About this Location

Facility Overview

Situated along SW Perimeter Court on the forested southwest periphery of the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Marquam Hill campus, OHSU Lot A provides essential open-air surface parking for the university community. Unlike the multi-level subterranean decks and enclosed parking structures situated across the hilly campus, Lot A features a wide, open-sky layout nestled against the lush natural backdrop of the Marquam Nature Park. Because it is an outdoor surface lot without overhead barriers, ceiling pipes, or clearance gates, Lot A easily accommodates tall pickup trucks, high-roof utility vans, and full-size SUVs with rooftop cargo carriers that cannot navigate traditional campus parking garages.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

OHSU Lot A is strategically located for anyone requiring convenient access to the Marquam Hill medical and research complex. Key destinations within short walking distance include:

OHSU Hospital & Kohler Pavilion: Located roughly an 8 to 10-minute walk northeast via campus pathways, offering comprehensive adult inpatient, outpatient, and surgical care.
Doernbecher Children\'s Hospital: Positioned within a 10-minute walk through connecting pedestrian walkways.
OHSU School of Medicine & Research Labs: Facilities such as the Biomedical Information Communication Center (BICC) and Mackenzie Hall are accessible within a 5 to 7-minute stroll.
Marquam Nature Park & Trails: Situated directly adjacent to trailheads, providing an immediate scenic walking route through southwest Portland\'s dense greenway.
Portland Aerial Tram (Upper Terminal): Approximately an 8-minute walk, connecting Marquam Hill to the vibrant South Waterfront district and the Center for Health & Healing in just three minutes.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via SW Perimeter Court and SW Sam Jackson Park Road, which seamlessly connects down to SW Terwilliger Boulevard and downtown Portland or Interstate 5 via SW Barbur Boulevard. Navigating Marquam Hill can feature winding hillside grades and tight bends, so drivers are encouraged to maintain moderate speeds. In terms of public transit, the location is exceptionally well integrated: TriMet bus lines (notably lines 8 and 39) stop across the Marquam Hill campus, while the Portland Aerial Tram provides continuous high-speed aerial transit to the MAX Light Rail and Portland Streetcar networks down at the South Waterfront.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous open-sky footprint free from low vertical height restrictions.
Designated Accessible Spaces: Marked ADA parking stalls positioned for optimal ease of access to nearby campus walkways.
Digital & Permit Payment Integration: Managed via OHSU Transportation & Parking permit portals, pay stations, and mobile parking apps.
Continuous Campus Safety: Regularly patrolled by OHSU Public Safety officers and equipped with campus emergency blue-light call boxes.
Scenic Green Setting: Surrounded by mature Pacific Northwest evergreen forest and Marquam Hill walking trails.

Ideal For

OHSU Staff, Faculty & Researchers: Convenient dedicated parking for daily shifts and laboratory sessions.
Hospital Visitors & Outpatients: Reliable surface-level option for family members visiting campus medical facilities.
Oversized & High-Clearance Vehicles: Perfect for pickup trucks, lifted SUVs, and tall transit vans unable to enter campus covered garages.
Recreationists & Day Hikers: Convenient access for individuals connecting directly to the regional Marquam Nature Park trail network during permitted public hours.

Visitor & Driver Tips

OHSU strictly regulates on-campus parking to prioritize patients, medical personnel, and essential staff. If you are visiting during standard weekday hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday), verify your parking permit, pay via the designated on-site pay station or campus app, and review signage regarding patient validation policies. On foggy or icy winter mornings, allow extra commute time when ascending SW Sam Jackson Park Road, and always remember to bring comfortable walking shoes for the moderate uphill gradients connecting Lot A to upper hospital entrances.