An 8-mile urban adventure from downtown Portland to the neighborhood that inspired Wildwood—now more accessible by bike thanks to protected bikeways on Greeley and Willamette.
If you've seen LAIKA's Wildwood, you know that Portland isn't just the backdrop—it's practically a character in the story.
Based on the beloved fantasy trilogy by Portland author Colin Meloy and illustrator Carson Ellis, Wildwood follows Prue McKeel, a young girl from St. Johns who ventures into the mysterious Impassable Wilderness (aka Forest Park) to rescue her baby brother.
The magnificent St. Johns Bridge, a 1931 architectural masterpiece, features prominently in the story. And Prue's neighborhood, with its historic storefronts, independent businesses, and distinctly Portland personality, is well worth exploring in real life.
The best part? You can now bike from downtown Portland to St. Johns on a surprisingly low-stress route of less than 8 miles!
Thanks to protected bikeways along N Greeley Avenue and N Willamette Boulevard, this journey has become much more welcoming to people who don't feel comfortable biking alongside fast-moving traffic.
And what better way to celebrate Wildwood than by following Prue's example and exploring Portland by bicycle?
We led a Wildwood Ride over the St. Johns Bridge with the James John Bike Bus in honor of the movie.
The Route: Downtown Portland to St. Johns
Click image for a Google Map
Distance: Less than 8 miles, one way
Start: Downtown Portland
Finish: St. Johns neighborhood
Difficulty: Moderate, with one notable hill climb
Route: Broadway → Interstate → Greeley → Willamette → St. Johns
Follow the bike route on Google Maps
1. Broadway Street & Broadway Bridge: A Grand Departure
Start downtown and follow Broadway's protected bike lanes toward the iconic Broadway Bridge.
Crossing the Willamette River on this historic bridge is a quintessential Portland experience, with sweeping views of the river, bridges, and city skyline.
It's a beautiful way to begin an urban adventure.
Broadway Bridge
2. N Interstate Avenue: The City Connection
After crossing the Broadway Bridge, use the crosswalk to take a left on Larrabee that will merge with N Interstate Avenue, where painted bike lanes guide you toward a crosswalk to Greeley.
This is one of the less protected sections of the route, so riders should be comfortable sharing the street environment with motor vehicles.
Fortunately, the next section offers a dramatic improvement in comfort.
3. N Greeley Avenue: Protected and Peaceful
Here's where the ride gets especially good.
The Greeley bikeway features a two-way path separated from motor vehicles by concrete barriers. What was once an intimidating, high-speed corridor is now a much more comfortable connection for people biking.
Fair warning: There's a hill!
Heading toward St. Johns means climbing uphill on Greeley. Take your time, shift into an easy gear, or enjoy the boost of an e-bike.
The reward is a protected route with views toward the Willamette River and industrial waterfront.
Greeley Bikeway. Photo by Jonathan Maus, Bike Portland
4. N Willamette Boulevard: A Scenic Ride Along the Bluff
Continue along Willamette Boulevard, first on a neighborhood street and then onto the newly protected bikeway.
This is one of Portland's most scenic urban cycling corridors, following the bluff above the Willamette River with glimpses of the industrial waterfront, bridges, and Forest Park beyond.
The new protected bike lanes make this already popular corridor more welcoming to families, casual riders, and anyone who prefers a little breathing room from traffic.
Stay on Willamette as you make your way toward the heart of St. Johns.
5. St. Johns: Welcome to Wildwood Country
You've arrived in Prue's neighborhood!
St. Johns feels like a small town tucked inside Portland, with independent shops, cafes, restaurants, a historic theater, and one of the most spectacular bridges in America.
Park your bike and explore the places that make this neighborhood special.
For Wildwood fans, the adventure doesn't have to end here. The St. Johns Bridge offers a dramatic view toward Forest Park, the real-life inspiration for the Impassable Wilderness.
And don't miss the neighborhood's historic movie theaters, where the magic of Portland's film culture feels right at home.
Why This Route Matters
Portland has long celebrated its bicycle culture, but getting between neighborhoods hasn't always felt comfortable for everyday riders.
The protected bikeways on Greeley and Willamette are important pieces of a larger puzzle: creating a connected network that makes bicycling a practical, joyful option for more people.
This route isn't entirely protected. There are painted bike lanes, neighborhood streets, and intersections that still require attention. But the improvements represent meaningful progress.
And there's something especially fitting about celebrating Wildwood with a bicycle ride.
Prue doesn't wait for someone to drive her into an adventure. She gets on her bike and goes.
Imagine a Portland where every child could experience that same freedom, independence, and adventure.
That's a city worth building.
So grab your bike, channel your inner Prue, and ride to St. Johns. The wilderness—and a little Portland magic—awaits.
