Luckily we also have one of the finest roadside statues right here in Portland. Today we guide you over to Portland's very own Paul Bunyan.
Standing at the intersection of N. Denver and N. Interstate Avenues is one of our favorite roadside attractions in Portland, a 31-foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Interstate Avenue (Highway 99) running through the Kenton neighborhood was one of three designated routes - and the only direct route across the Columbia River to Washington - for the 4 to 8 million travelers expected to visit Oregon's Centennial Exposition during the summer of 1959.
Originally intended to stand for just six months to commemorate the Exposition, Paul Bunyan is still going strong. Fifty-one years and one fifty-nine foot relocation later, Paul has never outlived his welcome, but has continued as both an integral part of the Kenton neighborhood's identity and a must-see for visitors to Portland.
If you're interested in trying out Portland's light rail system, MAX, this is a fun ride from downtown to see one of Portland's most impressive native sons!
Helpful Details
Intersection of N. Denver and N. Interstate Avenues
How to Get There
Directions from the downtown Hilton courtesy of TriMet
1. Walk 0.11 mile north from 921 SW 6th Ave to Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Station (Stop ID 7777)
2. Board MAX Yellow Line to Expo Center
3. Get off at Kenton/N Denver Ave MAX Station
4. Walk 0.1 mile northwest to N Denver & N Interstate Ave
Travel time: 28 minutes (including 6 minutes walking)
Fares: Adult ($2.00), Youth/Student ($1.50), Honored Citizen ($0.95)
Enjoy your visit with Paul!
Jeff & Kelly
Vintage Roadside
