Facility Overview
OHSU Parking Lot 90 is a vital park-and-commute surface facility operated by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Situated at the southern foot of Marquam Hill at 2805 SW Sam Jackson Park Road in Portland's Homestead / South Portland district, this open-air parking facility offers a cost-effective, practical alternative to the high-density parking garages located further up the hill. The lot features a clean, single-level asphalt layout with clearly marked parking stalls and unobstructed maneuverability.
Because Lot 90 is an uncovered open-air surface lot, it offers completely open overhead clearance without the vertical clearance restrictions found in multi-story garages on campus (such as Garages C, E, and F). This makes Lot 90 exceptionally suited for high-profile vehicles, including full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, conversion vans, passenger vans, and vehicles outfitted with roof racks, cargo boxes, or bicycle carriers that might exceed standard indoor parking heights.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Strategically positioned at the base of the hill where SW Sam Jackson Park Road connects toward SW Terwilliger Boulevard, Lot 90 serves as a gateway to both the academic/medical hub on Marquam Hill and the neighboring natural and downtown corridors:
- OHSU Marquam Hill Campus: Upper campus facilities including OHSU Hospital, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and the Casey Eye Institute are located roughly 0.8 miles up the hill, easily reached via campus transit shuttles or public bus.
- Portland VA Medical Center: Directly connected to Marquam Hill campus facilities via the pedestrian skybridge, just minutes away via transit connection.
- Marquam Nature Park & Trails: The forested slopes of Marquam Nature Park and the Marquam Trail network surround the hillside, offering trail access within walking distance for outdoor recreation and trail running.
- Duniway Park & Lilac Garden: Situated less than a mile northeast along SW Barbur Boulevard and SW 6th Avenue, featuring an all-weather running track and historic gardens.
- Portland State University (PSU) & Downtown Portland: Located just over 1.5 miles to the north, reachable within 5 to 10 minutes by vehicle or public transit.
- South Waterfront District: Positioned just east along the Willamette River, offering waterfront dining, biomedical research complexes, and access to the Portland Aerial Tram.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Accessing Lot 90 is straightforward for regional commuters. Drivers arriving from Interstate 5 can take the SW Terwilliger Boulevard or SW 6th Avenue / City Center exits, transitioning seamlessly onto SW Sam Jackson Park Road without navigating the tighter, winding uphill roads of the central medical complex. The entrance and exit lanes allow for smooth traffic flow even during peak morning arrival and evening departure hours.
Transit connectivity is one of Lot 90's standout strengths. TriMet Bus Line 8 (8-Jackson Park / NE 15th) stops adjacent to the lot, providing rapid and direct service uphill to Marquam Hill campus pavilions or downhill through Downtown Portland and the Lloyd District. Additionally, active commuters can utilize the designated pedestrian and bike paths along Terwilliger Boulevard and Campus Drive to reach hilltop buildings.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous driving lanes and no vertical clearance restrictions, accommodating tall and oversized personal vehicles.
- Digital Payment Options: Quick permit purchasing online through the HONK contactless parking platform and OHSU’s MyCommute portal.
- Lighting & Security: Site illumination and regular security patrols conducted by OHSU Public Safety.
- Accessible Stalls: ADA-designated parking spaces positioned near entrance access points with smooth grade transitions.
- Direct Transit Access: Immediate proximity to TriMet bus stops for fast transfers up Marquam Hill.
Ideal For
- OHSU Employees & Contractors: Daily staff seeking economical parking rates while avoiding crowded hilltop parking structures.
- OHSU & PSU Students: Enrolled students who require weekday daytime vehicle staging paired with reliable TriMet transit links.
- High-Profile Vehicle Operators: Drivers of tall trucks, work vans, and vehicles with rooftop sports gear requiring open headroom.
- Hill Visitors & Meeting Attendees: University visitors arriving for daytime business, seminars, or non-clinical campus appointments.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Parking at OHSU Lot 90 requires an authorized parking permit or daily payment between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; parking outside these enforced hours and on major university-observed holidays is generally non-restricted. Non-patient daily visitors should purchase parking digitally prior to arrival or immediately upon parking via the HONK mobile app or online web link to avoid citation. Note that clinical patient parking is prioritized in garages higher up Marquam Hill, so patients attending medical appointments should utilize designated hospital patient facilities rather than Lot 90. When commuting during peak rush hours (7:30 AM–9:00 AM and 4:30 PM–6:00 PM), factor in an extra 10–15 minutes for your TriMet bus connection up the hill.