Facility Overview
Diamond Parking Lot EP61 is a well-situated open-air surface parking facility in the historic core of Downtown Portland, located at 22 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204. Positioned right on the border between the Skidmore/Old Town Historic District and the central business district, this parking lot provides ground-level access with convenient ingress and egress. Because Lot EP61 is an uncovered, open-air lot without overhead clearance barriers, it accommodates standard passenger cars, sports cars, large pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and commercial high-roof vans or utility vehicles that cannot safely maneuver into Downtown Portland\'s low-clearance parking garages.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Lot EP61 sits in an unbeatable position for exploring the Willamette riverfront, historic architecture, and Portland\'s premier dining and cultural venues:
- Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Just one block east (a 2-minute stroll), giving easy access to the river promenade, the Salmon Street Springs, and seasonal festivals like the Rose Festival and Oregon Brewers Festival.
- Portland Saturday Market: Located just steps north at the Skidmore Fountain Plaza and Waterfront Park, making this lot one of the closest and most convenient parking spots for weekend market shoppers.
- Old Town Chinatown & Ankeny Alley: Right around the corner, hosting renowned local dining, pubs, and nightlife spots, including the original Voodoo Doughnut, Kells Irish Pub, and Dan & Louis Oyster Bar.
- Pine Street Market & Morrison Bridge: A short 3-minute walk south to Pine Street Market food hall and quick pedestrian access across the Willamette River.
- Pioneer Courthouse Square: Located roughly 6 blocks west (approx. an 8-minute walk), connecting you directly to major downtown shopping hubs like Pioneer Place.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicles enter smoothly from SW 1st Avenue or adjacent cross streets such as SW Ankeny Street and SW Pine Street. The lot allows for quick turnarounds and rapid departures back to major arterials. Regional drivers benefit from immediate access to the Burnside Bridge, Morrison Bridge, and Naito Parkway, which funnel drivers quickly to Interstate 5 (I-5), Interstate 84 (I-84), and US-26. Public transit connections are exceptional: the TriMet MAX Light Rail lines (Blue and Red Lines) stop at nearby Skidmore Fountain Station and Mall stations, and the TriMet bus lines crisscross along SW 5th and 6th Avenues.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous vertical clearance with no overhead height restrictions, suitable for taller trucks and high-profile work vehicles.
- Self-Service Automated Kiosks: Fast on-site pay-by-plate or pay-and-display machines accepting major credit and debit cards.
- Digital & Mobile Payments: Supports frictionless payments via popular parking apps such as ParkMobile and SpotHero.
- Well-Lit & Paved Surface: Asphalt-paved lot with clearly delineated stall striping and ambient street lighting for enhanced visibility during night parking.
- Designated Accessible Spaces: ADA-compliant parking stalls located near lot exit pathways for level, step-free access to sidewalk curb cuts.
Ideal For
- Weekend Shoppers: Visitors exploring the Portland Saturday Market and waterfront art vendors.
- Riverfront Eventgoers: Attendees heading to summer concerts, 5K runs, and cultural festivals hosted along Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
- Dining & Nightlife Visitors: Diners visiting historic Ankeny Alley, Old Town lounges, and waterfront eateries.
- High-Clearance Vehicles: Drivers with roof boxes, bike racks, ladder racks, or tall vans needing downtown parking without height limitations.
- Weekday Commuters: Professionals working in riverside office towers and government buildings along SW Naito Parkway and 1st Avenue.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Lot EP61 fills up rapidly on Saturday and Sunday mornings during the operational season of the Portland Saturday Market, as well as on warm summer festival weekends. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or pay remotely through parking mobile apps to monitor and extend their sessions seamlessly. In line with downtown urban parking best practices, remember to roll up all windows, lock your doors, and keep all personal belongings and valuables out of sight inside your vehicle.
