It happens every summer — Saturday rolls around, thermometers top 80 degrees, and the urge to hit the lake, river or pool becomes overwhelming. But between parking woes and rowdy teenagers, algae blooms and just plain old traffic and long drives, the prospect of catching some rays while the kids safely and happily splash around is often more fantasy than reality. To help you beat the odds this year, here’s a collection of some of our favorite adventure spots most likely to deliver on your vision of summer-bliss success.
Before you go: Natural swimming spots can change quickly. Check current water-quality advisories, watch for cyanobacteria/algae blooms, and remember that most of these spots do not have lifeguards. Bring life jackets.
Original article by Kat Merck, with additions by PDX Parent Staff.
Broughton Beach
Looking for a spot right in town? This unfussy little strip of sand is right next to Portland International Airport, along the Columbia River. The air-traffic noise can be loud, but the currents are light and water shallow for quite a distance, allowing little ones to splash around to their hearts’ content. Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring swim shoes, as surfaces can get rocky. -K.M
Milo McIver State Park
We love to float down the river in the summer, especially Milo McIver State Park. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely float, cruising down some small rapids, or a day-long adventure down the river, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly spot.
Oxbow Regional Park
For many families, it’s just not summer without a trip to the Sandy River, and Oxbow is hard to beat for its proximity and access. Inner-tube floating and boating are especially popular here, along with the requisite swimming and fishing. There’s even a playground for kids and plenty of campsites for those wanting to make a weekend of it, all within less than an hour from the city. Pro tip: This area can get relatively rowdy and crowded on the weekend, but is generally quite mellow during the week. Most people hang out at the boat launch, but the helpful park rangers can suggest pocket sites along the river if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. -K.M
Salmon River Trail
This short, low-impact hike through old-growth trees along the Salmon River is not only a beautiful summer trek on its own, but features idyllic swimming holes just off the trail and some seasonal stream crossings perfect for poking around in. Try to find an area that is sheltered from the trail, and bring a floatie along — just keep a close eye on smaller kids because there’s a decent current, and be prepared for super-chilly water, even on summer’s hottest days. -K.M
Vancouver Lake
Only 3 miles from downtown Vancouver and 20 minutes from Portland, Vancouver Lake features 2.5 miles of sandy, shell-studded beach with a clear-day view of Mt. St. Helens, plus sand volleyball courts, a sizable pier and boat launch, and a small playground. The shoreline is shallow enough for even the littlest kids to walk out a ways, and the water is quite warm — perfect for days that are sunny yet mild. Check latest recommendations on safety due to toxic algae. -K.M
Dewey Pool
A long-running tradition in Vernonia, Dewey Pool isn’t a pool at all but rather a section of Rock Creek dammed in the summer to create a picturesque, old-timey swimming hole. With plenty of shade and picnic areas and even a separate area for smaller swimmers, it’s well worth the drive for a dose of small-town charm. -K.M
Klineline Pond
Klineline is beloved for its family-friendly fishing for trout, bass, crappie and catfish, as well as a nearby chlorinated splash pad for kids whose patience may give up before the fish catch on. Leave the big floaties at home. Clark County says no boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, or air mattresses in the designated swim area. -K.M
Henry Hagg Lake
Hagg Lake offers something for every water adventurer: boating, jet skiing, SUPing, floating and just plain swimming. Even better, this lake (located less than an hour’s drive from Portland) features a wake zone — for motored boats and jet skis — and a no wake zone for swimmers and paddlers. Pro tip: Hagg Lake gets busy on the weekends, so early birds have the best luck in scoring a good spot to set up for the day.
