About this Location

Facility Overview

OHSU Dock 4 is a specialized logistics and loading facility situated along SW Research Drive within the bustling Marquam Hill Campus of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Southwest Portland, Oregon. Positioned directly between premier research hubs such as Richard T. Jones Hall (RJH), the Medical Research Building (MRB), Mackenzie Hall, and the Vollum Institute, Dock 4 serves as an essential supply-chain conduit for laboratory freight, medical deliveries, contractor vehicles, and courier drop-offs. The dock configuration features a dedicated surface-level service apron and truck turnaround zone directly adjacent to Parking Lot 10.

Unlike multi-level parking structures on campus that enforce standard low-clearance maximums (typically 6 feet 8 inches), OHSU Dock 4 provides open-air, high-clearance access. This layout easily accommodates standard commercial delivery trucks, high-roof cargo vans, box trucks, maintenance flatbeds, and full-size work pickups. However, passenger vehicles seeking general campus parking must utilize nearby designated public and permit spaces, such as Parking Lot 10 or Garages A, B, and C, as dock spaces are strictly limited to authorized active loading, unloading, and approved contractor operations.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Set within the upper academic and biomedical core of Marquam Hill, OHSU Dock 4 is within immediate walking distance of major university laboratories, healthcare centers, and regional attractions:

Academic & Research Buildings (0–2 minutes on foot): Direct rear service access connects to Richard T. Jones Hall, the Vollum Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research, Mackenzie Hall, and the Center for Radiochemistry Research.
OHSU Auditorium (2 minutes on foot): Located adjacent along SW Research Drive, hosting medical symposiums, lectures, and academic ceremonies.
OHSU Hospital & Doernbecher Children's Hospital (5–7 minutes on foot): Portland's world-renowned Level 1 trauma center and pediatric healthcare complex, accessible via connected pedestrian corridors and campus sky bridges.
Portland Aerial Tram (6–8 minutes on foot): Located at the Kohler Pavilion terminal, whisking passengers 3,300 horizontal feet down to Portland’s South Waterfront district in three scenic minutes.
Marquam Nature Park & Trails (3–5 minutes on foot): Heavily forested nature trails, including the Marquam Trail connection to Council Crest Park, flank the western edge of the research corridor.
Downtown Portland (approx. 2 miles / 7–10 minute drive): Cultural attractions, the Portland Art Museum, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and waterfront dining are just a short drive down the hill.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Accessing OHSU Dock 4 requires navigating the hilly terrain of Southwest Portland. Drivers generally travel uphill via SW Sam Jackson Park Road or SW Terwilliger Boulevard, connecting into SW Campus Drive before turning onto SW Research Drive. The street is a dedicated two-lane campus roadway designed for delivery traffic, campus shuttles, and pedestrian foot traffic between labs. Exiting traffic smoothly rejoins SW Sam Jackson Park Road, leading directly down to SW Barbur Boulevard, SW 6th Avenue, and onto major arterials.

Regional highway connectivity is fast and direct once off the hill: Interstate 5 (I-5), Interstate 405 (I-405), and US-26 (Sunset Highway) are all within a 5- to 10-minute drive. For mass transit users, TriMet Bus Line 8 (Jackson Park/NE 15th) serves Marquam Hill directly with frequent connections to downtown Portland. Additionally, commuters can utilize the Portland Aerial Tram to link directly with the Portland Streetcar and TriMet MAX Orange Line at South Waterfront.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Dedicated Loading & Freight Bays: Tailored specifically for commercial couriers, catering deliveries, clinical deliveries, and university freight handling.
Open Headroom Clearance: Unrestricted vertical overhead allows box trucks, sprinters, and delivery vehicles to dock without parking garage height constraints.
Proximity to Paid Parking: Located immediately beside OHSU Parking Lot 10, which offers permit and mobile-app parking for standard vehicles.
Direct Freight Elevator Access: Level indoor loading routes connect straight into internal freight elevators for RJH, MRB, and the Vollum Institute.
Campus Security & Lighting: Monitored 24/7 by OHSU Public Safety patrol units, featuring bright perimeter illumination and emergency call stations.
ADA & Mobile Commuter Options: Accessible ADA stalls and pay-by-cell options via the HONK parking platform are available in the adjacent Lot 10 surface area.

Ideal For

Medical Couriers & Freight Carriers: Companies transporting pharmaceuticals, sensitive biological specimens, and medical equipment directly to Marquam Hill laboratories.
Contractors & Maintenance Technicians: Trade specialists requiring close staging access while performing mechanical, electrical, or structural service in university research halls.
Auditorium Event Setup Teams: Production staff and event organizers loading in staging, AV gear, or presentation materials for the nearby OHSU Auditorium.
Campus Delivery Drivers: Delivery personnel completing scheduled parcel drop-offs to department receiving rooms.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Due to intense activity and strict enforcement across Marquam Hill, drivers arriving at Dock 4 should note the following logistical recommendations:

Respect the 20-Minute Loading Limit: Unattended non-commercial vehicles are not permitted in dock bays; loading zones carry a strict 20-minute active use limit unless an extended contractor dock permit is displayed.
Relocate for General Campus Visits: If you are attending an appointment, meeting, or lecture, park in OHSU Parking Lot 10, Garage A (3350 SW Perimeter Court), or Garage C (3223 SW Sam Jackson Park Road).
Mind Navigational Curves and Grades: SW Sam Jackson Park Road features steep grades and sharp turns. Large delivery trucks should take wide turns slowly and remain alert for frequent pedestrian crosswalks and emergency response ambulances.
Plan Deliveries During Off-Peak Hours: Morning arrival peaks (7:30 AM to 9:00 AM) and afternoon shifts generate heavy vehicular volume along SW Campus Drive; early morning deliveries between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM experience the smoothest navigation.
Contact Campus Commute Services for Special Access: For pre-arranged vendor passes or questions regarding loading bay reservations, contact OHSU Campus Access and Commute Services at (503) 494-8283.