15 Best Swimming Holes and Beaches near Portland

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The arrival of summer in Portland has me dreaming of crystal blue pools and chilly rivers of snowmelt. In case I’m not the only one, here are my favorite swimming holes and beaches to cool off during a heat wave. It’s a mix of spots near the city for convenient last-minute escapes and day trip destinations worth the drive. Everything is within two hours of Portland, Oregon, and most are within an hour. Now let’s get out of our stuffy apartments.

Hood River

Tips for swimming near Portland

• Expect cold water even on hot days. Snowmelt feeds many of the streams and rivers near Portland. Watch for signs of hypothermia when swimming. If you get chilled, take some time out of the water and warm up in the sun.

• Most of the swimming holes and beaches near Portland are very popular in the summer. Arrive early on hot weekend days.

• Wear sunscreen.

• There aren’t any long hikes on this list, but it may take some walking to reach the ideal lounging spot from the car. An insulated cooler backpack makes the journey easier and keeps the drinks cold.

1. Oxbow Regional Park

St John’s Wort blooms by the Sandy River in Oxbow Regional Park

Hike in: No, but there are trails in the park if you want to hike.

Pass required: $5/day regional fee. Pay with a credit at the park entrance.

Dog-friendly: No, dogs are not allowed in the park.

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, playgrounds, lifejackets

Drive time from Portland: 35 minutes

Oxbow Regional Park has some of the closest swimming beaches to Portland that feel like they’re in the wilderness. This 1,000-acre park surrounds the Sandy River’s oxbow, where twists in the river form a distinctive U-shape. Multiple river access points and relatively mild currents make it great for wading and swimming. I’ve swum here before on a very hot day and can confirm that it will cool you off immediately, perhaps a bit too much. Snow and glacial ice melting on Mt Hood feed the river. If you get too chilly, sunny spots on the sandy riverbanks are beautiful and relaxing places to warm up.

Oxbow Regional Park also begins a popular floating route. Use a car shuttle to try out the float to Dabney State Park or Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site.

Learn more in my guide to Oxbow Regional Park.

2. Moulton Falls Regional Park

Moulton Falls

Hike in: No, but there are trails nearby if you want to hike.

Pass required: None

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grill

Drive time from Portland: 1 hour

Moulton Falls is a well-known swimming hole in Washington that gets surprisingly little attention on the Oregon side of the Columbia. Its rugged and forested setting along the East Fork Lewis River feels worlds away from the city. The river forms many cascades, including 10-foot Moulton Falls, as it flows past chunky volcanic rocks and ledges. Dense greenery surrounds the river and shades its banks, but you can find plenty of sun-kissed rocks for lounging. A highlight of Moulton Falls Regional Park is its wooden arched bridge, the cover photo for this article. Please don’t jump from the bridge. People have been injured when they’ve tried.

Besides the swimming hole, Moulton Falls connects to some excellent hiking trails. My favorite destination is Yacolt Falls, a 35-foot waterfall along Big Tree Creek. A 1-mile loop hike will take you there from Moulton Falls.

Find details in my guide to Moulton Falls Regional Park.

Yacolt Falls

3. Sunset Falls

Sunset Falls

Hike in: 0.2 miles out and back

Pass required: NW Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables

Drive time from Portland: 70 minutes

Although Sunset Falls is only a little over an hour from Portland, it feels hidden and remote. Tucked away near a campground in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the waterfall tumbles as several picturesque streams over a 14-foot lava rock ledge along the East Fork Lewis River. The tranquil pool beneath Sunset Falls is the perfect swimming hole on a hot day. When I visited on a beautiful weekday, there was exactly one other person at the falls. I’m sure that weekends would draw more crowds but I doubt they ever get overwhelming.

4. Dougan Falls

Dougan Falls

Hike in: No

Pass required: Washington Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year). Buy a pass before arriving.

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables

Drive time from Portland: 1 hour

The swimming hole at Dougan Falls is a deep pool beneath a cascading 19-foot waterfall surrounded by hills of conifer forests. Both upstream and downstream of the falls, the crystal clear water of the Washougal River flows gently over the smooth rocks of the riverbed, making for excellent wading. You might spot a heron fishing for crayfish as you explore the riverbanks. The catch? Parking is limited at this swimming hole and fills up fast. Arrive early if you’re visiting on a summer weekend.

Find details in my guide to Dougan Falls.

5. Milo McIver State Park

Clackamas River

Hike in: No

Pass required: Oregon State Park Pass ($5/day). You can buy a pass on-site with a credit card.

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, disc golf course, boat ramp, kayak/SUP rentals

Drive time from Portland: 45 minutes

Milo McIver State Park has a little bit of everything. The Clackamas River flows through the large and developed park, providing scenic wading spots at various river access points. The river is calmer than many in the area and is one of the safer choices on the list for swimming or floating, especially toward the end of summer. At the south end of the park, Estacada Lake has a boat dock that’s an easy place to launch a kayak. Away from the water, look for forested hiking trails, a fish hatchery, an off-leash dog park, and a disc golf course.

