Experience the Past, Embrace the Beauty: Portland's Historic Trolley Ride Awaits!
Unveiling the Legacy: The Willamette Shore Trolley's Historical Tapestry and Modern Revival
Before its current renown as a hub for artisan coffee, Portland was interconnected by a steam railway, a precursor to the beloved Willamette Shore Trolley. This line, once a vital link between the city and the Willamette Valley, evolved into an iconic passenger service. While contemporary Portland boasts a comprehensive public transport system of trams, light rails, and streetcars, the Willamette Shore Trolley uniquely offers a nostalgic ride in a vintage-style car. Spanning approximately five miles between Lake Oswego and Southwest Portland, the route showcases the stunning vistas along the Willamette River, navigates through an ancient tunnel, and passes by enchanting waterfront residences.
Although the rail corridor between Lake Oswego and downtown Portland has existed since the 1880s, the trolley cars themselves were introduced a century later, in 1987. While two original trolleys are preserved at the Oregon Electric Railway Museum, the current operational trolley is a contemporary replica, mirroring the classic Portland Council Crest design. Following a recent overhaul, which included its conversion to an all-electric propulsion system, the trolley resumed service in May 2025. Passengers can board at either end of the line: from Bancroft Street on the north side, roughly a 30 to 40-minute drive from Portland International Airport, or from Lake Oswego, a vibrant lakeside community with a distinct European charm. The Willamette Shore Trolley operates weekends from late May through early September, with tickets available for round-trip or one-way journeys online or at the stations. Please note that the trolley is not equipped for wheelchair accessibility.
A Visual Feast: Navigating the Picturesque Sights of the Willamette Shore Trolley Line
Commencing your adventure on the Willamette Shore Trolley from the Bancroft Street station, positioned just south of the Lowell Street streetcar stop, you'll find a seat upon boarding, as reservations are not required. Your journey begins through South Portland, as the trolley gracefully descends Moody Avenue, revealing views of contemporary riverside office buildings and sophisticated condominiums. The route then meanders alongside the verdant expanses of Willamette Park, a lively spot frequently abuzz with boating activities. You might even glimpse swimmers enjoying a refreshing dip in the Willamette River, as Portland has ingeniously transformed its urban landscape into a summer swimming haven with accessible beaches and piers.
As the excursion progresses, the bustling urban environment of downtown Portland gradually transitions into more serene and natural settings. The trolley glides past the magnificent Sellwood Bridge, offering a breathtaking panorama of its arches gracefully spanning the river, before entering the tranquil embrace of Powers Marine Park. Within the park, you may notice intriguing wooden structures, which are, in fact, ingeniously designed shelters for the conservation of endangered salmon and trout. The trolley then ascends a pair of elevated trestles, providing spectacular viewpoints overlooking the river and the surrounding lush woodlands. Subsequently, it plunges into the historic Elk Rock Tunnel, constructed in 1921 as a more direct alternative to circumventing Elk Rock. After traversing one final bridge, the trolley runs parallel to the Willamette Pacific rail line, culminating its scenic voyage at the Lake Oswego terminal.