Facility Overview

1720 SW Naito Pkwy Parking, historically known in municipal records as the J Block Lot, is an open-air public surface parking facility situated directly along the northbound corridor of Southwest Naito Parkway in downtown Portland, Oregon. Positioned at the scenic southern threshold of Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park and managed under the City of Portland's parks parking program, the facility offers a seamless parking option for visitors accessing the riverfront, the cultural district, and the southern downtown commercial core. Because this is an open-sky, ground-level asphalt lot with no ceiling structures, entry gates, or overhead height barriers, it provides unrestricted vertical clearance. It easily accommodates standard passenger sedans, compact crossovers, full-size SUVs, large pickup trucks, and vehicles carrying rooftop cargo boxes, kayaks, or bike racks, as long as they fit within standard marked stall dimensions.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The lot's location along the Willamette River puts drivers within steps of some of Portland's most cherished outdoor and cultural landmarks. Direct pedestrian access connects immediately to the paved Willamette River Greenway trail and Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, making it prime parking for major seasonal festivities including the Waterfront Blues Festival, the Portland Rose Festival, Oregon Brewers Festival, and the spring cherry blossom bloom along the waterfront esplanade. Key destinations within short walking distance include:

• Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park & Salmon Street Springs: Located directly adjacent to 5 minutes north on foot along the riverfront path.
• RiverPlace Marina & Promenade: A quick 4-minute walk south, featuring riverside dining such as Three Degrees and scenic views of the boat docks.
• Keller Auditorium: Located just 0.4 miles west (roughly an 8-minute walk), ideal for Broadway in Portland touring shows, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and Portland Opera performances.
• Portland State University (PSU) Campus: Situated approximately 6 to 8 blocks west (about a 10-minute walk), providing a convenient staging area for campus visitors and academic conferences.
• Downtown Commercial Centers: Crown Plaza, the 200 Market Building, and Wells Fargo Center are reachable within a convenient 5-to-7-minute walk.
• Hawthorne Bridge: Just 2 blocks north, offering direct pedestrian and cycling access across to Portland's vibrant Central Eastside district.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle ingress is positioned along the northbound lanes of SW Naito Parkway between SW Market Street and SW Mill Street. Motorists traveling from the south can easily arrive via SW Barbur Boulevard, Macadam Avenue (OR-43), or the Interstate 5 northbound corridor. Commuters arriving via Interstate 405 or US Highway 26 (Sunset Highway) can quickly transition off the downtown exits onto Market Street to reach Naito Parkway. Exiting the facility channels drivers back onto northbound Naito Parkway or connects easily to the eastbound Hawthorne and Morrison bridges to cross the Willamette River. For extended regional travel, public transportation is nearby: the Portland Streetcar stops within 3 blocks along SW Harrison and SW 3rd/4th Avenues, while MAX Light Rail lines (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, and Blue) and TriMet bus lines are accessible within a 6-to-10-minute walk through the downtown transit mall.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Headroom: Ground-level surface layout free from overhead height limitations, easily accommodating taller passenger vehicles and roof accessories.
• Digital & Mobile Payments: Integrated with the City of Portland's Parking Kitty app under Zone 1399, in addition to on-site multi-space payment kiosks accepting credit and debit cards.
• Accessible Parking: Designated ADA-compliant stalls positioned close to the pedestrian sidewalk exits.
• Direct Greenway Access: Instant, step-free access to the riverside pedestrian walkway and multi-use bike path.
• Lighting & Oversight: Equipped with perimeter street lighting and subjected to regular municipal park ranger and parking enforcement patrols.

Ideal For

• Waterfront Festival Attendees: Anyone attending major seasonal celebrations, marathons, or weekend food and craft events at Waterfront Park.
• Performing Arts Patrons: Theatergoers attending evening plays, concerts, or ballet performances at Keller Auditorium seeking quick surface parking.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts & Runners: Joggers, walkers, and cyclists setting out along the Willamette River trail loops.
• Business Professionals: Commuters and meeting attendees visiting nearby downtown offices along SW 1st Avenue, Market Street, and RiverPlace.
• Weekend Diners: Visitors heading to riverfront restaurants along the marina or downtown food cart pods.

Visitor & Driver Tips

The lot operates under daily paid parking enforcement between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Overnight parking is prohibited in city park lots, so vehicles must be removed prior to closing time. Drivers using the Parking Kitty smartphone application can enter Zone 1399 upon arrival to complete payment and can conveniently extend their stay remotely without walking back to the lot. Because this lot offers some of the most budget-friendly daily maximum rates in the lower downtown corridor, spaces tend to fill rapidly during warm summer weekends and major civic events like the Rose Festival. Plan to arrive early on event days, and remember standard downtown precautions: lock vehicle doors and keep all personal bags and valuables completely hidden or out of the car.