Traffic Advisory: Expect heavy traffic around Washington Park on Saturday, June 14

Traffic Advisory

Drivers advised to use public transit, bikes or ride share alternatives to travel to and from the Washington Park Reservoir Celebration. Tichner Drive remains closed during the event.

Published

June 13, 2025 10:00 am

Planning to attend the sneak peek of the Washington Park reservoir on Saturday, June 14? Plan ahead.Road closures in the area and limited parking will make visits easiest by bus, train, shuttle and bike.

The SW Tichner Drive entrance to Washington Park remains closed to motor vehicle traffic between W Burnside and SW Kingston Ave due to a landslide. This means there will be heavier than usual traffic at the Park Place entrance to the event.

Everyone is encouraged to travel by public transit, bike or rideshare. Here are the easiest public transit options:

TriMet Trip Option #1: MAX + Free Shuttle Loop. Hop on the MAX Red or Blue Line and ride to Washington Park Station. From there, the Washington Park Free Shuttle takes you right to the Oregon Holocaust Memorial stop, just steps from the celebration at the Reservoir. Pro tip: Park for free at a TriMet Park & Ride like Sunset Transit Center (600+ free parking spots), then ride one stop on MAX to Washington Park Station.
TriMet Trip Option #2: MAX + Trail Walk. Take the MAX to Goose Hollow and walk the Madison Street Trail into Washington Park. It’s a peaceful, 20-minute uphill walk that leads straight to the Reservoir site.
TriMet Trip Option #3: Direct Bus from Downtown. Ride TriMet Line 63 from Pioneer Courthouse Square for a direct trip to the park. Buses drop off at the Park Place Entrance and the International Rose Test Garden/Portland Japanese Garden, and they depart hourly from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
TriMet Trip Option #4: Bus + Trail Walk. Catch Lines 15 or 20 to NW 23rd & Burnside, then enjoy a one mile walk through the Park’s winding paths to the Reservoir. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.

Map of the eastern half of Washington Park showing the location of bus stops, shuttle stops, rideshare pick-up spots, and bike and car parking locations near the reservoir — The Explore Washington Park free shuttle and Trimet bus line 63 both stop near the reservoir site at the Oregon Holocaust Memorial and the SW Park Place entrance.

About the Washington Park Reservoir Celebration

The public is invited to join the City of Portland’s Public Works Service Area as we unveil the yearslong restoration of the Washington Park Reservoir. This once-in-a-generation project provides a seismically resilient water supply for 360,000 westside water users and a beautiful new reflecting pool and plaza for the entire community to enjoy.

Learn about project benefits from elected officials and stay for tours of the new plaza’s educational elements and historic features. Visitors are invited to walk the grounds and explore the city’s newest attraction before it is officially open to the public.

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Where: Washington Park Upper Reflecting Pool and Main Plaza

Learn more about the celebration