6. Wilson River

Wilson River

Hike in: No, but check out the Wilson River Trail if you want to hike.

Pass required: None

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, and BBQ grills at Jones Creek Day Use Area. Restrooms and patio tables at the Tillamook Forest Center.

Drive time from Portland: 1 hour

Portlanders tend to overlook the Wilson River, I suspect because it’s so close to the coast. If you make it there, it’s tempting to continue to the beaches near Tillamook. For swimming potential, though, the Wilson River is both safer and less frigid than the Pacific. Between the Jones Creek Day Use Area and the Tillamook Forest Center, picnic tables and many river access points make it easy to relax by the water. While you’re there, have a look around the Tillamook Forest Center. Besides the luxurious indoor restrooms, check out the climbable fire lookout tower, exhibits on the history of Oregon’s forests, and a 250-foot suspension bridge over the Wilson River. Admission is free with a suggested $5 donation.

Once you’re done exploring the river, consider driving another 45 minutes to the coast and checking out some of the best things to do near Oceanside.

7. Sauvie Island

Willow Bar Beach on Sauvie Island

Hike in: No

Pass required: $10 Sauvie Island Wildlife Area pass

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms

Drive time from Portland: 30 minutes

The beaches on Sauvie Island are some of the prettiest and easiest to reach near Portland. Although popular, different access points along the Columbia River’s miles of sandy banks make it fairly easy to spread out. Make sure you buy a parking pass on your way to the beach. Cracker Barrel Grocery is an easy stop just across the bridge to Sauvie Island that sells them. Then, choose your beach. The most famous is Collins Beach, known both for being clothing optional and for the derelict boat on its shore that looks just like a UFO. If you want to stick to the clothed scene, check out peaceful Willow Bar Beach or Walton Beach. If you’re up for a hike and want to find a quieter beach, try out the 6-mile out-and-back trail to Warrior Rock Lighthouse. It will take you not only to Warrior Point Beach but also to Oregon’s smallest lighthouse.

For more things to do, check out my guide to Sauvie Island.

8. Lower Lewis River Falls

Lower Lewis River Falls

Hike in: No, but check out the Lewis River Trail to connect to more waterfalls.

Pass required: NW Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass AND Lewis River Recreation Area reservation ($2). Buy both before arriving.

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables

Drive time from Portland: 2 hours

Lower Lewis River Falls is the farthest swimming hole from Portland on the list, but its incredible scenery makes it worth the drive. As much a waterfall hike as a swimming destination, the Lewis River has several major waterfalls and a few smaller ones within about three miles. The most impressive is Lower Falls, which tumbles over a broad basalt ledge in countless streams and rivulets. The waterfall is roaring and powerful in the spring and becomes more sedate as the summer progresses. Toward the beginning of the season, wading close to the waterfall is too dangerous. Head upstream a short distance to find a safe and calm stretch of the Lewis River. Later in the summer, you can get closer to Lower Falls by exploring the area downstream. After seeing Lower Falls, hike or drive to the Lewis River’s other magnificent waterfalls.

For details, check out my guide to the Lewis River Recreation Area.

Look for a calm part of the Lewis River upstream of Lower Falls

9. Glenn Otto Community Park

Sandy beach at Glenn Otto Community Park

Hike in: No

Pass required: None

Dog-friendly: No, dogs are not allowed in the park.

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, playground, BBQ grills, restaurant, lifejackets

Drive time from Portland: 20 minutes

I included Glenn Otto Community Park on the list because it has a beautiful beach with tons of soft sand, and is one of the most convenient swimming spots near Portland. Still, there are a couple of safety concerns to consider before heading there. First, like many of the beaches near Portland, the water is cold. Even on a hot day, it might only be in the 50’s. More importantly, the beach is on the Sandy River near where it empties into the Columbia River. Currents here can be strong, especially as you get farther away from shore. If you’re swimming, proceed with caution and borrow a lifejacket from the lifeguards in the tent on the beach.

After spending time by the water, consider stopping by the Sugarpine Drive-In for drinks and snacks in their shady outside seating area.

Sugarpine Drive-In

10. Punchbowl Falls

Confluence of the East and West Fork Hood River

Hike in: 0.5 miles (one-way)

Pass required: None

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Port-a-potty at the trailhead

Drive time from Portland: 80 minutes

The short Punchbowl Falls hike leads to two impressive waterfalls and a peaceful swimming area at the confluence of the East and West Fork Hood River. You’ll need to hike about a half-mile to reach the water, but the scenery will take your mind off the distance, even when it’s hot. You’ll first pass 10-foot Punchbowl Falls as it surges through a canyon of columnar basalt. Looking upstream, there’s a glimpse of Mt Hood’s summit. Just ahead is 75-foot Dead Point Falls surrounded by the lush greenery of a summer forest. In no time, you’ll be down by Hood River’s clear-as-glass water admiring the tree-covered cliffs.

