By Lydia Hallay, June 28, 2025
When Portland heats up, locals know the best way to cool down is to pack a towel, a cooler, and head for water. Lucky for us, you don’t have to drive far—there are countless gorgeous spots to swim just a quick trip from the city.
Whether you’re looking for a shady forest pool, a sunny riverside beach, or a secret stretch of sand, here are five of the best swimming holes within about 30 minutes of Portland.
1. Sauvie Island – Collins Beach
Just 30 minutes from downtown Portland, Sauvie Island feels like another world. While most people head to Walton Beach, locals in the know slip down to Collins Beach, a clothing-optional stretch on the island’s northeast side. It’s got soft sand, wide river views, and a relaxed vibe—just be prepared for a very European approach to swimwear. Bring snacks and plenty of water (there are no services), and pack out your trash.
Tip: The final section is legally clothing-optional; if that’s not your thing, hang closer to the first ½ mile from the parking area.
2. Oxbow Regional Park (Sandy River)
About 25 miles east of Portland, Oxbow offers some of the most beautiful, accessible swimming on the Sandy River. Expect big gravel bars, shady banks, and plenty of places to wade in or launch a float. It’s $5 to park, and fills up fast on hot weekends—arrive early.
Bonus: The old-growth forest and riverside trails make this a stellar spot for a pre-swim walk.
3. Rooster Rock State Park (Columbia River Gorge)
About 30 minutes east along I-84, Rooster Rock is a classic summer destination. The wide stretch of sandy shoreline on the Columbia River makes it great for sunbathing and shallow water play. There’s also a designated clothing-optional area at the eastern end, so you can choose your level of scenery. Bring a picnic, a sunshade, and $5 for the day-use fee.
Note: Don’t forget to pop over to local fav Sugarpine Drive-In for soft serve & snacks after you swim!
4. High Rocks Park (Clackamas River, Gladstone)
About 20 minutes south of Portland, High Rocks is a longtime favorite for locals wanting to plunge into cool Clackamas River pools. Big flat rocks make it easy to stretch out and catch sun between dips. It’s a busy spot (with lifeguards on summer weekends), and jumping is common—just always scout the water first and follow posted signs.
Best times: Weekday mornings if you want to avoid crowds.
5. Blue Lake Regional Park (Fairview)
If you like easy parking, lawns, and family-friendly amenities, Blue Lake is a go-to. About 25 minutes from downtown, this park offers a designated swimming area, playground, boat rentals, and plenty of picnic space. It’s not a remote forest hole, but it’s incredibly convenient—especially for kids.
Tip: Expect crowds on weekends and a $5 parking fee.
🌞 Stay Safe & Leave No Trace
Oregon’s rivers and lakes are beautiful—but they can be unpredictable. Always keep an eye on kids, wear life jackets if you’re not a strong swimmer, and watch for sudden drop-offs or currents. Most importantly, pack out everything you bring in so these stunning spots stay clean for everyone.
Ready to dive in?
One of the best things about Portland is how easy it is to find a quick escape on a hot day. Whether you’re stretched out on the sand at Sauvie, floating down the Sandy, or dipping into the cool Clackamas, these swimming holes make summer in Portland something special.
Looking for a friendly-guide to the city’s best spots? After 20+ years living in Portland, I’ve got lots of favorites to share.
Follow me on Instagram for more hot scoop on the city’s best spots.
Lydia Hallay
Broker | OR
She/They
Buying or selling a home is often one of the biggest (and most stressful) decisions you'll ever make. I'm here to make your experience as seamless (and fun) as possible.
Looking to buy? Whether you're a design-minded dreamer looking for that mid-century unicorn, an investor on the hunt for a fixer (or a 5-plex) to tear into, or a first-time buyer in need of a gentle guide - I'm a skilled negotiator with an eye for design and a knack for finding homes with "good bones." I'm on a mission to ensure you feel empowered and cared for throughout the home-buying process.
Ready to sell? If you want to maximize your sales price, you've come to the right place! With a background in landscape/interior design and construction/project management, I've got the tools it takes to make your house shine. When it comes to catching buyer attention, I go beyond the traditional (ex. open houses, RMLS, etc.)- incorporating cutting-edge tools and outside-the-box strategy to build the hype. When it's time to negotiate, my years of experience bargaining contracts mean I'm calm under pressure and know what it takes to get to YES.
