Many people only think of "the pumpkin patch" or other U-Pick farms on Sauvie Island, but there is SO MUCH to see and do here. * Bird & Wildlife watching. There is a refuge on the NW side of the island where visitors can see bald eagles, cranes, herons, Osprey, nutria, deer, coyotes, and other critters. * Greenways and trails (Wapato Loop, Warrior Point Trail). * Beaches along the Columbia River (swimming, fishing), including a clothing-optional beach. * Kayaking and SUP (paddleboarding) on Multnomah Channel. * The island is a popular place for cyclists. * Picnic area at Howell Territorial Park. * Dog training and boarding at Sauvie Island Kennels and Charleton Kennels. NOTE: Permit required to park anywhere on the Island (except private property & businesses). DFW Fish & Wildlife regularly patrols, checking for permits and asking people to show their angler's licenses. read more

Sauvie Island - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I had a great time on the beach with my friends and their kid all while watching boats pass by. The current isn't too strong but if you're in a floaty just make sure you don't float too far down the river. Enjoy! read more

Perfect escape from Portland and just a 25 minute drive, Sauvie Island is a Gem! One of my Happy Places! Where the madness of the world disappears, a slower pace, beauty, peace and calm take over. In every season, there is something to see. The wildlife - bald eagles, blue heron, birds too many to mention, deer - is reason enough. Getting in touch with Nature is the answer to so many things. Daffodils and pink cherry trees announce Sprin with the white blossoms of apple and pear trees close behind. The weeping Willows with their long bright green tresses are magnificent with the lakes and swamps behind them. There are so many trails to walk to take in all of this beauty and see the wildlife. Raccoon Point, across from the dog kennel, is a great starting point with its own parking lot and several benches for those that want to rest and take it all in. On a summer day, the white Sandy beaches along the river are the perfect place to picnic, soak up the sun and go for a swim. The water is calm and actually warm. Take that Portland! It's not the ocean, so don't expect waves, and since Sauvie Island isn't commercialized, there are no bathroom facilities or showers. The parking strip is dotted with this porta potties we all hate but need. Make sure to buy a parking permit, you can pick one up at the convenience store before you cross the Sauvie Island Bridge or the few convenience stores you pass on NW Reeder Road once on the island. Buy the permit! They do ticket. The first beach is the family beach. You will recognize it by the cars parked along the road and steps with railings that take you over the small grassy knoll to the beach. If you drive further down to the gravel road, you will hit the clothing optional beach. While you are there in the summer, stop at the fruit farms and stands or go berry picking, apple picking - many types of fruit and signs are everywhere. Bring a bucket and washcloths and pick your own old blackberries that grow along the sides of the road, everywhere. When the nights get cold and the trees start to turn, the vibrant colors of the various trees lure me to Sauvie Island. Just driving around taking in the beauty makes me smile. There are several farms to pick apples, pears, pumpkins and many have full in Harvest festivities with hayrides and a maze walk. Make a day of it! Winter is even more quiet than other times of the year when everything is resting but with it comes it's own stillness and beauty. If you live in Portland or the nearby suburbs, plan a visit and once you experience the quiet beauty of the island, I'm sure you will visit over and over again. Important to note - there are not a lot of restaurants so bring a picnic. Or do a search and plan on a particular place. The Island Cove is a great stop and it's right before you get to the beach area. Enjoy!!! read more

See all

Sauvie Island is a great escape to rural farmlands, vineyards and pumpkin patches.  I don't know that the locals are as happy to see me as I am to see them but it is what it is.  It's a lovely, scenic, photogenic oasis from Portland. I was a young weiner living back east when the first bridge to Sauvie was built only to be replaced by the current bridge a few decades later.  I imagine Oregon was a very different place when you had to take a ferry across the mouth of the Columbia up until the 60's.  Wondering how one got across the slough to Sauvie pre-war. Guessing Sauvie Island was a very rural backwater prior to the 1960's. Sauvie Island is also home to a nude beach or so I've heard.  Fortunately you'll never have to endue looking at me out there.  I'm content to just walk around with my Nikon capturing the island's beauty. Love starting out the season in early Spring capturing images of Spring blossoms. And returning in the Fall to take harvest images. I'm so happy this little island is here and is so close to home for me to visit. Yeah, they do "require" parking passes although in 36 years living here I have never purchased one and have ever gotten a ticket. Of course I usually travel by motorcycle and I am rarely stopped at one place for very long. No idea what parking permits cost or how often and in what areas the parking police patrol. Interestingly, little Sauvie Island sits in two Oregon Counties. I'm just guessing that if the cops do patrol looking for parking violations it would be the Multnomah cops doing so. Or possibly Portland in those dopey little golf carts that they ride around in? In all my years visiting Sauvie Island I have never seen a cop car from any jurisdiction out there. It's probably the most peaceful, serene and tranquil burb in all of Oregon. read more

