Facility Overview

City Center Parking at 49 SE Clay Street offers convenient open-air surface parking positioned along the Willamette River in Portland's vibrant Central Eastside Industrial District (CEID). Situated at the corner of SE Clay Street and SE Water Avenue, directly adjacent to the historic Holman Building and the Portland Boathouse, this parking facility provides open-sky ground-level spaces with straightforward drive-aisle navigation. Because it is an unobstructed open lot without low garage overhangs or multi-level ceiling decks, the property easily accommodates a wide variety of vehicles, including standard commuter cars, lifted pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, high-roof camper vans, and vehicles equipped with rooftop cargo containers or bicycle and kayak racks.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The lot's riverside placement puts visitors steps away from some of Portland's most popular cultural, educational, and recreational landmarks. The renowned Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), housing the Kendall Planetarium and the USS Blueback submarine, is situated just 0.3 miles south (approximately a 6 to 8-minute walk along SE Water Avenue). Water sports enthusiasts and rowers will appreciate immediate proximity to the Portland Boathouse and public dock access. Directly bordering the facility is the picturesque Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade, a paved riverfront pathway cherished by runners, cyclists, and strollers.

Furthermore, the facility sits at the foot of the historic Hawthorne Bridge. Pedestrians can take the bridge walkway across the Willamette River directly into Downtown Portland and Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park—home to landmark city events like the Portland Rose Festival, the Waterfront Blues Festival, and the Oregon Brewers Festival—in an easy 12 to 15-minute scenic stroll. Food and beverage lovers are also within short walking distance of celebrated Central Eastside dining spots and craft breweries, including Wayfinder Beer, Loyal Legion, Cascade Brewing Barrel House, and Produce Row Cafe.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle access is simple and direct via SE Clay Street and SE Water Avenue. Exiting the facility is efficient, with quick routes channeling drivers onto major Eastside thoroughfares like SE Grand Avenue and SE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (Highway 99E). Regional freeway access is exceptionally fast, connecting directly to Interstate 5 (I-5 north and south) and Interstate 84 (I-84 east) within minutes. For multi-modal commuters, public transit is close at hand: the OMSI/SE Water station on TriMet's MAX Orange Line is an 8-minute walk away, while Portland Streetcar A and B loops and TriMet bus lines (including Line 14 along Hawthorne) provide fast links between downtown, the Lloyd District, and inner East Portland.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-air surface parking lot with wide drive aisles and easy vehicle maneuverability.
• Zero height restrictions, allowing clearance for oversized pickups, commercial vans, and roof-racked vehicles.
• Contactless mobile payment options through popular digital parking applications as well as automated on-site pay kiosks.
• Dedicated accessible (ADA) parking stalls positioned near lot access points.
• Nighttime lighting across the surface parking bays for driver convenience.
• Direct walking access to the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade multi-use trail.

Ideal For

• Families and visitors heading to OMSI exhibits, planetarium shows, and the Empirical Theater.
• Runners, cyclists, kayakers, and outdoor recreationists exploring the Willamette riverfront trail network.
• Downtown festivalgoers and commuters seeking affordable parking just across the Hawthorne Bridge.
• Craft brewery, distillery, and culinary explorers experiencing the Central Eastside dining scene.
• Contractors, event organizers, and tradespeople driving work vans or trucks needing open-air headroom.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Drivers planning to visit during major events at Tom McCall Waterfront Park or special exhibition openings at OMSI should plan to arrive earlier in the day, as waterfront surface lots tend to fill quickly. City Center Parking facilities operate on a pay-by-plate system, so remember to note your license plate number before stepping up to the pay machine or paying via mobile app. As with any urban core parking destination, always practice standard vehicle security by locking your doors, rolling up windows completely, and storing all bags, electronics, and personal valuables out of sight.