St. Johns: Peninsula City

Experience small-town charm at the confluence of two rivers. View historic architecture from St. Johns’ days as an independent city while enjoying views of the iconic bridge and eclectic local businesses.

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House trough & with a human fountain next to a 1940s car B&W — Water fountain was above the horse trough.

This is a rare color street view of Lombard in St. Johns looking east with The St. Johns theater at the far end of the shot on the right side of street view you only see the south side of the street as far as buildings a car windshield and fender is on the left no lines on the street and no potholes also street trees are not present not that its winder but if they are there they are babies — Neon signs arrived when cars became popular.

Image of the St. Johns bridge in black and white taken during the Rose Festival Parade. Skyline of St. Johns in the distance. This image is focused on cars driving on the bridge deck in a single line heading west. — Rose Parade on the St. John Bridge in 1931 for the grand opening of the bridge.

St. Johns: Peninsula City Walking Tour

St. Johns was a distinct independent city absorbed by Portland on two occasions, yet it maintains its fiercely independent spirit. This eclectic mix of historic architecture and small businesses (64% women-owned) offers a unique window into Portland’s “City within a City.”

Start & End Location: Two Stroke Coffee Co., 8517 N. Lombard St.
Length of Tour: 100 minutes
Distance: 1.5 miles
Accessibility: Steep Slope
Schedule: Third Saturdays at 3PM

Adults: $22 | Youth: $12

Please note: booking platforms may add a small service fee at checkout.

Reservations required

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What is St. Johns?

St. Johns is a historic, close-knit neighborhood in North Portland located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Formerly an independent city, it maintains a small-town “village” feel with a distinct, independent personality, walkable main street, and scenic views highlighted by the iconic St. Johns Bridge and Cathedral Park.

Neighborhood Fun Facts

Fun Fact #81

The cut. Image of men using huge powerful blasts of water to destroy the topography — “The Cut” St. Johns’ Eastern Boundary

Fun Fact #67

Two elephants in the lead, with circus employees. One handler is holding the reins of a horse. Tusko the elephant is on the left I know its him because of his massive horns. — Tusko the Elephant on the left/

Fun Fact #68

The Ballot is not high resolution the paper has antiqued -yellowed - the type face is red. There are two rip away stub portions on on each top corner. Large font St. Jhins MERGER BALLOT official merger ballot for precinct no 94 City of Portland Oregon June 7 1923. This orginal image has a tally of the votes in pencil Yes votes very blurry so these are guesses 27,737 no votes 5160 — 1915 Merger Ballot St. Johns rejoined Portland

Lost Historic Highlights

St. Johns Bridge (1931): The tallest bridge in Portland; a gothic suspension masterpiece connecting the peninsula to Linnton.
National Cash Register Building: A 1905 Exposition structure floated across the river to serve as a church, then a bar.
St. Johns Twin Cinema (1913): A staple of the neighborhood for over a century, formerly known as the Northgate and Venetian.
Cathedral Park: Located directly below the St. Johns bridge.

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Important Details

Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Use the restroom before the tour begins.
Bring water and rain gear, depending on the weather.
Metered street parking is available nearby.
Public transit options for the St. Johns Peninsula City tour are four major TriMet bus routes. The exact bus lines that pass by or terminate near the start point include:Line 4-Fessenden, Line 16-Front Ave./St. Helens Rd., Line 44-Capitol Hwy/Mocks Crest, Line 75-Cesar Chavez/Lombard. Link to Plan your bus trip.
Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on our walking tours.
All guests must complete a digital waiver before the tour.