This review is only for the beach, can't speak to the rest of the island. Sauvies is great. Highly recommend on a hot day. Five stars for the beach. Also, (1 star for the crappy bureaucratic protocols- but don't wanna dissuade you from going cause it really is nice so just knocked one star) just know THEY WILL TICKET THE S*** OUT OF YOU HERE. Being about a year new to town, I had gone here with friends a couple times without paying for parking or realizing you had to have a permit. Friends didn't pay, so I didn't know. The signs that technically tell you this are yellow, crusty, and about 1ft x 1ft making them all but redundant (only noticed them after I got ticketed bc guess what- I hadn't parked near one). I went after work on a hot summers day and parked closer to the nude end of the beach and bam, $115 ticket for no permit. 545pm. Gonna go head and call the strategy here. Guessing they've used it many times, on many people, and that the extra revenue is working out well for them. The annual pass is $30, but their signs suck so bad that they just peruse the beach when it's hot to ticket unsuspecting citizens, keep the revenue, and THEN make you pay $30 for the annual pass on top of that. If they're gonna stick with that extortionate scheme they could at least have a program where if you get fined, you have the option to buy the annual permit with some of that cash. But then, how would they make back the extra revenue they're getting otherwise? Not by properly budgeting for it in any given year I assume. It's kinda like a speed trap, but for beachgoers. I'll take the hit and pay the $115, plus the $30 for the permit, but a very shady practice that I think the Dept of Fish and Wildlife should be ashamed of. Actually addressing the problem would require signage that is much larger, newer, calls more attention to itself, is more prominently and strategically placed, and more widespread. Also having the option to purchase a day or annual pass there instead of in advance would make sense. But my guess is they'll just keep looking for you to pad their pockets. So BEWARE if you go here not knowing, they'll be looking for you. read more

Sauvie Island - Ticketed $115 by Oregon state police - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

My husband and I drove out to Sauvie Island last weekend. The Sauvie Island Community Association says the island is "11,543 acres of state-owned habitat for wintering waterfowl, swans, herons, sandhill cranes, bald eagles and over 250 other species." We did not see a single swan, heron, sandhill crane, bald eagle or any other species. We did see several hunters and heard a lot of gunshots. I emailed the Sauvie Island Community Association and asked them where the wildlife can be found. I did not receive the courtesy of a response. Apparently, Sauvie Island is a paradise for hunters, but the Association is not interested in those of us who simply want to observe the wildlife without harming them. read more

A nice little day trip away from the madness when the warmer weather arrives. Sauvie island is a nice escape when you want to go to the beach and relax however do not feel like driving all the way through. I agree its not the same but I doubt you will regret coming here for a day trip on one of the warm sunny days. The space gets crowded during summers and parking is hard to find so plan to arrive early. Its worthwhile to pack some food and water as I don't remember seeing any stores close by. The water is good for hopping in your boat or a quick dip. Its dog friendly so you can bring your furry friends along. All the way towards the end, a part of the beach area is clothing optional. There are a variety of activities that can be done here or if you just plan to relax and curl up with a book that's fine too . I look forward to camping here during one of the summers . read more

May 22 2023 There's definite pros and cons to this visit. *It's pretty- *Different areas to explore *Pumpkin Patch held there is awesome Cons- $10 for Permit to park- wouldn't be so bad except the the 2.4 trail we went on was flooded after a mile or so and not passable. Had to backtrack - we all wished there would have been a sign at the beginning so we could have enjoyed another area instead of wasting our time. If you have a bad back, the dirt roads will not be your backs friend (pot holes and verrry bumpy) The cows are ok if you've never had a bad experience with them, like I have. If it's a hot day- find shade elsewhere. On the half trail we got to walk on- it was wide open. Barely any signs to guide you. Other than that, it was great read more

