Categories > Guides and Tips
How to Make the Most of Your Time in Linnton, Portland
- Admire St John’s Bridge
- Hike at Linnton Park
- Forest Park
- Stay at a floating home at Larson’s Moorage
- Stock up on smoking products at the House of Pipes
- Grab a drink at the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar
- Volunteer at the Linnton Community Center
- Shop for Cannabis at Rj’s Leaf
- Shop ‘til you drop at the Basco Outlet Store
- Hop on a Willamette River tour by Spirit Cruise
Linnton is a neighborhood in the northwest corner of Portland that offers a mix of thriving wildlife, scenic river, and urban life. But really, what makes it most special to us Portlanders is the small-town, warm feel of the community.
Anyway, it’s also a good place for things like forest hikes, boathouse rentals, and even cannabis purchases (yep, you read that right). If you want to experience Linnton for yourself, let’s check out what you can do here!
1. Admire St John’s Bridge
| DIRECTIONS | https://goo.gl/maps/ReJwLRzzPcS4owX46 |
| ADDRESS | 8600 NW Bridge Ave, Portland, OR |
A small part of the Linnton neighborhood is made up of water. On the edge of this area is where you’ll spot St. John’s Bridge.
It’s one of the most iconic structures here. Other than being a sight to behold, it’s also considered one of the city’s icons.
One reason it’s so iconic is that it’s the tallest bridge in the city and one of only three suspension bridges in the state!
Moreover, it’s of interest to architecture fans. If you look closely, you would see it was inspired by Gothic styles.
You don’t need to worry about safety when crossing this bridge, by the way. The reason being is it’s made to withstand earthquakes and strong winds!
| Pro tip: A nice photo spot where you can get a clear shot of St. John’s Bridge is from the Cathedral Park. It’s popular but there are no large crowds. You might even spot couples getting married in this spot every now and then. That’s how beautiful Cathedral Park is! It’s a little bit outside of Linnton, but it’s quite near. Refer to Google Maps for the directions. |
2. Hike at Linnton Park
| DIRECTIONS | https://goo.gl/maps/7cNFfPPnUVtQHpV68 |
| PRICE | Free |
Linnton Park is located along the edge of the charming Willamette River. It’s one of the lesser-known areas for outdoor activities when you’re in Portland but its abundance of greenery makes it worth adding.
If you want to retreat from the hustle and bustle that city life entails, hiking through this hidden gem would be quite refreshing.
Moreover, it’s possible that you’ll be able to spot local wildlife while you’re here. We find that it’s also one of the things that make a trip to Linnton Park worth it.
The Linnton Trail is great for beginners who love a challenge, by the way. It’s a 4.8 km loop that can take around an hour and 44 minutes to complete.
It’s the perfect trail if you want to hike, cycle, or even watch birds. It’s quite kid-friendly, but can also get pretty muddy, so be careful!
If you’re an experienced hiker, we recommend the Linnton Park, Keyser, Wildwood, and Northeast Firelane loop. It’s a 7.4 km hike that can take about 2 hours and 19 minutes to finish.
While this trail is generally considered moderate in level, there are some areas that are hard to get through (though not impossible!). There are steep inclines and a lot of uphill paths there.
However, if we could get through it, we’re sure you can too!
| Pro tips: You can bring your dog to Linnton Park as long as they’re on a leash. If you’re looking for a filling meal after a day of hiking, we suggest dining in at the Chinese American restaurant called Decoy. They offer really good kung pao Chicken and fish burgers! See how to get there using Google Maps. |
3. Forest Park
| DIRECTIONS | https://goo.gl/maps/dSFJJdtJXDk53tFv8 |
| PRICE | Free |
A great chunk of the Linnton neighborhood is the Forest Park. It’s easy to get swallowed by this 5,200 acre forest, making you forget that you’re in the middle of the city.
The towering, lush trees will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a different place. If you have a thirst for outdoor adventures, you shouldn’t miss the adventurous trails that you can pass through this urban forest.
Take the Wildwood Trail, for example. This 30-mile-long path runs through the whole park, making it one of the most challenging trails here.
However, the good thing about this trail is you can also venture it in different sections. You don’t have to walk 30 miles all at once!
To be honest, there are a lot of us here who have yet to finish the Wildwood Trail from start to finish, so don’t feel bad if you can’t go all the way through it!
