About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveler, but anyone else can go and find it, too. More Information can be found on the SideTracked Website.
This cache also qualifies for the Disappearing RR Blues bonus cache. This series highlights the railways of NW Oregon.
About Beaverton Central MAX Station
Welcome to the Beaverton Central MAX Station. This is the first station heading east that is not on the original Oregon Electric Railway (OE) alignment. If you look west from the platform, you can see where the MAX tracks curve right to join the former OE right‑of‑way. The historic OE line would have continued east‑southeast toward Garden Home, following a very different path than today’s MAX.
Beaverton Central is served by the MAX Blue and Red Lines.
When the station opened in 1998, it was part of the ambitious Beaverton in the Round redevelopment project. The circular building north of the station was the centerpiece of that plan. The project stalled for several years, but later investment transformed the area into a lively, mixed‑use district with City Hall, shops, restaurants, offices, and apartments—a true example of transit‑oriented development.
Station Artwork
Westside Design Team (1998)
The Westside design team used the phases of the moon as a symbol of Beaverton’s growth and change.
Highlights include:
- Abstract brick patterns on the systems building
- Four brick‑and‑quartzite “rugs” inside the shelters, each representing a moon phase
- Two moon‑phase forms that rise up to become seats
- Christopher Rauschenberg’s Time Window, documenting the station’s view in 1994
Lee Kelly — Icarus at Kittyhawk (2005)
This 10‑foot stainless‑steel sculpture, inspired by the myth of Icarus, reflects on ambition and its risks. The piece includes integrated seating and was purchased with funds remaining from the Westside MAX project, held by Metro.
Station Facilities
- No free Park‑and‑Ride lot
Best access: Arrive by MAX. Limited free 2‑hour parking is available nearby. Difficulty rating due to muggles.