Beautiful Island full of activity! Upick farms and stores that have ever local ingredient that you could possibly need. They have a market as you first cross over. Tons of hiking and nature areas. The views are never the same you get a little of everything. We even have one of the last fresh water lighthouses if you can find it ;) Look for the many eagle nests and other abundant wildlife. Whether you looking for a relaxing day of fishing or and adventurous day! You can't go anywhere else this close to Portland and be so far from the city at the same time.. one of he must visit places when touring Portland. read more

Sauvie Island - Great Fishing Spot - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

reeder beach is a lovely spot when it gets into the 90s in Portland. Bring a cooler and a beach chair and you're set. You cm can swim in the warm river, watch Mt Hood, and enjoy the boats pass. A nice place for kids, dogs and families. read more

See all

This is such a great place to even just head out for with no real plan in mind like I did with a friend the other day. It gets pretty crowded weekends in the summer but we went on a gorgeous day late in the season and had a blast. We wandered around a few farms grabbing fresh produce and dropped on a few beaches for some lovely walks. read more

See all

An absolutely beautiful island, not far at all from where I live in Portland, but it feels so remote, our day trip felt more like a staycation. The beach was very quiet and on a Friday afternoon, my friend and I were two of maybe five people total that we saw there. I'm sure it gets more traffic on Saturdays, but I was surprised at how secluded and private it felt on a Friday. Sadly, the only two pictures i took were of a huge boat we saw, but the view of the river and the trees across the water was really fantastic. Highly recommend! read more

Sauvie Island - Columbia River, Sauvie Island - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

The island is a must experience depending on your interests. If you're into photography you will find many beautiful landscapes, colors and subjects. I recently discovered by the local convenient store where I purchased my Parking Day Pass, that during October thru April is Hunting Season. So be careful and stay off the Hunting areas. Parking Day Pass can be purchased from the nicest Store owner, located as soon as you enter the island on your left side. If you have plenty of time to spare, drive all over the island and you will come across different adventures and have your cámara ready! During the warmer days, all the way towards the end of the Beach area, you will come across the Optional clothing spots. The island is a gem! Happy Travels . read more

Sauvie Island - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

This island is beautiful, relaxing and the water to swim in was refreshing after being in the sun for hours. It's not as busy as I thought it would be but it was a Thursday and not a weekend. You do need a permit to park you can get that at the grocery store which is before the island. Its $10 for a day pass or you can get a season pass for $30. Also make sure you bring a trash bag with you, there is no place to toss garbage out. If you need a bathroom all they offer are porta pottys and they were very nasty and the sanitizer dispensary was empty. Drinking alcohol is not allowed on the island during summer months that's the only bummer. I did see people bring floaties, paddle boards and kayaks. The water was very calm unless the tug boats were coming in. Overall it was a laid back place to be at and I will return to catch up on my tan!!! read more

See all

The best and most beautiful place in Portland!! If you get a chance head out and enjoy!! read more

One of my favorite "hidden gems" of Portland! When I first went to Sauvie Island I couldn't believe we were still in Portland. It's such a beautiful farmland area with green grass, fruit farms, flower fields, and the only "sandy" beach in the Portland area. As a photographer, I love coming out here and finding new areas to take photos! read more

See all

Gus and I had a great walk here. We took the road all the way to the gravel, then all the way to the fence, then we got out and walked about 2.7 more miles to the lighthouse. Along the way we saw all kinds of birds, and heard many more that hid in the leaves. Gus got a nice swim in, chased some sticks, ran after a couple agents of evil (squirrels). There were other dogs there, some on a leash some not, no big deal we were all respectful. A word of advice. It is Fall at the moment, and the pumpkin patches are doing a banner business. When Gus and I drove in at about 10:30 it wasn't too bad, busy, folks crossing from the big parking lots, but not too bad. When we drove out at 3pm it was a nightmare. People everywhere blocking traffic (pedestrians own the road in Portland, and they don't really care how long you've idled there waiting for a chance to drive on), vehicles backed up over the bridge and miles down the road waiting to get on the island. Just say no - if you can't get there early then take my advice and don't go. A couple more things. It's hunting season. They sounded a ways off, but if the sound of a hunting rifle in the distance disturbs you then maybe don't go. Also, buy the parking permit. It's always cheaper than a ticket or a tow. Have fun. Take some water and snacks. Take advantage of the porta-potty at the country store. It might be the cleanest, sweetest smelling porta-can I ever sat in. Smell ya later! read more

