Heavy Rains, Flooding Force Eastbank Esplanade Partial Closure

PORTLAND, OR — Rain, rain, go away, says everyone who likes to stroll along the Eastbank Esplanade. The floating portion of the popular path — from around Southeast Ash Street to near Southeast Everett Street — is closed until further notice because of flooding as a result of the record rain that the city has seen since late last week.

"The transitions onto and off the pathways have become angled too high for safe passage," Portland Parks & Recreation spokesman Mark Ross said.

The Willamette River rose to more than 15 feet and is not expected to start receding until Wednesday.

Ross said that reopening the walkway will depend on the river's water levels.

The closed area is currently marked by signs and fencing that will remain in place until it's safe to reopen the path.

The 1,200-foot floating wooden path is one of the longest in the United States, according to Ross.