Like many folks working in real estate, I've got a grab-bag of past lives that inform how I show up. Most of my 20's and 30's (17 years), I worked as a union organizer/negotiator on the state and national level- helping workers across sectors and industries join together and become leaders in the fight for better wages & benefits, a voice on the job, and political power. I've been an entrepreneur, a landscape designer, freelance florist, and have a deep well of personal experience with home renovation & property management under my belt.
Aside from working with buyers & sellers, I volunteer my time as the Integrity Chair on Living Room Realty's Broker Advisory Group. In that role, I serve as Living Room's broker representative for our B-Corp status.
A portion of every one of my paychecks goes to Taking Ownership PDX, a community collective of contractors, realtors, neighbors, and businesses who support Black homeowners to age in place, generate wealth, and deflect the gentrification process by deterring predatory investors and realtors.
About Me: I was born in Memphis, raised in the Sonoran desert (Phoenix), and have been in the PNW since 2003. I identify as queer, and use she/they pronouns. I'm married with sweeties (i.e., I practice ethical non-monogamy) and nest with my spouse, dog, and two cats in the Lents neighborhood of outer SE Portland. I'm a people person, music nerd, avid gardener, and seed-sower/organizer. Since coming to Portland in 2004, I've witnessed many iterations of the city. I'm bullish on the future here- and excited about all our region has to offer. Good food, proximity to nature, an incredible local music scene, and an inclusive community are just a handful of the reasons I love this area. As your realtor, I promise to show up as myself. I'll hustle hard on your behalf with patience, a good listening ear, professionalism, and a goofy sense of humor. What you see is what you get, friends. And if we decide to work together, that's the kind of authenticity I hope you feel comfortable showing too. Ready to make magic happen? Feel free to shoot me a text/email, or give me an old fashioned ring. I'm excited to meet you!
Land Acknowledgement & Mission Statement As a Realtor, the land I do business on is unceded Indigenous land. The Portland Metro area rests on the ancestral lands of the Cowlitz, Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, Tualatin Kalapuya, Wasco, Molalla, Watlala, Bands of the Chinook, and so many other nations who made this area their home. In addition to the federally recognized tribes mentioned, there are numerous “unrecognized” tribes and Indigenous groups whose stories are also important. I recognize these tribes' legacy, lives, and descendants, and acknowledge my role and responsibility as a guest on stolen lands. I am committed to using my voice and influence as a real estate professional (and, as a human being) to actively contribute to a more just and equitable future- one that promotes dignity, respect, and repair for the damaged caused by systemic oppression, white supremacy, homophobia/transphobia, and exploitative capitalism. If you can't get behind all that. We're probably not a good fit. :)
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About Me: I was born in Memphis, raised in the Sonoran desert (Phoenix), and have been in the PNW since 2003. I identify as queer, and use she/they pronouns. I'm married with sweeties (i.e., I practice ethical non-monogamy) and nest with my spouse, dog, and two cats in the Lents neighborhood of outer SE Portland. I'm a people person, music nerd, avid gardener, and seed-sower/organizer. Since coming to Portland in 2004, I've witnessed many iterations of the city. I'm bullish on the future here- and excited about all our region has to offer. Good food, proximity to nature, an incredible local music scene, and an inclusive community are just a handful of the reasons I love this area. As your realtor, I promise to show up as myself. I'll hustle hard on your behalf with patience, a good listening ear, professionalism, and a goofy sense of humor. What you see is what you get, friends. And if we decide to work together, that's the kind of authenticity I hope you feel comfortable showing too. Ready to make magic happen? Feel free to shoot me a text/email, or give me an old fashioned ring. I'm excited to meet you!
Land Acknowledgement & Mission Statement As a Realtor, the land I do business on is unceded Indigenous land. The Portland Metro area rests on the ancestral lands of the Cowlitz, Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, Tualatin Kalapuya, Wasco, Molalla, Watlala, Bands of the Chinook, and so many other nations who made this area their home. In addition to the federally recognized tribes mentioned, there are numerous “unrecognized” tribes and Indigenous groups whose stories are also important. I recognize these tribes' legacy, lives, and descendants, and acknowledge my role and responsibility as a guest on stolen lands. I am committed to using my voice and influence as a real estate professional (and, as a human being) to actively contribute to a more just and equitable future- one that promotes dignity, respect, and repair for the damaged caused by systemic oppression, white supremacy, homophobia/transphobia, and exploitative capitalism. If you can't get behind all that. We're probably not a good fit. :)
- T: 503-807-0156
- lydiah@livingroomre.com