Sauvie Island was the highlight of our visit to Portland. We found Portland to be just another big city (albeit 1/3 the size of Atlanta, which is where we lived until we moved to Sisters, Oregon last year). Too much traffic, no parking, crowded stores, museums and restaurants, etc. Sauvie Island was a very nice escape during our visit. There is a neighborhood on the water and so much wildlife. The sunset across from the kennels was magnificent. We saw herons, egrets, deer and other wildlife. It might not seem exciting when you first enter the island, but just drive around for a while and you will see some beautiful sights. read more

Beautiful. We woke up today and said, "Let's go somewhere!" Off to Sauvie Island we went. Stopped at Sam's Cracker Barrel, right over the bridge, to get our $3.50 parking pass. Sam was very nice and showed us places we might like to see on the map outside the store. We had Oola with us, so we went to the beach on Reeder Road. Dogs need to be leashed and we are not law breakers (not to mention she's not trained and doesn't listen to us and would run off and stowaway on a Russian freighter and tour the world having rousing drunken adventures and we would never see her again), so our walk was short because it's a long, pretty, but monotonous beach. I can imagine it gets really crowded on the weekends and in the summer. We were going to see the lake, but you have to drive on an unpaved road and we weren't up for that, so we turned around. We did say hi to the horses, which freaked Oola out and she growled and raised her hackles and was generally rude to them. Sauvie is absolutely beautiful. One of my coworkers lives out there and treks in to downtown. I can understand why he does this, it would be a lovely place to live. We probably wont go back because we can't let Oola off leash there, but it was a great day trip. If we had out of town guests I would definitely take them there for a day at the "beach." read more

Sauvie Island is quite huge! During the autumn there are numerous pumpkin patches to visit and all other times many people go here for fishing. There are small beach-like stretches of sand for days when you want to escape the city for a while. Just be aware of where you are walking because I once stumbled across the nude beach section of the island! Well, I'm not entirely sure if the area was designated as a location for nude beach goers, but there was a ton of topless women and pant less men around that section! Oh yes, and cows roam around freely on sauvie island, so watch where you step! read more

See all

I love the free entrance ! The whole reason why we went and then spent imminent on everything else we wanted to do. I loved it BUT only thing is that I'd your taking photos be ready for lots of wind . It's very hard to take good photos due to the wind! But overall loved it. People need to be more respectful when using the bathrooms read more

Wanted to check out the Portland beach scene and it is in no way what I imagined it to be. I took a drive here, made sure I had enough gas, and bought a full tank of gas and ventured off to take a drive around Sauvie Island. What I found was a dead end when I took the road all the way to the end. I must have missed the "beach" signs where I had to turn right. What I stumbled upon were farm after farm after farm and an where I did a little bird watching. I finally ended up on Reeder Rd to head to the beach. I had so much excitement to arrive at the beach and once I got there, I said to myself, that's it? I didn't end up staying on the beach and wasted my $7 parking pass as I took some photos and was on my way back to Downtown Portland. I'd go only if you like to drive through farmland, go to the beach if you don't have one or interested in visiting the nude beach. If I were a local, I would imagine this to be a nice place to go to relax on the beach and read a book. Being from LA, and having access to countless beach and open space/farmland all year long, I was not really impressed. read more

Sauvie Island - Beach on Reeder... Not as nice as Malibu - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This is one of the most magical places in Portland. Farms, trails, beaches and orchards. In the spring, visit the lavender farm, pick your own fruits and vegetables at a number of island growers. The beaches are a respite in the summer and picture worthy through fall to spring. If you are brave enough to wander nude, there are designated beaches you as well. The island pass is worth every penny when you hike trails that bloom and change all year. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, summer concerts, bike races and organized runs. Enjoy birdwatching on this sanctuary and maybe you will see a sea lion or two! read more

