Oregon City, Oregon: Only Vertical Street in North America

The Oregon City Municipal Elevator -- officially "Elevator Street" -- connects the lower city to the upper with a 130-foot-tall tower. Built in 1955. It's free and has an observation deck up top. Looks impressive from the street.

Address:: 6 Railroad Ave, Oregon City, OR
Directions:: Downtown, on the east side of Railroad Ave. at its intersection with 7th St.
Hours:: Summer Su-T 7-7, W-Sa 7-9:30; fewer hours off-season. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 503-496-1197

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Visitor Tips and News About Only Vertical Street in North America

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Oregon City Municipal Elevator Ghost

The Oregon City Elevator is surrounded by murals of the history of the Oregon Territory. It is free to ride, and if you ask the operator they will give you a lifetime free pass. Nice little souvenir.

Also, be on the lookout for a little red-headed boy who seems to be out of place. He is a ghost that frequents the area. Many people have seen him, but don't realize he is a ghost, until they turn around and he is gone.

[Jody Day, 08/22/2007]

Oregon City Municipal Elevator

The Oregon City Municipal Elevator is perhaps the only Municipal Elevator in the country, and one of only four in the world. It connects the lower city to the upper city some 90 feet up a cliff. The top of the elevator has an observation deck with views of the historic downtown area as well as a view of the Willamette Falls. It began as a water-powered elevator in 1915, but was upgraded to an electric-powered elevator in 1954. It is an example of Googie architecture, which is reminiscent of the space-age housing structures in the Jetson's cartoon show.

[Jason, 07/28/2004]