Portland gets a bad rap for the rain. People think we’re just hunkered down in flannel shirts under gray skies for twelve months straight, clutching lukewarm oat milk lattes. That’s a lie. When July hits and the Willamette Valley starts cooking, the city transforms into a frantic search for cold water. Finding swimming holes in Portland Oregon isn’t just a hobby here; it’s a survival strategy.
You’ve got the Willamette River running right through the gut of the city, but locals are picky. Some people won’t touch the "Big Float" water with a ten-foot pole, while others are diving off docks at Sellwood without a second thought. It’s a vibe. Honestly, the real magic happens about forty minutes outside the city limits where the glacial runoff from Mount Hood hits the basalt canyons.
The Willamette River Reality Check
Let’s talk about the river in our backyard. For years, the Willamette was the place you’d only go if you wanted a third arm. But things changed after the Big Pipe project wrapped up. Now, places like Poet’s Beach and Audrey McCall Beach are actually packed.
Poet’s Beach is basically under the Marquam Bridge. It’s sandy, it’s easy to get to, and it’s right there in the shadow of downtown. You’ll see families, tourists, and people who just escaped their cubicles for thirty minutes. It’s fine. It’s convenient. But if you want that deep-woods, crystal-clear Oregon experience, you have to drive.
Sellwood Riverfront Park is the superior city choice. Huge off-leash dog area nearby, plenty of dock space, and the current isn't usually too aggressive. If you're looking for swimming holes in Portland Oregon that don't require a gas tank refill, this is it. Just check the Check the Recreation Portal before you jump in. Sometimes heavy rains can cause overflow issues, and nobody wants to swim in "urban runoff."
The Sandy River: Ice Water and Inner Tubes
The Sandy River is where Portlanders go to feel alive. Or numb. The water comes from the glaciers on Mt. Hood, so even when it’s 95°F out, the water feels like it’s about 55°F.
Dabney State Recreation Area is the classic. It’s rugged. There are huge rocks to sunbathe on and a decent stretch of river for floating. The downside? The parking lot fills up by 10:00 AM on a Saturday. If you aren't there early, you’re circling like a vulture.
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Then there’s Oxbow Regional Park. This place is massive. Because it’s a Metro park, there’s a small fee, which honestly keeps the riff-raff down a little bit. It’s a "no alcohol" park, officially. Keep that in mind. The river bends here create deep, slow-moving pools that are perfect for actual swimming, not just wading. The old-growth forest surrounding the water makes you feel like you’re in a Tolkien novel.
Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site
Right at the mouth of the Sandy, this spot is iconic. It’s the gateway to the Gorge. The water is shallower here, making it a hotspot for families. You’ve got the massive cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge looming in the distance, and the wind usually picks up in the afternoon. It’s a great spot to launch a paddleboard, though the current near the confluence can get tricky if you aren't paying attention.
Moulton Falls and the North Fork Lewis River
If you’re willing to cross the bridge into Washington (I know, I know), Moulton Falls Regional Park is spectacular. This is the stuff of Instagram dreams. There’s a high, arched bridge that looks incredibly cinematic, but don't jump off it. Seriously. People do, and people get hurt. The cops watch it pretty closely these days.
The water here is a deep, emerald green. The basalt rock formations create natural tubs and chutes. It’s a bit of a hike from the parking lot, which is a good thing. It filters out the people who aren't dedicated. You’ll find deep pools that stay cool all summer. It's roughly a 45-minute drive from North Portland, depending on the I-5 traffic nightmare.
The Clackamas River: The Party River
If the Sandy River is the quiet, brooding sibling, the Clackamas is the one who brought a boombox and a cooler of IPAs. High Rocks in Gladstone is the legendary (and slightly notorious) spot.
