Statue of Paul Bunyan

The Statue of Paul Bunyan is a concrete sculpture located at the intersection of North Interstate and Denver Avenue, rising approximately 31 feet tall. The figure wears a red plaid shirt and holds an axe, with metal components reinforcing its structure.

The statue was built in 1959 to commemorate Oregon's 100th anniversary during a regional exposition. It emerged as part of the centennial celebrations and quickly became a recognized landmark in the Kenton neighborhood.

The figure represents a legendary lumberjack from American folklore and occupies a central place in a neighborhood that historically built its identity around logging. The sculpture reflects how deeply this region's character connects to its timber industry past.

The monument sits within walking distance of the Kenton/Denver TriMet Yellow Line station, making public transportation access straightforward. Visitors can also drive and use street parking options nearby.

The neighborhood launched a community restoration campaign in 2017, with residents and businesses pooling resources together. The work involved specialized exterior repainting and structural reinforcement to preserve the monument.

Location: Portland

Inception: 1959

Made from material: concrete

GPS coordinates: 45.58382,-122.68660

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59