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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 a lake with two swimming areas for adventurous souls looking to get farther into the water than open surf will allow.
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.
Daybreak Park
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.
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.
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