High Rocks is exactly what it sounds like. Massive basalt cliffs over a deep section of the Clackamas River. It’s a rite of passage for local teenagers to jump off the "cliffs," but the current here is deceptively fast. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Water Rescue team stays busy here for a reason. Lifeguards are often on duty during peak summer months, which is a rarity for natural swimming holes in Portland Oregon.
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For something more relaxed, head further up Highway 224 to McIver State Park. It’s huge. It’s got a world-class disc golf course, but the river access is the real draw. There’s a lower boat ramp area where the water pools up nicely.
- Pro Tip: If you're floating the Clackamas from Barton to Carver, it's a three to four-hour commitment.
- Safety Check: Wear a life jacket. The river is full of "strainers"—downed trees that can trap a swimmer underwater.
- Parking: Get a Discovery Pass or be prepared to pay the day-use fee.
Dougan Falls and the Washougal River
Deep in the Skamania County woods lies the Washougal River. This is where the locals go when they want to escape the Portland city heat entirely. Dougan Falls is the end of the line. It’s a 19-foot waterfall that drops into a massive, deep basin.
The water is breathtakingly clear. You can see the pebbles at the bottom even when it’s ten feet deep. It’s a bit of a drive, and the road gets narrow, but it’s worth it. There are numerous smaller pull-offs along the Washougal River Road before you even hit the falls. These "secret" spots are often better if you want privacy. Look for clusters of cars parked on the shoulder; that’s usually the sign of a hidden path down to the water.
Safety, Scum, and Submerged Logs
Look, swimming in wild water isn't like jumping in a backyard pool. The Pacific Northwest rivers are dangerous. The water stays cold enough to cause "cold water shock," which can paralyze your muscles in minutes.
Every year, the news covers another story about someone who went under and didn't come up. It's usually because of submerged logs or "foot entrapment." Never, ever walk in moving water that is deeper than your knees. If your foot gets wedged between two rocks and the current pushes you over, it's nearly impossible to get back up.
Also, watch out for blue-green algae. As the summer wears on and the water warms up and slows down, certain areas (especially around Ross Island or Elk Rock Island) can develop toxic blooms. If the water looks like pea soup or has a weird oily sheen, keep your dog out of it and stay out yourself.
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Why the "Secret" Spots Are Disappearing
Social media has been a double-edged sword for swimming holes in Portland Oregon. Places that used to be known only to locals are now geotagged and overrun. This has led to trash problems, illegal parking, and eventually, closures.
If you find a spot that isn't on this list, keep it to yourself. Pack out your trash. If you see a crumpled Rainier can, pick it up. The ethos of Oregon swimming is "leave no trace," or we’re going to lose access to these places.
Practical Steps for Your River Day
Don't just throw a towel in the car and wing it. You need a kit.
- Check the Flow: Use the USGS water data sites to see how fast the rivers are moving. High flow means dangerous currents.
- Footwear: Flip-flops are useless. You need Tevas, Chacos, or cheap old sneakers. The rocks are slippery and sharp.
- Sunscreen: The reflection off the water will fry you faster than you think.
- Dry Bags: If you’re floating, everything you own will get wet. Trust me.
- Parking Passes: Check if you need a NW Forest Pass, an Oregon State Parks permit, or a Washington Discovery Pass. Getting a $75 ticket ruins a $0 swim real fast.
The best way to experience these spots is to go on a Tuesday. If you can't, go early. If you arrive at noon on a Sunday at any of these places, you’re going to be hiking a mile from your car and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger.
Oregon summers are short. They’re gorgeous, fleeting, and usually smell like woodsmoke and river silt. Get out there while the water is high and the sun is out, but respect the power of the rivers. They don't care about your swimming ability.
Next Steps:
Check the current water temperature of the Sandy River at the Revenue Bridge gauge to ensure it’s safe for your skill level. Purchase an Oregon State Parks pass online to avoid fumbling with cash at the trailhead kiosks. Finally, download an offline map of the Washougal River Road area, as cell service drops out long before you reach the best swimming holes.