Goose Hollow
Overview
Goose Hollow is one of Portland's oldest neighborhoods, tucked between Downtown and the West Hills. This historic working-class district is home to Providence Park (where the Portland Timbers play), a vibrant restaurant row along SW Jefferson Street, and some of the city's best-preserved Victorian houses. Its name comes from the geese that once frequented the shallow Tanner Creek that ran through the hollow.
History
Goose Hollow was originally a shallow canyon carved by Tanner Creek, named for the geese that gathered there. In the 1880s, it became one of Portland's first streetcar suburbs, connecting Downtown to the growing Washington Park area. The neighborhood's position at the base of the West Hills made it a prime location for cable car lines — the Portland Cable Railway began service here in 1890. The neighborhood declined in the mid-20th century but experienced a revival in the 1990s and 2000s, driven by the expansion of Providence Park and a wave of new restaurants and bars. Today, Goose Hollow is a dense, walkable neighborhood that blends historic charm with game-day energy.
Highlights
- Providence Park — home of the Portland Timbers MLS team, originally built in 1926
- Historic Victorian homes on tree-lined streets like SW Clay and SW Gibbs
- Goose Hollow Inn — a legendary neighborhood pub since the 1970s
- Tanner Creek Park — a hidden green space along the old creek bed
- Direct access to Washington Park and the MAX light rail
- Vibrant restaurant scene along SW Jefferson and SW 18th
Top Attractions
- Providence Park — A 25,000-seat stadium built in 1926, home to the Portland Timbers and Thorns. One of the oldest continuously operating soccer-specific stadiums in the US.
- Goose Hollow Inn — A beloved neighborhood tavern since 1971, known for its Reuben sandwich and local character.
- Tanner Creek Park — A pocket park along the buried Tanner Creek, with native plants and a nod to the neighborhood's namesake geese.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Tanner Creek Park
A pocket park marking the historic creek, with native plantings, paths, and a connector to the West Hills trail system.
🌲 Washington Park
A 410-acre park just uphill, home to the Zoo, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Hoyt Arboretum.
🌲 Duniway Park
A sports complex with a track, soccer fields, and recreation center adjacent to Providence Park.
🌲 South Park Blocks
A 5-minute walk east into downtown's historic park blocks.
🌲 Council Crest Park
A 5-minute drive uphill — the highest point in Portland with 360-degree views of the Cascades.
Things to Do
⚽ Portland Timbers Match
Experience the famous Timbers Army at Providence Park — one of the best atmospheres in MLS.
🍺 Goose Hollow Inn
Grab a pint and a Reuben at this legendary neighborhood pub, a Portland institution since 1971.
🏛️ Victorian Architecture Walk
Self-guided tour of the beautiful Victorian houses on SW Clay, Gibbs, and Vista.
🌸 Washington Park
Walk uphill to the International Rose Test Garden, Japanese Garden, or Hoyt Arboretum.
🎵 Music at Revolution Hall
Catch a show at this venue in a converted school building, just across the Ross Island Bridge.
🍽️ Eat on Jefferson Street
SW Jefferson is lined with excellent restaurants, from ramen to Ethiopian to farm-to-table.
☕ Coffee & Cafes
Tea Chai Té
A cozy tea house on SW 20th with an extensive tea menu and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Anna Bananas
A neighborhood cafe and bar with coffee, drinks, and a eclectic menu — a Goose Hollow fixture since 1979.
🌙 Nightlife & Bars
Goose Hollow Inn
A legendary neighborhood tavern since 1971, famous for its Reuben sandwich and genuine local character.
Prost! Marketplace
A German-style beer hall on NW 18th with shared tables, imported beers, and a lively, social atmosphere.
🛍️ Shopping
- Goose Hollow's Victorian Homes — The neighborhood itself is the attraction — walk SW Clay and Gibbs for stunning preserved Victorian architecture.
- Providence Park Gameday Market — Before Timbers or Thorns matches, the streets around Providence Park fill with food carts and pop-up vendors.
💡 Insider Tips
- On Timbers match days, arrive 2 hours early to get a seat at any bar on Jefferson Street.
- The view from Council Crest Park is the best in Portland — a 5-minute drive up the hill.
- Goose Hollow Inn only accepts cash — there's an ATM inside.
Food Carts & Dining
Several pods nearby including the 10th & Alder and Downtown pods, all within a short walk
🚆 Getting Around
Goose Hollow is exceptionally walkable with a Walk Score of 93. MAX Blue and Red lines run through the neighborhood with a station at Providence Park. Bus lines serve Jefferson and 18th streets.