Of course, while you’re on this trail, you shouldn’t forget to be on the lookout for the local wildlife! You might be able to spot birds, deers, and a lot more.
And even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, we believe you can still enjoy going to the Forest Park. You can go at a slower pace, take breaks, and just be present with nature. It doesn’t have to be tiring or challenging at all!
| Pro tip:If you want a dose of something magical, look for the Stone House. Some people call it the Witch’s Castle. It looks like something out of a fairytale, which makes the hike even more worth it! |
4. Stay at a floating home at Larson’s Moorage
| WEBSITE | https://www.larsonsmoorage.com |
| ADDRESS | 14426 NW Larson Rd, Portland, OR |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 503-286-1233 |
Since a part of the Linnton neighborhood is nestled in water, there are a lot of different ways to experience the lovely Willamette river.
One of the things we recommend you try out is Larson’s Moorage.
From time to time, they have available floating homes and private boat houses for lease. It has a spectacular view of the river and its serene surroundings are perfect for unwinding.
The sizes of the homes are quite humble, but they’re designed in a way that maximizes every corner. A lot of them have tables outside, so you can conveniently sip a cup of coffee in the morning while enjoying the ambiance.
The houses are a bit close together, making it feel like you’re in a small neighborhood by the river. Moreover, the place is spotless and equipped with all amenities one might need: fire safety systems, parking spots, new walks and infrastructure, and under-dock power!
Additionally, you don’t have to go very far if you have to purchase something you need. Its location is convenient, so a lot of stores are within close proximity.
We recommend this if you want to go on a cool and refreshing break from the city. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway with your friends or a romantic staycation with your partner.
| Pro tip: Make sure to plan several months in advance if you want to stay at Larson’s Moorage. It’s quite tricky to rent a home because availability depends on the occupants. The sooner you can inquire, the better! Trust us – it’s worth the wait! |
5. Stock up on smoking products at the House of Pipes
| WEBSITE | https://www.houseofpipes.com |
| ADDRESS | 11080 NW St Helens Rd #1039, Portland, OR |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 503-286-0777 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday 9 AM – 11 PM |
If you’re looking for some quality smokes, pipes, and smoking paraphernalia, House of Pipes should be your next stop in Linnton! They have an extensive inventory of brands and products for this sort of stuff.
Another thing this store is particularly proud of is their selection of glass art. They’ve collected it from several talented local and international artists and blowers.
It’s beautiful to witness up close because you’ll be able to appreciate the glass art’s intricacy and hard work that goes with making it. If you want to be assured of a premium-only collection, whether for smoking products or the glass art, swinging by here will do the trick!
| Pro tip: Be sure to chat up the staff if you have any questions. They can recommend the best stuff and give you the most interesting and educational conversation for the day. |
6. Grab a drink at the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar
| WEBSITE | https://www.lighthousepdx.com |
| ADDRESS | 10808 NW St Helens Rd, Portland, OR |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 503-240-8827 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday 11:30 AM – 11 PM Saturday & Sunday 9 AM – 11 PM |
If you’re looking for a local restaurant at Linnton where you can also grab refreshing drinks, we suggest the Lighthouse restaurant & bar. We find that this is the perfect spot if you want to grab a well-deserved meal after exploring the neighborhood.
It’s a popular spot because of its delicious dishes, warm ambiance, and thirst-quenching drinks from local breweries.
Their food is made from scratch too. It has a Midwestern vibe which is probably why we find it so comforting!
One of the dishes that definitely stood out to us was the firehouse burger. We recommend this to people who can handle spicy food.
While it’s not exactly one that can make you blow steam out of your ears, you’ll definitely feel a kick!
Another thing that makes them stand out in the city is they’ve been around since the 1950s. The experts at the Lighthouse restaurant & bar have decades worth of culinary secrets – surely that makes them worth the try at least once!
| Pro tips: If you’re looking for something light, we recommend the clam chowder and Caesar salad. It goes quite well together! If you want to go the classic route, order a fried chicken sandwich. It’s really good! |
7. Volunteer at the Linnton Community Center
| WEBSITE | https://linntoncommunitycenter.org/ |
| ADDRESS | 10614 NW St Helens Rd, Portland, OR |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 503-286-4990 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Saturday & Sunday Closed |
Linnton Community Center is one of the most important places in the neighborhood. It shows how giving and generous Portland is as a community.
