About this Location

Facility Overview

Parking NW - 4th & Clay Rooftop Parking (Lot L98) is a centrally positioned, open-air rooftop parking facility in Downtown Portland, situated at 439 SW Clay Street between SW 4th Avenue and SW 5th Avenue. As an elevated rooftop facility, it pairs expansive, unobstructed open-sky parking with the security of elevated off-street vehicle positioning. The lot features clearly demarcated bays and well-proportioned drive aisles that effortlessly accommodate standard passenger vehicles, family crossovers, mid-size SUVs, and standard-bed pickup trucks. Because access is achieved via a dedicated vehicle ramp, oversized commercial vans, lifted overland rigs, and dually utility vehicles should exercise caution regarding ramp turning radiuses and transition clearances, while drivers of standard consumer vehicles will appreciate the open headroom once parked on the roof deck.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated in the southern core of Downtown Portland, Lot L98 serves as an ideal gateway to premier civic, cultural, and recreational destinations. Keller Auditorium is located just two blocks east (less than a 3-minute stroll), making this rooftop facility one of the most convenient and sought-after parking spots for Broadway shows, Oregon Ballet Theatre performances, and headline concerts. Portland State University (PSU) is situated only four blocks southwest, providing dependable parking for faculty, commuters, and university visitors. Other standout local destinations within short walking distance include:

Keller Auditorium: A straightforward 2-block, 3-minute walk to Portland\'s historic performance venue.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Just a 5-minute walk (4 blocks east) to scenic Willamette River promenades, the Salmon Street Springs, and annual riverside festivals.
Civic & Government Center: Within a 3 to 6-minute stroll of Portland City Hall, Terry Schrunk Plaza, and the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building.
South Park Blocks & Cultural District: An 8 to 10-minute walk to the Portland Art Museum, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and Oregon Historical Society.
Downtown Dining & Nightlife: Direct pedestrian access to dynamic eateries, cocktail lounges, and food cart pods along SW 3rd, 4th, and 5th Avenues.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The facility is exceptionally easy to enter and exit via SW Clay Street, a major eastbound one-way arterial connecting directly to the Hawthorne Bridge and the Highway 99W corridor. Drivers coming from the west can take SW Market or SW Clay straight off US-26 and I-405, while northbound commuters from Macadam Avenue or the Ross Island Bridge enjoy rapid, low-friction access. Exiting after events is noticeably quicker than in enclosed multi-level garages, as traffic discharges directly onto arterial cross-streets without navigating complex spiral ramps. Public transit connections are unmatched: the TriMet MAX Light Rail Transit Mall (Green, Yellow, and Orange Lines) runs directly parallel along SW 5th and 6th Avenues less than two blocks away, and multiple bus lines as well as the Portland Streetcar NS Line are within effortless walking range.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-air rooftop parking offering daylight visibility and spacious elevated parking bays.
Direct vehicular entrance ramp situated off eastbound SW Clay Street.
Digital and contactless payment options available on-site and via top parking mobile applications.
Clear lane striping, directional signage, and pedestrian walkways for intuitive vehicle maneuvering.
Well-lit parking deck and access stairwells for evening events and late-night returns.
Designated ADA accessible spaces located adjacent to pedestrian access points.
Unmatched proximity to Keller Auditorium performance halls and Downtown Portland businesses.

Ideal For

Theatergoers & Performing Arts Enthusiasts: Visiting Keller Auditorium for Broadway across America, opera, or ballet productions.
PSU Students, Staff & Visitors: A dependable and cost-efficient daytime parking solution near northern campus facilities.
Downtown Office Commuters: Professionals seeking reserved or daily parking close to government and financial buildings.
Waterfront Festival Visitors: An elevated parking base within easy walking distance of the Waterfront Blues Festival, Rose Festival, and Saturday Market.
Weekend Diners & Shoppers: Effortless vehicle access for dining trips throughout the Downtown core.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Because Keller Auditorium is situated only two blocks away, this facility frequently experiences high demand on show nights and weekend matinees. Drivers attending performances are strongly encouraged to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to curtain call to secure a prime spot and avoid curb-lane congestion on SW Clay Street. Make sure to note your license plate number before leaving your vehicle, as it is required when paying via the mobile app or digital pay stations. Keep valuables out of sight and secure all vehicle doors before heading down to street level.