By Lorri Epstein, Water Quality Director
Warm weather and sunshine has us thinking about cooling off in the river! We’ve compiled our favorite lower-river beaches in different categories. We know there are many more great beaches upriver (Brett raves about the clear water of the headwaters at Columbia Lake). 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.
Best Beaches:
- 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.
Do you have thoughts on Columbia River beaches? Share on our Facebook page.
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.
