Willamette Heights Neighborhood Tour

Willamette Heights in northwest Portland offered the epitome of modern residential design back in 1905 during the nearby Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. Back then, tourist streetcars hauled throngs to see the innovative new homes, but now Willamette Heights is unknown to nearly all but its residents and mountain bikers heading to the Lief Erickson Trail. It is one of Portland’s hidden gems of beautifully preserved early 20th Century architecture and is worth exploration.

On this tour you’ll see:

- A 1905 vintage “Street of Dreams” lined with “modern” Craftsman Style and English Arts & Crafts homes

- A cluster of Craftsman Style homes most of which appeared in a catalog of “modern” bungalows in 1909

- An apartment house built to appear as a bungalow from one side

- A once-grand Victorian Queen Anne Style house nearly destroyed by fire and rebuilt by one of Portland’s most creative early 20th Century architects

- The largest single collection of homes designed by prolific architect Emil Schacht who introduced the Arts & Crafts and Craftsman Styles to Portland as early as 1904

And… a “hidden” staircase known only to locals (which you’ll descend not climb!)

This tour is strenuous due to the hill. Parking is limited in the area.

Space is Limited. Pre-Registration is Required.

Image: C.1911 view of a residence in Willamette Heights, AHC Library.

Thank you to our walking tour sponsors: