Portland may be more than an hour from the Oregon Coast, but locals and visitors don’t have to leave the city to find a nearby beach.

Several parks along the Willamette and Columbia rivers offer sandy shorelines, river access, picnic areas, and places to cool off during warmer weather.

More options are available just outside the city on Sauvie Island.

Here are six river beaches you can visit in and around Portland.

Poet’s Beach

Poet’s Beach offers one of the closest beach experiences to downtown Portland.

The small beach sits along the Willamette River beneath the Marquam Bridge and can be reached from the South Waterfront area.

Its location also makes it an option for travelers who want to spend time along the river without driving outside the city.

Sellwood Riverfront Park

Sellwood Riverfront Park sits along the Willamette River in Southeast Portland.

The 8-acre park includes river access, picnic tables, walking paths, a boat dock, restrooms, and an off-leash area for dogs.

The park is also near the Springwater Corridor, giving cyclists another way to reach the riverfront.

Cathedral Park

Cathedral Park has a small beach where locals gather to relax and swim in the Willamette River. A newly built dock just off the beach provides easier access to the water for swimming and fishing.

The park sits beneath the St. Johns Bridge in North Portland. Visitors can spend time along the river while taking in views of the bridge and surrounding neighborhood.

The park also includes picnic areas, walking paths, and a boat dock.

Kelley Point Park

Kelley Point Park sits near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in North Portland.

The park includes wooded trails, picnic areas, and stretches of shoreline that provide a quieter setting away from more developed parts of the city.

Visitors should pay attention to posted signs and restrictions around the water, as conditions near the river confluence can be dangerous.

Which river beaches can you visit on Sauvie Island?

Walton Beach

Sauvie Island offers several sandy beaches near Portland, including Walton Beach.

The beach stretches along the Columbia River and is a popular warm-weather destination for beachgoers, picnickers, and visitors looking to spend an afternoon along the water.

The island is also home to farms, wildlife areas, cycling routes, and seasonal U-pick destinations, making it easy to combine a beach visit with other activities.

Collins Beach

Collins Beach is another option along the Columbia River on Sauvie Island.

The beach has an extended stretch of shoreline, and part of Collins Beach is designated for clothing-optional recreation.

Visitors should check current parking and access requirements before heading to Sauvie Island, particularly during the busy season.

What should visitors know before heading to a Portland river beach?

River beaches come with different conditions than designated swimming pools or beaches with lifeguards.

Portland Parks & Recreation advises visitors to be aware of cold water, currents, changing depths, boats, submerged objects, and other river hazards. Many river access areas do not have lifeguards.

Water quality can also change. Visitors planning to swim should check current advisories and posted warnings before entering the water.

Conditions and regulations vary by park, so checking current information before leaving home can help avoid surprises.