Arlington Heights in Portland in Multnomah County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Les AuCoin
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 26, 2026
1. Les AuCoin Marker
“We Oregonians are best when we anticipate the future. Westside Max is an investment in a viable community, by our generation for future generations.”
The Honorable Les AuCoin
United States Congress, First District of Oregon, 1975–1992
Congressman Les AuCoin was the leader in the U.S. House of Representatives in securing federal funds that made possible the light rail system from Portland to Hillsboro.
This plaza is dedicated by the people of the Portland region, in recognition of his vision and dedicated service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 45° 30.641′ N, 122° 43.018′ W. Marker is in Portland, Oregon, in Multnomah County. It is in Arlington Heights. It can be reached from the intersection of Southwest Canyon Road and Southwest Zoo Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4027 SW Canyon Rd, Portland OR 97221, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge and in the Willamette Valley. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Robertson Tunnel (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Robertson Tunnel
this page online
Also see . . . Les AuCoin (Paul Pavlich, Oregon Encyclopedia).
In 1988, at the peak of his career, the Oregonian described AuCoin as “the most powerful congressman in Oregon and one of the most influential members from the Northwest.”(Submitted on August 31, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 26, 2026
2. Les AuCoin Marker
The plaza overlooks the Washington Park and Oregon Zoo parking lot. The marker is located on top of the MAX station building.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, June 26, 2026
3. Les AuCoin Plaza
A sign indicates that the area has been named Les AuCoin Plaza.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 31, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