See all

It doesn't take long to perform these cheap walk down memory lane-type Portland reviews. Mind you (and you and you!), I've stepped out of the Rose city scene for over a year, but the vivid memories hit me hard, emblazened forever, for almost everything hits the mark, and "I am fond of Portland"-type comments couldn't even begin to scratch the surface. Enter Sauvie, a wildlife + farm-type area just a hair north of Portland city. Drive less than half hour to be whisked away to kayaking, gentle frolicking birds and majestic herons, to rows of golden corn, and tons of road biking to be had....for the birder, for the berry-picker, for the lover of nature (hey, that's me!) I've come here for sit-on-the-haybale concerts, for good eats, for berry and fruit-picking, and for strolling. I wish I had the capacity to click some cleats into whatever those fancy 'pedals' are called, and ride the whole island...or to kayak from the Columbia slough where I was on up north to this area. The upstream thing has got to kill ya (even with good hefeweizen on board). Sauvie is quite literally another world....gentle, serene, reflective, and dialed down a few notches to the quiet outdoors. In fact, there are images flying at me right now from Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek...her prose and wonderful observations could apply directly to this nice refuge away. Don't forget about the corn labyrinth and the Halloween specials as well! read more

There are no signs anywhere to direct you to the beach, ( not really a beach in my opinion, it's more of a lake) the one or two signs there is are misleading and not clear. Once we got to the lake I was to annoyed to even enjoy it because we took so many wrong turns. The only reason we found it is because we had to stop and ask someone and even then we almost got lost. Parking is $7, only worth it if your going to stay for the day. Berry picking seems like a nice family activity to do. read more

See all

A cold December day? Perfect for a trip with the dawg to Sauvie Island. Any day really, year-round, would be excellent for the mellow winding roads, scenic scapes, wildlife areas, and easily accessible river beaches along the Columbia. During the spring, summer, and fall there are various family friendly activities.. the pumpkin patch, the corn maze; Kruger Farms, etc. But I think the winter is nicest - not a lot of people running around, and empty beaches. However there were several occasions where many a camo-clad goose hunter was seen, complete with guns and dogs, but they only go into specified areas for ahuntin. You have to buy a parking permit at the grocery store once you cross the bridge, and the website gives other locations for buying one. $3.50ish for a day, or $11 for the year. The grocery store is also a spot to pick up a drink or a corndog that tastes at least 2.25 days old. Pack up a lunch and the dog for an afternoon of running up and down the beach. (On a funny note, my dog crapped right in the water - I'm considering this potty training, with rigorous at home toilet training ahead) read more

Sauvie Island - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This IS a great beach! My best Sauvie Island story is..........when I was 23 I was sunning on my back in a completely secluded area, basically a sandy area partially surrounded by trees. I was completely naked except for my shirt which I had put over my face to protect from sunburn. I adjusted the shirt covering my face so that I could see with my peripheral vision both left and right, mainly so that I could see someone's legs if they got too close to my belongings. As I am laying there I see these wrinkled legs appear next to me. I kept the shirt over my face and did not react in any way. After about a minute I asked the wrinkled legs "can I help you?" I hear a voice and he says, "do you have the time?". I said, "does it look like I have a watch on?". There was silence and after about 15 seconds the wrinkled legs disappeared into the bushes. Some reviewers complained about being uncomfortable around the occasional child. First, I rarely see people with kids in the nude area but why would that make someone uncomfortable? I remember being in public swimming pool locker rooms with my mother when I was 4. I saw naked women and my only thought was, everyone is so different. When I was a bit older and was in the male locker room with my brothers, I remember thinking everyone was different. As a kid, I did not judge, only noticed that people looked different. So.....if you feel awkward when a family with children is around, you ought to be absolutely embarrassed with adults around! Adults are judgemental, kids are not. read more

The requisite Portlander half-day excursion and excuse to get naked or watch everyone else frolick in the sun! Though a natural wildlife preserve and one of the most understated prestige neighborhoods within the Portland city limits, Sauvies boasts numerous fun beaches that almost, with a few shots of vodka or beer, make you forget you're not on the ocean. Besides this, the water doesn't freeze whatever it is you aren't wanting to shrink when you come out of the water! Many people go for the berry picking on the farms and whatnot, however the bon vivants will all shoot straight to Collins Beach, where family-friendly strips quickly turn into the clothing optional, and the final strip (near the blue honey pots straddle the left side of the road) is reserved as the gay-dominated party strip. Bring your umbrellas, volleyball nets, boats, and boomboxes. This is where it is at this summer! read more

See all

Its so fun here! A well known spot so parking can be hard on a popular day. Dont forget your parking pass ($10)! I went today (Tuesday) and there was plenty of parking and still quite a few people on the beach but it wasnt packed. They're super serious about no alcohol on the beach. I have yet to go to the nude area of the beach! read more

