Hill Tram station (with LOTS of stairs) alongside the OHSU parking garage. There is a trail to the right as you cross South Terwillinger St. on SW Campus Dr.
You can only buy a round trip ticket on the aerial tram ($9 in 2025) at either tram station.
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