Floating / Boating / Beach
Natural Beauty
10 minute drive. DRY IN SUMMER. Great area for leisurely walks and canoeing. Soft stands of cottonwoods and doug firs line the walking paths. The lakes are a favorite stop-over for large birds including pelicans, great blue herons, and great egrets.
30 locals recommend
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
5300 N Marine Dr10 minute drive. DRY IN SUMMER. Great area for leisurely walks and canoeing. Soft stands of cottonwoods and doug firs line the walking paths. The lakes are a favorite stop-over for large birds including pelicans, great blue herons, and great egrets.
15 minute drive. NO SWIMMING. The confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Unfortunately no water entry is allowed but the tree-lined shore is wonderful for sunny day hangouts.
52 locals recommend
Kelley Point Park
North Kelly Point Park Road15 minute drive. NO SWIMMING. The confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Unfortunately no water entry is allowed but the tree-lined shore is wonderful for sunny day hangouts.
Beach and Swimming
10 minute drive. Directly under the St. Johns Bridge. A fishing dock encloses a swimming area. Super close to St. Johns downtown. Great for picnics.
186 locals recommend
Cathedral Park
10 minute drive. Directly under the St. Johns Bridge. A fishing dock encloses a swimming area. Super close to St. Johns downtown. Great for picnics.
30-40 minute drive. There are 5 distinct beaches on the north side of the island. These can get VERY crowded but if you show up early, you can get a prime spot.
$10 daily parking permit. $30 annual (worth it for extended stays) -- purchase at The Cracker Barrel Store at the end of the access bridge of the island.
14 locals recommend
Sauvie Island Beach
38798 NW Reeder Rd30-40 minute drive. There are 5 distinct beaches on the north side of the island. These can get VERY crowded but if you show up early, you can get a prime spot.
$10 daily parking permit. $30 annual (worth it for extended stays) -- purchase at The Cracker Barrel Store at the end of the access bridge of the island.
15 minute drive. Highly recommended alternative to the crowded Sauvies Island beaches. While this is still popular, it is WAY easier to park and have space. Great stretch along the Columbia River. $5 parking permit
16 locals recommend
Broughton Beach Park
4141 NE Marine Dr15 minute drive. Highly recommended alternative to the crowded Sauvies Island beaches. While this is still popular, it is WAY easier to park and have space. Great stretch along the Columbia River. $5 parking permit
River Floats
45 minute drive. A two car operation. Drop one off at the ending point, then drive the other to the start point. When you’re all done, drive back to the start to pick up your vehicle. Good start / stop points and logistical advice can be found at: https://www.poweredbytofu.com/portland-river-float/
9 locals recommend
Clackamas River
45 minute drive. A two car operation. Drop one off at the ending point, then drive the other to the start point. When you’re all done, drive back to the start to pick up your vehicle. Good start / stop points and logistical advice can be found at: https://www.poweredbytofu.com/portland-river-float/
45 minute drive. A two car operation. Drop one off at the ending point, then drive the other to the start point. When you’re all done, drive back to the start to pick up your vehicle. Good start / stop points and logistical advice can be found at: https://www.poweredbytofu.com/portland-river-float/
31 locals recommend
Sandy River Delta Park
Thousand Acres Road45 minute drive. A two car operation. Drop one off at the ending point, then drive the other to the start point. When you’re all done, drive back to the start to pick up your vehicle. Good start / stop points and logistical advice can be found at: https://www.poweredbytofu.com/portland-river-float/