Outside the Conference Center, look north on Commercial Street. The building just across Ferry Street was the location of the first commercial building in Salem: the 1842 store of Thomas Cox.
Cross and walk in that direction.
Half way up the block, look to the west to see the line of historic buildings on State Street. This view will soon disappear as a new mixed-use building will rise where the fence has been erected.
On the right, the former Ladd and Bush Bank. The buildings of Salem's historic downtown are described on that walking tour.
As you pass the bank, glance up at the elaborate exterior decorations. They were originally on the Ladd Bank in Portland.
Cross State Street after passing this Cornerstone.
Cross Commercial, heading west toward the park at Front Street.
This block contains historic buildings on both sides of the street.
Brick dominates these early 1900s businesses, built after early fires destroyed the original wooden structures.
Notice the Salvation Army inscription almost erased by later owners of the building.
At the Front Street corner, look north toward to see the abandoned White Feed Store. New construction rises next door.
Cross Front Street.
The Carousel is the just before you inside the park entrance.
Turn north along this path to circle Riverfront Park, once an asphalt wasteland studded with warehouses. In the 1980’s the city bought the land from Boise Cascade and started clearing it. The first phase was completed and the park opened in October 1996.
The Pavilion will come into view. A two-level water fountain (to the right) refreshes the walker on the warm day.
A directional marker indicates park features. Continue to the right. The newest addition to the park came in October 2005: the Salem Rotary Club, as their centennial project, raised funds and built the open-air Pavilion at this northern end of the park.
The black horse marks the location of the Carousel. This walk is to the north under the two bridges and, off this chart, to the railroad bridge at Union Street and circles back around the park.
At the parking lot, continue straight ahead to the traffic circle.
Looking to the west at the circle, the Willamette River comes into view.
The railing of the walking/biking ramp to the Center Street bridge appears ahead, the bridge just beyond.
Pass under the Center Street Bridge to see four of the A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village historic houses.
From the right, the Wilson-Durbin House, the Little Gem Grocery and the Parrish House.
The original Wilson-Durbin House was built on this site in 1861 by Joseph Gardiner Wilson and was purchased by Issac and Olive Durban. It remained the Durbin home for 50 years, but was in disrepair and abandoned when it burned in 1990. It was reconstructed in 1999 by a group of local residents concerned about the loss of this historic resource.
This 1920s structure was originally located at 17th and Chemeketa Street. A small neighborhood grocery for many years, it became an artist's studio. In 1998, when the property owner wished to extend his front porch, neighbors united to preserve it by transporting it to another property, then repainting and restoring the building so it could be moved to its present location.
The 1860/1910 Parrish House was moved to this location in 1990 from 745 Capitol Street as the North Capitol Mall expanded. It has been been designated as a Local Landmark. The movers faced a challenge when the house became trapped under the structure of the bridge. It was restored with the help of the Oregon National Guard in 1998 and opened that year as a part of this educational complex.
Beyond the Parrish House is the Gilbert House on what was once the Marion Street corner.
On the corner: The Gilbert House was built on this site by Andrew T. Gilbert in 1887. Andrew and his younger brother Frank, father of A. C. Gilbert were active in insurance and banking. In 1901 the brothers moved from Salem. The house was remodeled into seven apartments in 1946. The City of Salem purchased the house in 1985, by then in much need of repair, as part of riverfront development. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
In 1883 C.S. Rockenfeld and his wife Sally built this home on the northeast corner of Court and Summer Street. In 1937 the state purchased the property and moved it to 755 Capitol Street to make room for the gardens and the State Library. In 1991, during the further expansion of the Capitol Mall, the house moved to its present location. it has been designated as a Local Landmark.
Walk back to Water Street and continue under the Marion Street bridge ramp. Cross to follow the sidewalk along the river.
The lift span of the historic railroad bridge comes into view. Built in 1913, this bridge enhanced the growth of many towns along its railroad line. West Salem was incorporated soon after the bridge was completed.
The bridge was closed from November of 2009 until May 2010 to complete the restoration by removing lead paint on the structure.
Water Street turns into Union Street at the bridge entrance.
Take a few steps up Union Street to the lamp post ahead to read interpretive panel.
This exhibit shows a photograph made in this location on Opening Day 1913 and outlines the history of the bridge.
The pedestrian bridge has a welcoming entrance from Union Street.
Directional distance markers guide the way in 2009.
A plaque identifying the manufacturers of the bridge is attached to a girder on the north side of the span.
Looking south, you can see the Marion and Center Street bridges for automobile traffic. The slough is to the left and the Willamette River continues at the right.
The bridge continues over Wallace Park as a trestle.
The trestle curves as it reaches the end at ground level. A path to the right leads down into the park.
To the right, Wallace Marine Park is below.
The interpretive panels are at the end of the trestle.
Walkers and bikers can read the history of the trestle, Against Flood and Fire" and trace the route of the train as it was originally planned moving west toward Gerlinger.
Straight ahead, a path continues to Wallace Road in West Salem.
Returning to the trestle
To the left, a good view of the playing fields in Wallace Marine Park.
The bridge portion of the walk is just ahead.
