Portland Water Fountains

Portland is Oregon’s most crowded city and is recognized as The City of Roses. It is rain-soaked, is located near the Pacific Coast on the northern edge of Oregon and is between the Willamette and Columbia Rivers at Vancouver, Washington. Portland is located near a number of lakes, waterfalls and beaches, all close by.

Portland differs from other large cities through its scenic beauty, a spirited musical sight, a huge amount of microbreweries, and its green urban development policy. At the same time, Portland is set apart with one of the most diverse, wide-ranged, arty collections of open-air water fountains in the world. There are numerous new fountains to see in the City of Roses; several of them are spectacular works of art and timeless landmarks that tourists should plan on seeing while they are vacationing here.

During the fine summers and bright spring days one of the main things you’ll become aware of is the people that gather in the city to catch a glimpse of 17 decorative fountains and over 120 drinking water fountains scattered all over the metropolitan area. Either for recreation, relaxation, or just a cold drink, Portland’s water fountains really offer an amazing experience for everybody.

Looking at local water fountains placed all through-out the city is equally interesting and fun. There are large varieties of both amusing and unique designs. This fact will allow any tourist wanting to scrutinize the creative nuances have an enjoying experience, which is one of the many things these astonishing local fountains have to offer.

Benson Bubblers are Portlands famous drinking fountains located all throughout the city. There are currently 52 Benson Bubblers in the city and 74 one-bowl variations. The single bowl variations look simliar to the Benson Bubblers but they are in fact different. In the 1970's the Benson family asked that the four-bowl water fountains be places in only certain downtain locations to keep their uniqueness in this large city. The Benson Bubblers are constructed of copper but with years of weathering made them that beautiful green patina finish. Patina takes years to build up on any fountain, so even though many citizens have cleaned off the fountains throughout the years it is bound to reappear. The Water Bureau preffers thease fountains in their origional shiny copper state so they continue to restore the patina finish ever so often. The Benson Bubblers flow from 6am to 11pm, 365 days a year, unless of course a cold snap or excessively windy weather forces the Water Bureau to temporarily shut the fountains off. These fountains are cleaned bi-monthly and flow with Bull Run drinking water. So no matter if you simply watch them or quench your thirst thease beautiful fountains are a unique way to brighten the city! 

The lighthearted and imaginative Salmon Street Springs fountain can be found in the center of the city’s popular Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This fountain controlled by a computer beneath the main structure gives off a refreshing mist on those warm sunny days. This fountain has been apart of Portland since 1988 and was named in 1989. The Salmon Street Springs Fountain is in a place where a wide circle of 185 ground-based water jets shoot out water in arches to the circle's center. No matter the age, everyone enjoys the fountains’ rhythmic, shifting patterns of water that cycles during “Bollard,” “Mister” and “Wedding Cake” formations. On any sunny day you will see people gathering around this mystifying fountain. You will see children of all ages running through this fountain to keep cool, the joy this fountain brings is enough of a reason to check it out. 

Waterfall inspired Keller Fountain Park, named after Ira Keller formerly known as Forecourt fountain was placed directly across Portland’s City Auditorium. The water pumps 13,000 gallons per minute through waterfalls to entertain people who walk or stop by and take a gander at the sight. It also allowed people to sway their feet in it, wade on in or just take a seat on the stairs and feel the water behind them.

Portland’s oldest section of public art and a dedication to the memory of Stephen G. Skidmore is the Skidmore Fountain. Stephen G. Skidmore is a resident in Portland who went to France and returned to build a fountain in his home town with the same beauty and appeal. Skidmore specified that the Portland water fountain be wished-for to serve “horse, men and dogs,” the order of which Portlanders still chuckle quietly about nowadays.

Elk Fountain is a bronze elk design that commemorates the elk that formerly graze on Portland. The fountain can be found on SW Main between 3rd and 4th and the Plaza Blocks. Although many have attempted to get rid of the fountain since it is considered by some to be a traffic obstruction, it has been selected as a historic landmark along with the Plaza Blocks.

Pioneer Courthouse Square is also known as Portland’s Living Room where its center has been made into a mesmerizing and multilevel cascade of water. The main fountain pumps 900 gallons of water per minute in full capacity and 300 gallons per minute in the upper fountain.