Facility Overview
The OHSU Schnitzer Lot is a spacious, open-air surface parking facility situated at 2600 S Moody Avenue in Portland’s vibrant South Waterfront district. Located directly on the expanding Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Schnitzer Campus, this parking lot provides essential parking capacity for patients, clinical researchers, students, and neighborhood visitors. Because it is a level, open-air surface lot with no overhead structure, the Schnitzer Lot offers virtually unrestricted vertical clearance. This makes it an exceptional choice not only for standard sedans and compact cars, but also for full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, conversion vans, and commercial service vehicles that often exceed the tight height limits of downtown multi-level parking garages.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Positioned along the scenic Willamette River corridor, the Schnitzer Lot puts drivers within effortless walking distance of premier medical, educational, and recreational destinations:
- OHSU Knight Cancer Research Building: Located directly adjacent to the lot, offering rapid access for staff, researchers, and visitors.
- Robertson Life Sciences Building (RLSB): A collaborative facility for OHSU, Portland State University, and Oregon State University, situated just a 3-minute walk (0.2 miles) to the north.
- Portland Aerial Tram (South Waterfront Terminal): Less than a 7-minute walk (0.3 miles) away, connecting South Waterfront visitors directly to OHSU’s primary Marquam Hill campus and hospital complexes within 3 minutes.
- Tilikum Crossing: Just steps away, offering pedestrian and bicycle access across the Willamette River to the Central Eastside and OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry).
- South Waterfront Greenway & Elizabeth Caruthers Park: Offering expansive paved waterfront paths, public art, and green space within a 5-minute stroll.
- South Waterfront Dining & Retail: Convenient proximity to local cafes, bakeries, and eateries along SW Moody Avenue and SW Bond Avenue.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress to the Schnitzer Lot are straightforward via South Moody Avenue, a primary north-south boulevard running through the South Waterfront. The facility is strategically connected to major transit arteries: Interstate 5 (I-5) is easily accessible via the Macadam Avenue and Ross Island Bridge exits, while SW Naito Parkway provides a direct surface route into downtown Portland. For drivers transitioning to public transit, the location is unbeatable. The Portland Streetcar (NS Line) and TriMet MAX Orange Line run along SW Moody Avenue with stations directly serving the Schnitzer Campus, facilitating car-free movement to Downtown Portland, the Pearl District, and the Eastside.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous maneuvering room and no vertical clearance restrictions for oversized vehicles, roof boxes, or tall utility vans.
- Digital & Mobile Payments: Easy pay-by-plate options through on-site multi-space pay stations and mobile parking apps supported by OHSU Transportation & Parking.
- ADA Accessibility: Clearly designated accessible parking stalls located near paved pathways with curb ramps for barrier-free mobility.
- Security & Visibility: Campus-patrolled grounds equipped with high-illumination exterior lighting for evening visits.
- Proximity to Active Transit: Direct connectivity to the South Waterfront Greenway bike path and the Portland Aerial Tram terminal.
Ideal For
- OHSU Patients & Visitors: Anyone attending appointments or visiting family across the South Waterfront facilities or Marquam Hill via the tram.
- Academic & Clinical Professionals: University faculty, researchers, and students heading to the Robertson Life Sciences Building or Knight Cancer Institute.
- Riverfront Recreationists: Walkers, runners, and cyclists looking for a safe, accessible base to access the Willamette Greenway and Tilikum Crossing.
- Oversized Vehicle Drivers: Contractors, trade vehicles, and drivers with roof racks or lifted suspensions who cannot fit into covered garages.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Parking regulations on OHSU campuses are strictly enforced. Pay attention to posted signs regarding permit-only zones versus visitor pay-to-park zones, especially during standard business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday). Be sure to enter your vehicle’s license plate correctly at the automated pay kiosk or mobile app, as physical dashboard receipts are generally not required. During morning rush hours and late afternoon shifts, traffic on SW Moody Avenue can back up toward the Ross Island Bridge ramps; plan an extra 10 minutes for your commute during peak hours.