Fort Stevens State Park
This 4,200-acre property just west of Astoria offers a little something for everyone. An active fort in both the Civil War and World War II, the park features a military museum and walking tours, a real shipwreck, and wide expanses of sandy beach perfect for kite-flying. There are also a variety of camping facilities, as well as Coffenbury Lake with two swimming areas for adventurous souls looking to get farther into the water than open surf will allow. -K.M
George Rogers Park
Popular year round for its large playground, toy-filled sandbox and grassy picnic areas with pretty views, George Rogers is also a spectacular summer pick for its sandy beach right on the Willamette. It’s just a short walk from the lower parking lot, making it both kayak-accessible and ideal for classic blanket-and-umbrella picnic action. -K.M
Daybreak Park
2026 note: Daybreak is not currently a recommended swimming spot. Clark County says the boat launch is closed until further notice, and river access is restricted downstream from Daybreak Park. Check current conditions before visiting.
This 77-acre site on the east fork of the Lewis River, just northwest of Battle Ground, Wash., is known for its park, boat launch and fishing hole, but the slow currents and shallow spots make it an ideal spot for small kids. Bring along a BBQ picnic and enjoy watching the fish and river rocks through the crystal-clear water. -K.M
Lewisville Regional Park
About 4 miles east of Daybreak, also on the Lewis River, this is Clark County’s oldest park and includes 154 acres of trails, playground equipment, picnic areas and, of course, multiple swimming holes and designated splashing areas. Some can be deep, however, so exercise particular caution with non-swimmers. -K.M
Blue Lake Regional Park
With a sandy swim beach, splash pad, playground, picnic areas and plenty of space to make a day of it, Blue Lake Regional Park is one of the easiest family swimming spots close to Portland. Swimming is only allowed in the designated beach area, and there are no lifeguards, so bring life jackets and keep kids close. Bonus: the spray park makes this a great pick for families with toddlers or mixed ages.
Sellwood Riverfront Park
You don’t have to leave Portland to swim outside. Sellwood Riverfront Park has a sandy Willamette River beach, a floating dock with swim ladders and a surprisingly vacation-y feel for an in-town spot. Good to know: it’s a popular off-leash dog area.
Cathedral Park Beach and Dock
This might be Portland’s prettiest in-city swimming spot, with a small sand-and-gravel beach tucked under the St. Johns Bridge. The beach is the better family option here, while the dock is better for stronger swimmers because the water is deeper. There are restrooms, picnic tables and plenty of room to spread out on the grass, but parking can be limited on sunny days.
Rooster Rock State Park
Just 22 miles east of Portland, Rooster Rock State Park offers three miles of Columbia River beach, picnic shelters, disc golf and plenty of room for a summer day trip. The clothing-optional beach is separate from the main family area, so don’t let that scare you off if you’re looking for a classic river beach day. Check river levels before you go, and know that dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Moulton Falls Regional Park
Moulton Falls is beautiful and peaceful. The 387-acre Clark County park has two waterfalls, a dramatic arch bridge, forested trails, picnic tables, restrooms and swimming access.
Poet’s Beach
Poet’s Beach is a tiny downtown swimming beach on the west side of the Willamette, tucked under the Marquam Bridge. The smooth sand and easy water entry make it one of the most approachable river dips in Portland, and the path down to the beach is lined with poems from local kids. It’s a sweet pick for a quick city swim.
Audrey McCall Beach
There’s another little Willamette swim spot near the Eastbank Esplanade: Audrey McCall Beach, also called Eastbank Crescent Beach. This semi-rocky cove sits just south of the Hawthorne Bridge, with easy, gradual river access and great downtown views. The beach is more kid-friendly than the adjacent dock, which is very deep and better for experienced swimmers.
Glenn Otto Community Park
For Sandy River swimming without a big drive, Glenn Otto Community Park in Troutdale is a summer classic. Families will find a sandy riverfront beach, playground, picnic areas, restrooms and easy access to Sugarpine Drive-In. The river is cold and the current can be swift. Dogs are not allowed.
Dougan Falls
Dougan Falls is worth the drive for the wow factor. The Washougal River swimming hole has big rocks, a waterfall, picnic tables and a vault toilet, but it gets crowded in summer and parking is limited. A Washington Discover Pass is required.
Looking for a public pool or splash pad instead? For even more water fun, check out these posts!
Portland Area Fountains and Splash Pads
Indoor and Outdoor Pools and Waterparks near Portland