Enjoy The Gorge from the Water!
The Gorge is a great place for water lovers. Boaters and canoeists can explore the Columbia River’s peculiarities, while windsurfers and kiteboarders come from around the world to experience the wind tunnel that is The Gorge. On calm days, canoeists, kayaking and paddle boarders set out on the river.
There are no swimming beaches along the Columbia, however, but Troutdale offers that activity from a number of locations. One popular swimming hole is at Lewis & Clark State Park near the mouth of the Sandy River, while Glenn Otto Park has a fantastic beach area on the Sandy River in Troutdale itself. The popular location is typically open from Memorial to Labor Day with lifeguards and a life jacket loaner station.
Canoers, kayakers and paddle boarders find the Sandy River fits a wide range of abilities along the Sandy River Water Trail. The calm waters at Glen Otto Park or the Lewis & Clark Recreation Site allow for relaxing paddle boarding and kayaking. Those seeking a more natural environment can put in at Oxbow Regional Park or Dabney State Recreation Area. Adventurists can go even further upstream to find Class II and IV whitewater depending on the season.
If river swimming isn't your thing, the Mt. Hood Community College Aquatic Center includes a 25 yard, six-lane competitive pool, an instructional pool, and an outdoor swimming pool, which is an Olympic-size 50-meter pool with depths from six to 17 feet. Adult lap swim and family recreational swim times are available. The Reynolds Swim Center is an indoor pool managed by Mt. Hood Aquatics that is available for fitness and swim lessons.
The following resources help visitors to Troutdale enjoy their water activities:
Plan Your Experience
Dabney State Park offers 138 acres of active and passive recreation on the outskirts of the Portland metropolitan area, and has been a popular swimming and picnic spot for over 50 years. Activities include fishing, boating, rafting, tubing, sun-tanning on the beach, picnicking, bird watching, and nature walks. Bicyclists frequently begin or end their trips on the Historic Columbia River Highway at Dabney. Fishermen like the deep turns and cobbled bottoms of...
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Glenn Otto Park
This 6.38 acre park with a swimming beach, riverfront access, picnic shelters, children's playground, open play area, restrooms, meeting hall, and caretaker. Access to the site is off East Historic Columbia River Highway. The Sam Cox Great Room and the covered picnic areas can be reserved for parties, picnics, etc., and the Annex can be reserved for meetings, presentations or training, by contacting the Reservation line at 503-674-7297. Please note that alcohol and pets...
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Holiday Inn Express Troutdale
Welcome to Comfort Inn & Suites in Troutdale. Come find historic small town America in downtown Troutdale or go out and appreciate natural Oregon beauty in the Columbia River Gorge. Take advantage of savings at 40 Factory Outlet stores and enjoy big city night life in the neighboring city Portland. The Gorge features over 30 wineries, and wine tours will pick up at the hotel.
McMenamins Ruby's Spa & Salon
Named for the flame-haired sorceress who adorns our bottled Ruby Ale, the spa casts a spell of contentment over all who enter. Guests revel in the spa's comfortable decor – warm hardwood floors, a natural palette, original artwork by the McMenamins artists and more echo the surroundings of Edgefield's main lodge. Our trained staff offers manicures, pedicures, massage, body treatments, make-up application and more in comfortable treatment rooms. Schedule an appointment to get all gussied...
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Oxbow Regional Park
Oxbow Regional Park is a 1,000-acre natural area park located ten miles southeast of Troutdale along the Sandy River and is a perfect launch point for water-based activities in the majestic Sandy River Gorge. Hike 12 miles of trails: gentle grades along the river's terraces or steeper trails up a ridge between the river's bends. Parking fee per car or per bus (free with annual parking pass). Accessible picnic areas, campground restroom/shower buildings and some...
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Rooster Rock State Park
Spring at Rooster Rock is where spring fever happens. Imagine the first warm, sunny days of spring where meadows of wild roses and the spicy scent of Oregon grape combine with an endless panorama of the Cascade mountains, blue sky and the deep blue waters of the Columbia River. During the first sunny days of spring, people suddenly call in sick at work or school. That's when our parking lot fills up! Summers and Rooster...
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