365PDX#166: Walking tour of downtown Portland Fountains

Posted August 17, 2010

365 Things to do in Portland#166: Walking tour of downtown Portland Fountains

I was watching the kids play in the Salmon Street Springs Fountain a few weeks ago and thought it would be a great post to do when it got hotter again. While I was doing some research,  I came across a map the city publishes for self guided fountain walking tours.

Salmon Street Springs Fountain

There are 13 fountains on the self guided tour, and it’s a 2.6 mile walk.  Each fountain is totally different. My personal favorite is the Ira Keller Fountain (SW 3rd and Clay)- for several years, I walked through it almost everyday while I was downtown. You will always find people eating lunch, hanging out, or just meditating near this beautiful and calming water feature.

Ira Keller Forecourt Fountain

When it gets hot enough kids and adults acting like kids can often be seen frolicking in some of the fountains in the summer time. The city chlorinates the fountains to the level of a swimming pool, so make sure not to drink the water.  Salmon Street Springs and Jamison Square in the Pearl District are the most popular ones on the tour for playing in.

Jamison Square Fountain

Not only is this is great way to spend a few hours relaxing and seeing some beautifully designed water fountains, but you will also get some excercise and see downtown and The Pearl District. Most of the fountains operate from 6:30am-8pm. The interactive fountains (like Jamison and Salmon Street) operate from Spring til Fall.