By Columbia Riverkeeper Staff
The long sunny days of summer make our staff think about where we're going to spend our weekends exploring and staying cool. Here are some of our favorite Columbia River Beaches; we'll try to add on our top picks as the summer continues. There are many more great beaches throughout the Columbia River Basin (this is by no means a comprehensive list) so if you have a favorite, shoot us an email telling us why along with a photo for consideration.
Also, before hitting the river, make sure the water is safe to swim! Use Columbia Riverkeeper’s Swim Guide mobile app to get directions, alerts, and up-to-the-minute water quality updates on Columbia River recreation sites. Download the Swim Guide app for iPhone/iPad & Android here.
Beach Tips to Protect Yourself:
– Rinse off after swimming and avoid entering the river with open cuts or wounds.
– Swim at least 500ft upstream of pipes discharging into the river.
– Be aware of industrial discharges in your area and avoid toxic hotspots.
– Before swimming, check Swim Guide for current E.coli levels at popular recreation sites.
– Report hazardous waste and illegal dumping.
Best Beaches 2016 Picks:
Best Beach for Hiking: Waterfront Park, Mosier, OregonThe park covers 20 acres and is located between two creeks: Mosier Creek and Rock Creek. This is where you can access both Windsurf Beach, the River Trail/Harmony Lake loop. Great spot for windsurfing despite the unsightly oil booms. Bonus: Support local businesses and Mosier's downtown for fresh cherries, delicious cider, and more.
Oregon
On your way to Fort Stevens, stop by the Skipanon Peninsula, where the Skipanon River meets the Columbia. Starting at Highway 101 in Warrenton, walk the pet-friendly dike path along the Columbia to view bald eagles, occasionally elk, and the site of the now-defunct Oregon LNG terminal.
A tiny little Columbia River beach in the sleepy town of Columbia City. Bring a picnic and enjoy the double mountain views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.
In the summer when it hits the 90s, cool off in the Columbia and set up on the sandbar with a lawn chair and a good book while observing windsports. Perfect informal "yappy" hours.
Celilo Park is a beautiful and typically uncrowded riverfront park situated in an area of profound cultural and historical importance. It is a wonderful place for picnicking, swimming, playing frisbee on the abundant grass, 'beachcombing' on the shoreline, and stargazing at night.
This park located at the Columbia's mouth offers beaches along both the Columbia and Pacific Ocean. Retrace Lewis and Clark's journey, explore the rusting remains of a shipwreck, and learn about the Clatsop village of Neahkelak.
Best Beaches 2015 Picks:
- Best Beach for Kids: Willow Grove in Longview, WA, has a sandy beach, paved walking paths, picnic areas, restrooms, playgroups, and even a life jacket loaner program, making it our top pick for the littles.
- Best Beach to Learn to Windsurf: Beginner surfers flock to the Inner Hook in Hood River, OR, for its calm protected waters.
- Best People Watching: On a hot summer day you’ll find great entertainment watching flocks of fellow swimmers enjoying the Sandy River at Lewis and Clark State Park near the confluence with the Columbia.
- Best Beach for a Cookout: With a long sandy beach, picnic tables and shelters, playground equipment, and nine grills available just 10 minutes from Vancouver, WA, Frenchman’s Bar is the spot we want to fire up the charcoal.
- Best Clothing-Optional Beach: If you like enjoying the river au natural, Collins Beach on Sauvie Island is our top pick for you!
- Best for Camping: If summertime to you means sleeping under the stars while the river floats by, camping is free at Celilo Park.