A plaque identifies the original construction and the restoration.
Passing under the superstructure of the lift span.
Approaching Water Street again and the Union Street Entrance.
The return to Water Street. A right turn and the walk continues into Riverfront Park. Straight ahead, Front and Union Street intersection.
In 2010, additional directional markers guide the way for walkers and bicyclists at Water Street.
Back at Union Street bridge entrance, Water Street is to your right.
A return to Water Street retraces your steps along the river.
The traffic bridges in view.
Approaching the Center Street overpass again.
To the right, the structure of the bridge frames interesting views of the waterway.
Looking across the river on a summer day, you see families playing in the beach at Wallace Marine Park.
The A. C. Gilbert complex of educational buildings is now to the left.
Passing under the Center Street span.
The Willamette Queen is docked ahead.
New photos again, a path leads down to the the boat ramp.
A statue of former Governor McCall has been erected here.
This statue was modeled from a newspaper picture.
Now we return to our photographs of 2008 with the slough cutting off to the left.
In this 2008 photo, the now-demolished Fry Building stands behind the Carousel.
The new Rivers Condominium building stands at Front Street, historic Livesley Building in the background, Carousel straight ahead in the direction you are walking.
The walkway is a gradual slope down to the river. Urban Renewal funding, with assistance from the Oregon State Marine Board, made the project possible. It provides recreation improvements on the Willamette River Water Trail.
Not only is the dock home to the Willamette River Queen, but it can also accommodate canoes and kayaks. It offers a good site for viewing the annual Dragon Boat races.
A glimpse down the slough.
The ramp to the paddle wheeler.
Back around the circle.
And up the steps.
On the park pathway again, turn south to the right.
The slough is on the right along this walkway.
To the left, the park is empty except for a man meditating in the shade.
The park is home to a number of annual events in Salem, including the World Beat Festival, the 4th of July Celebration, as well as a number of walks, runs and other events.
Keeping to the right here will take the walker to the south end of the park.
The amphitheater is ahead, Boise-Cascade in the left distance.
Benches offer a rest and a view of the slough.
Continuing south the Eco Ball is ahead.
Eco Earth Globe was originally a large pressurized tank used by Boise Cascade until that portion of the mill was demolished in 1982. The tank held acids that were used to “cook” wood chips into pulp.
It took five years of work transforming the old tank into a piece of art that now includes tiles depicting the entire globe. There are about 86,000 tiles on the ball. It was unveiled in 2003. (Notice the orange colored tank in the background.)
An interpretive sign explains the process of construction.
The slough continues flowing south after passing around the Pringle Creek sand bar. The creek enters the slough (to the left) after passing under the Boise-Cascade building.
A memorial to those lost on 9/11.
Looking west over the fence, a sandbar, created by the flow of debris from Pringle Creek, restricts use of the slough south of this point.
Descending to the sandbar and looking east, Pringle Creek flows out from underneath the Boise-Cascade building.
Anticipated redevelopment may "day-light" the creek, providing pedestrian access from Commercial Street to the Willamette River.
A tribune to the effort toward a peaceful earth.
Contributors toward this goal.
Circling the globe, we are returning to the start of the tour.
The Boise-Cascade property adjacent to the park has been sold and will be developed into a mixed use complex with retail and living space.
The path now borders (to the right) the former Boise-Cascade property.
Looking toward the amphitheater area.
Beyond the fence in 2008: the old Fry Warehouse and a new office building under construction.
In 2008, New construction and our historic Livesley Building.
Fry building gone in 2010 and new office building complete.
Boise Cascade north building gone, south building waiting renovation into parking facility.
Boise cascade construction area: Conference Center to left, Waterplace in distance to the right of light pole, old south Boise Cascade building at right edge of photograph.
As the paths divide, take the one to the right.
Now the stage of the amphitheater is to the left.
The path to the right leads along the playground.
The parking lot is ahead.
This path leads back to the Carousel.
Looking back, notice the plaque.
A well-earned tribute.
Passing a shelter from rain or sun!
Salem's Riverfront Carousel, which opened in 2001, is a project inspired by Hazel Patton, a community activist in historical preservation. The mission of the carousel is to enhance the quality of life in the Willamette Valley.
The Carousel goal is to invigorate community cohesiveness, foster cultural and educational opportunities, create a living history, and increase tourism.
The project has brought together artists and experts in many creative occupations and is enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.
A lively group enjoys the music and horse back riding.
Plaques commemorate family memories.
A last look along the path.
And the glass fronted north side of the structure.
Turn toward downtown.
Prepare to cross the busy Front Street.
A pedestrian shelter bisects the street.
Old White's Feed Store is now sandwiched between now Rivers Condominium and Boise Building.
Entering State Street to walk again along the historic businesses.
Walking beside Pioneer Trust Building to Commercial Street. The former Ladd and Bush Bank is to the right. The steeple of the National Register Methodist Church can be seen in the center distance.
Historic buildings line Commercial Street of the Historic Downtown District.
Cross State Street again.
Passing this historic bank again, the end of the walk is ahead at the next corner.
Back at the beginning of the river walk across Ferry Street ~ the Salem Conference Center.
