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.
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Lydia Hallay
Principal Broker | OR
She/They
Calm, prepared, and people-first—Lydia brings a steady presence to what can be a high-stress process.
As a licensed Principal Broker, she leads Ello, a collaborative team within Living Room Realty known for its neighborly approach to real estate. Ello works with buyers and sellers who value thoughtful strategy, good design, and clear communication.
Lydia is consistently top-rated and ranked among the top 150 agents in the city, and is known for listings that sell faster than average (often with multiple offers), with distinctive, design-forward marketing that stops buyers in their scroll.Before real estate, Lydia spent 17 years as a union organizer and negotiator, advocating for worker rights, leading large-scale strategic leverage campaigns, and navigating complex contracts. That background shows up in her work today: calm under pressure, sharp in negotiations, and deeply attuned to the human side of big decisions.
With roots in the Sonoran Desert (she owns a vacation rental in Tucson), Lydia is an avid gardener, a devoted fan of Portland's food & small business scene, and loves hunting for secondhand/vintage gems. Lydia & her spouse (a longtime restauranteur & golf nerd) enjoy taking their vintage camper (named Puff the Magic Eurovan) for mini adventures. They live in a midcentury home in SE Portland with their dog (Maybelle) and two cats (Kenny & Caroline).
A lifelong advocate for social, economic, and housing justice, Lydia supports organizations doing on-the-ground work in the community. A portion of every paycheck she earns is donated to Taking Ownership PDX, which helps Black homeowners age in place and build wealth.
- T: 503-807-0156
- lydiah@livingroomre.com
