Pdxguide

Sometimes failure is good. Back in the 1840’s, when there were several towns along the Willamette vying to be “the city” of the Northwest, New Englander Hall J. Kelley attempted to build “the Manhattan of the Northwest” at what is now this park. It looks so logical when you view a map, since this is where the Willamette meets the Columbia. But the reality of trying to build a town on low, swampy land prone to flooding proved too much for even the hardiest of New Englanders, and Kelley gave up. The land lie fallow for over a century, owned but not really used by the Port of Portland, until the Parks Dept, bought the “Point” in 1984. This small patch of wooded sand dunes provides good boat watching opportunities, as you’ll see many ocean-bound freighters pass by here. (And think what just might have been if Kelley succeeded!) Use N Marine Drive to get there (there is a bike path paralleling the street).