Sauvie Island - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

Suave island is good for trip with friends can't you get sun next time when you get vacations goo to this place read more

Sauvie Island - Parks Near Me - Portland, Oregon

One of the many great quick escapes from Portland, Farm stands, wild live sanctuares, a great biking loop(no bike lane and one lane in each direction on most of the loop). river beaches, its all here and more. On nice days it gets packed. Moving around the island, can be a challenge with all the bikes. Its worth it though. Aside from the views beaches and fields are the farmsteads and u-pick fields. Note: some of the beaches require a parking permit that is sold at the Islands store (just to the left of the bridge (left as you come over the bridge.) read more

If the city of Portland and the planet of Alderaan had a love child (before the Death Star got all Death Star-y), it would be Sauvie Island. It's so close to the city, but it's like you're in a galaxy far, far away once you cross the bridge. There are farms with U-Pick berries, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. There is a lavender nursery they sells tea and all things enhanced with lavender. There is a nude beach. There are clothed beaches too, but, well, they are admittedly less interesting. There are look out points and bird watching opportunities all over the place. Flocks and flocks of sandhill cranes can be found here. No need to go to the Everglades, folks. You can view cranes in our alligator-free environment right here in Oregon. Every year Metro and the Portland Audubon Society host a Raptor Road Trip the first Saturday in February, and it is always a spectacular adventure to come out to Sauvie and look at countless raptors through the spotting scopes of expert birders who can tell you all about what you are seeing. This year I saw numerous bald eagles, a merlin, a couple of norther harriers, a red tailed hawk, and a tree speckled with roosting great blue herons. Doesn't matter the season. Sauvie Island is always a fantastic escape from the city, yet it is only minutes to St. John's or NW Portland. Come for the nature. Stay for the adventure. Enrich your soul and reinvigorate your senses. Who needs space travel anyway? read more

There are actual reviews of Sauvie Island itself? That is pretty rad. Where does an Islander* start in a review of their own turf? Hmm. I think I will start by saying that ALTHOUGH the abundance of cyclists that don't know how to obey the basic "share the road" rules are crazy annoying (watch out for those scattered thumbtacks on the road shoulder! I hear they are a bitch.), this mini escape from downtown Portland is absolutely divine. I feel blessed to call this place a part of my childhood. The highlights of this stretch of land are definitely the bikeable, hikeable, and boatable spots. Don't forget that Sauvie's also has a fully functional elementary school, a fire department, a grange, plenty of farms that you're undoubtedly eating produce from, and more. Ever buy squash varietals at WinCo, by chance? Look for the Trapold Farms sticker. They're Islanders*, and they're super nice and their produce is legit. ***LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT SAUVIE ISLAND***** -Only approximately half of the island's land is developed and inhabited by people. The Northern stretch of the island is largely untouched. -The best place to pick peaches on the island is Douglas Farms. -Kruger's doesn't grow most of their own produce. Sorry to burst your farm adventure bubble. -Hunting for arrowheads was a real pastime in the 90's on the island. -The gaming commission will definitely dish out tickets for vehicles that don't buy passes for the beach. They will also dish out tickets for Public Indecency for people that violate the rules at the clothing optional beach. *Islander: a person who has lived on the island for 5+ years. Bonus points if you're a multi-generational Islander. read more

There are enough people here already. Stay home. You've seen a field before. Save the hassle and just think of that field you saw.

I never want to see male genitalia again. Did I go to the right part of Sauvie Island? We definitely didn't pay for a parking permit--perhaps we should have. Perhaps if we had gone somewhere that required money, instead of following an unpaved road until it pretty much trailed off, we wouldn't have stumbled upon "Clothing Optional" beach. But we did, and what a joy it was! I'm not an uptight Puritan. I realize "the body is a beautiful thing, and embrace what god gave you and blah blah blah." BUT why are nude beaches always full of the most unattractive people? It's just one of those mysteries in life. I could go on about the nude beach, but there is more to my story besides flabby bottoms. The mosquitos were out of control. Like Vietnam bad. Like bring bug spray that's only legal in Mexico. Also, never go there on the weekend. If you do, don't leave at the magical hour of 5pm--or whatever time it is that everyone decides to leave. The line to get on the bridge back to Portland was redunkulous. I think we waited maybe 1.5 hours in line? Not moving? I had to pee in a field? BUT it did lead us to pull over and discover the magical Kruger Berry Farm! But that's another yelp story for another time... read more

