Many Portlanders cross the Steel Bridge bound for Portland's Eastbank Esplanade public park, or head west into Downtown Portland. The busy thoroughfare is crossed by more than 20,000 vehicles (and 2,000 bikes) daily.
You can cross the bridge on the blue or red MAX Light Rail trains, or stroll across after exploring the esplanade. You can also embrace this city's cycling-friendly culture and rent bikes—or join an urban bike tour—and cross the Steel Bridge on the cantilevered cycling lane. For passing views of the bridge, you can try a cruise or jet-boat tour. Most cruises pass dozens of sights along the banks of the Willamette River, including a handful of Portland's bridges—such as Hawthorne, and Marquam.