Their mission is to be able to bring positive and long changes with the help of members and volunteers. They do so by providing several programs that tackle different issues, including food programs, educational programs, and camp opportunities.
| Pro tips: If you want to volunteer but can’t be physically present, you can still give donations like food. They have a program called Service Sundays where interested volunteers can participate once a month. You can know more by giving them a call. |
8. Shop for Cannabis at Rj’s Leaf
| DIRECTIONS | https://goo.gl/maps/xPuDCp6ptDdhWhEq6 |
| ADDRESS | 5501 NW St Helens Rd, Portland, OR |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 503-894-9561 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM |
Rj’s Leaf is a small, locally-owned business that offers a rich variety of cannabis products. Yes, smoking or consuming cannabis in Portland is legal, so don’t worry!
We find that people who frequent this shop love it because of the friendly staff and affordable prices. Moreover, there’s an abundance of choices from water pipes, vaporizers, rolling papers, grinders, and such.
You’ll also find several CBD products like edibles, all-natural topicals, and more.
If you’re in need of accessories, you’ll also find that here. They have collections of products like lighters, stash jars, and rolling trays.
Whether you’re just starting out on your dabbing journey or you’re a hardcore stoner, this shop has options for everyone.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the range of PAX vaporizers that they have available and well as the dab rigs. All are of high quality! Moreover, their glass hand pipes are also worth checking out. They have a gorgeous collection that has plenty of styles and designs to choose from. |
9. Shop ‘til you drop at the Basco Outlet Store
| WEBSITE | https://www.bascoappliances.com |
| ADDRESS | 4600 NW St Helens Rd, Portland, OR |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 503-226-4045 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Saturday 9 AM – 5 PMSunday Closed |
Might sound odd as a recommendation, but it’s worth it if you need home appliances for cheap.
You see, Basco Outlet Store has a ton of home appliances, all at liquidation prices. From refrigerators and cooking appliances to dishwashers and laundry appliances, you can easily find these at their store.
Additionally, if you need advice for your home, they would also gladly give you some tips so you know what are the best items to purchase.
Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the installation because they can do it for you. Since most purchases are bulky, they can also deliver your item to your address to help lessen your load.
Please embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMA_Py-BLfH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
| Pro tip:Most of their inventory can be accessed through their website. We suggest looking at it first so that you have an idea what they have available before going to their store. That way, you can have a list of what to check out so you can manage your time wisely. |
10. Hop on a Willamette River tour by Spirit Cruise
| WEBSITE | https://portlandspirit.com/ |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 503-224-3900 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM Sunday 9 AM |
| PRICE | Portland sightseeing: starts at $40Brunch cruise: starts at $76Lunch cruise: starts at $66Dinner cruise: starts at $98 |
Explore the Linnton neighborhood in style by hopping on a Willamette River Tour. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenic sights of the city while relishing a meal.
As of writing, the Spirit Cruise has 4 available tours – Portland sightseeing, Brunch Cruise, Lunch Cruise, and Dinner Cruise. However, for this article, we’re going to discuss our top 2 favorites, which are the Portland Sightseeing tour and the Dinner Cruise.
- The Portland Sightseeing tour takes you on a 1-hour-and-30-minute boat ride in which you can take in different Portland sights including the historic Milwaukie Riverfront. Food is not included, but you can purchase appetizers on the deck. We recommend this because it’s a pretty basic tour, which makes it a lot of people’s top choice.
- Meanwhile, the Dinner Cruise takes the cake if you want to appreciate the sparkling city lights of Portland, while enjoying a delicious 3-course dinner on a candlelit table. The dishes that will be served are made up of local ingredients. There’s also a live piano in the background that ties everything together. Aside from the historic Milwaukie Riverfront, you’ll also get to see downtown Portland. This cruise runs for 2 ½ hours.
On the outer decks, you’ll be able to hear historical narrations along the way, but you also have the option to listen from the app. Make sure to bring headphones, though!
| Pro tips: It’s best to book as early as you can to get a better deal. The boat is wheelchair-accessible. If you have any dietary constrictions, they’ll be able to accommodate you as long as you tell them beforehand. |