For those summer days when your toes are desperate for sand and surf but the coast is too far away, this is the anthem. I especially love the unofficial "gay section" - at the end of Collins Beach (clothing optional - I choose to keep my options on). Stop by the farms and pick some berries on your way in or out. Bring some discrete adult beverages and make friends with the folks on jet skies or boats. Sunday afternoons are generally the busiest. If you have children, stay at the beginning of the beach. DO NOT bring them to the clothing optional area. No one wants them there, and it's creepy. read more

OK - we all agree that Portland is weird and funny and loves itself that way. But where else can you go for a walk on a sunny- but still chilly - February day and see naked people setting up for a volleyball game on the beach?!! Just feeling the breeze at Sauvie Island's famous "clothing optional" Collins beach. It's not South Beach but....We say, "more power to them!" Plenty of other sun-loving folks out on other parts of the beach with their kids and dogs and picnics and winter coats and hats!! Stunning white volcanoes everywhere you looked. A lovely place for a walk by the river. If you time it right, you can watch a parade of container ships leaving PDX to hit Astoria with the tide. Remember to buy your parking pass at the store right over the bridge ($3/d;$11/yr) read more

As a person who has lived in Portland since before it was cool, I have always been coming to Sauvies since I was little. Don't forget to stop at the convenience store as you drive onto Sauvies or the one further down, closer to Sauvies and get your parking pass which is $7 for the day or $22 for a year. The sand is nice, pretty white and usually pretty clean. It is slanted which actually makes it more comfortable to sit and gaze at the water. There are multiple stair cases which you go up when coming from parking; which is how people are able to tell friends meeting up where they are; so pay attention as you're driving in, how many stair cases you pass to allow your friends to know where you are. The dogs can run free! My dogs absolutely love it here! Always important to remember though; the sand is effing HOT! your dogs feet are sensitive to this, if it is too hot for your feet, it is too hot for theirs. I carry my dogs to the water if this is the case and make sure that we are close to the wet sand so they are in a safe spot. It is also important to remember that people will complain or call the cops if your dog is rambunctious and running through other peoples areas (this happened to a friend of mine who got a pretty hefty ticket because of her Boxer mix). I also bring a small umbrella to make them a shaded spot because there is NO SHADE here. Also good to know if you're bringing children! The nude beach is north a ways, I dont recommend going there, it just seems not very clean there but that could be just me. I have had to walk through there due to overflow of parking and had to duck and run; the men will swarm you. But this is just my opinion. #1 SHOW UP EARLY, with everyone who is moving to the Portland area there have been times that ive bought a parking pass and there ended up being no parking. Show up at seriously 11am. Everyone else tries to be there at about 12. #2 Bring WATER. Trust me; I hate myself when I dont bring some. #3 Bring FOOD. People are always drinking and driving away from this place; the road to get here is windy, bumpy and the traffic is unpredictable. Do not drink and drive. Plus, the moment you get over the bridge back to the main land, there are a ton of cops. #4 BUY a parking pass. Its worth it, I see a lot of people try and get away with not buying a $7 pass and regret it. #5 There are porta potties by the parking. I recommend using the bathroom before you come. #6 You can double park with your friends so if its busy, park with them to save space. read more

Went to the Island today for the first time by car (used to come by boat) and for the first time since I was a child. The island is beautiful and it smells amazing. The drive from Portland is not bad at all. Im not a fan of having to pay for what? But I get it. We just bought the year pass (22 bucks) and got it over with because from the second we drove across the bridge, we knew we would be visiting as much as possible. We went to the nude beach. Yeah... there was a lot of naked penis, as there always is at a nude beach. But there were very few gawkers (which was a pleasant surprise coming from San Francisco and Baker Beach). There were also a decent amount of women (not naked). In sum, its only march and I started my tan off right= without lines and surrounded by pure beauty. read more

Sauvie Island, Thank you for a nice beach with cold water to dip in during Portland hottest days of the year. Thank you for making my back red. Thank you for giving me a tanning opportunity so I won't be so pale like Casper. Thank you for awesome Kruger's farm corn on the cob. Thank you for being 10 miles away from P Town. I'll see you again next year when I need another sun burning tanning session. Love, Olivia read more