11. Rooster Rock State Park

One of many ground squirrels at Rooster Rock State Park

Hike in: No

Pass required: Oregon State Park Pass ($5/day). You can buy a pass with a credit card at the park entrance.

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, disc golf course

Drive time from Portland: 25 minutes

So here’s a tip I learned the hard way. The beach at Rooster Rock State Park is more of a late-summer phenomenon. Earlier in the season, the Columbia River is high enough to cover the beach. If, like me, you visit in June, chances are you’ll see only half-submerged grass along the riverbank. Later in the summer, Rooster Rock’s sandy beaches reemerge. Surrounding them are Columbia Gorge vistas in all directions. Until then, console yourself at one of the picnic tables overlooking the river.

Rooster Rock has two beach areas with different characters. Those on the west side are family-friendly and require clothing. To the east is the park’s clothing-optional beach. The two areas are separate so it’s easy to choose between them. To find the clothing-optional beach, park at the far east side of the parking lot and take the dirt trail down the hill. Signs indicate the start of the clothing optional area.

12. Hood River Waterfront Park

Look for a dedicated swimming area on the Hood River waterfront

Hike in: No

Pass required: None. Some of the parking nearby charges a fee.

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, play equipment, restaurants

Drive time from Portland: 1 hour

In the heart of Hood River, the waterfront park beach looks like part of an unusually attractive town center rather than a secluded beach in the woods. The swimming area is along a walking path that follows the Columbia River. Nearby are picnic tables and play equipment, including a rock climbing structure. It’s a favorite both for kids and, when the kids aren’t using it, me. Across the street, you can stop at one of the restaurants on the waterfront for coffee, pizza, cocktails, or ice cream. Out on the water, look for windsurfers, paddle boarders, and kite surfers.

13. Mosier Creek Falls

Desert parsley blooms in front of the swimming hole at Mosier Creek Falls

Hike in: 0.25 miles (one-way)

Pass required: None

Dog-friendly: Yes

Amenities: Port-a-potties next to the parking lot

Drive time from Portland: 65 minutes

The Mosier Plateau Trail just east of Hood River is famous for its spectacular late-spring wildflower hike. Most hikers don’t realize that after the blooms fade, Mosier Creek Falls has a wonderful swimming hole. While the full hike is about three miles long, the waterfall is only about a quarter mile from the trailhead (more like 0.5 miles from the parking lot). Mosier Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall that makes a slightly offset two-tiered plunge. The swimming hole is the pool between the two tiers. On the way to the falls, you’ll pass the Mosier Cemetery with graves dating from the 1800s.

14. Sellwood Riverfront Park

Beach at Sellwood Riverfront Park

Hike in: No

Pass required: None

Dog-friendly: Yes. Besides the beach, the park has an off-leash dog area.

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, boat dock

Unlike the swimming spots farther away from Portland, Sellwood Riverfront Park feels like an urban park rather than a wilderness retreat. To the south, you’ll see the Sellwood Bridge crossing the Willamette River. To the north are the buildings downtown. If you can overlook the reminders that you’re still in the city, the beach is one of the best in Portland. From the parking lot, you’ll see the park’s long sandy shore. If you head north, you can take a trail through the woods to find more secluded spots on the river. It’s a great choice when you want to relax by the water without a long drive to get there. Nearby are Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and the rides at Oaks Park amusement park.

15. Naked Falls

Naked Falls

Hike in: Short but steep 0.1 miles

Pass required: Site-specific day pass ($13). Buy a pass before arriving online or in person at Washougal River Mercantile.

Dog-friendly: I think so, but I couldn’t find confirmation on the owner’s website.

Amenities: None

Drive time from Portland: 1 hour

I debated putting Naked Falls on the list because of the hassle (and expense) of the parking permit. The waterfall is privately owned but open to the public. To visit, you need to buy a $13 pass either on the owner’s website or in person at a store called Washougal River Mercantile, which is kind of on the way there from Portland. The catch with the online pass is that you need to print a physical copy, which assumes you are one of the tiny minority of people who have a working printer at home. Despite the trouble of the permit, I’m including it here because the swimming hole really is lovely. A little past Dougan Falls, the pool below Naked Falls has the same translucent sky-blue water. If you explore upstream, you can find the small and pretty cascades of Reeder Falls.

Reeder Falls

In summary, the best swimming holes and beaches near Portland are:

1. Oxbow Regional Park

2. Moulton Falls

3. Sunset Falls

4. Dougan Falls

5. Milo McIver State Park

6. Wilson River

7. Sauvie Island

8. Lower Lewis River Falls

9. Glenn Otto Community Park

10. Punchbowl Falls

11. Rooster Rock State Park

12. Hood River Waterfront Park

13. Mosier Creek Falls

14. Sellwood Riverfront Park

15. Naked Falls

Stay cool and enjoy the swimming holes near Portland!

With love,

Emma

Explore nearby

See my partially overlapping list of the best hikes near Portland for hot days.

Escape the heat with a trip to Cannon Beach.

Last resort, air conditioning! Check out my suggestions for the best indoor activities in Portland.