Step into the hidden wonders and history of Portland's public stairways | Oregon Field Guide

Oregon Public Broadcasting
Oregon Public Broadcasting
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Published 2024-06-27
Portland is home to many well-known landmarks. Its bridges, rivers and roses attract tourists and locals alike. But in a city as hilly as Portland, these public stairways are a less heralded attraction that weave history, architectural design together with public utility. The myriad stairways of Portland connect neighborhoods and parks and gardens and are often tucked away in surprising nooks and crannies of the urban landscape.

This story was first broadcast on June 14, 2017.

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All Comments (21)
  • @davec9244
    who knew? that is truly a blast from the past. thank you ALL stay safe
  • @Tser
    I was super excited when I saw the subject of this documentary. This is amazing, how fascinating. I love learning about the layout and infrastructure of our city before cars, because it really is so rugged when you think about it,, once you get away from the river bank. I'll definitely be getting that book.
  • @dougwalker4944
    ..amazing...a way to stay fit and mobile. I was in moving early 2000s . walked a lot of stairs over there, carrying other people stuff. 20yrs later...I wish for a wheelchair with a stair-climbing ability
  • @chnalvr
    Very cool information! Seattle has very similar staircase networks in our hills around the city.
  • @keeanmorishita8457
    I wish they would have shown the Cardinell Stairway by PSU campus that go up to the west hills. That set is in my opinion more impressive than most shown on this video
  • @RichGilpin
    Very Nice. Appreciate Laura's documenting these stairs and publishing about them. Around 25-30 years ago was introduced to many I did not know during Mazama City Hikes.
  • @Doug1674
    these unmarked stairs are so much fun to find around the city. nice video!
  • @CoreyBranstrom
    I've seen them, and always wanted to climb some, but I would have to treat it like a hiking trip. They're nowhere near where I live. But I always keep my eyes out for them.
  • @andrewmurray9391
    On the first day of a new job, I mapped out everything on Google, took it to street view and calculated some bus math. Only to find, the road to where I need to go is a powerline through someone's backyard. It had the green sign and everything, so a hungry young man picked up his bike and got thorned in the legs like his father before him.
  • @BobRooney290
    i loved this documentary! more pleez! nice to see feel good stories.
  • @KyleFordkidzombie
    These videos make me happy! I’m definitely going to seek out a few of these staircases this summer!
  • @AlexaSmith
    wow! I learned so much from this. How cool!