t's great for families and solo visitors alike. You can kayak here, but be prepared for a steep…read moretrail down to the water; bringing kayaks on dollies is recommended. Head past the bathroom and down the road to the launch area, then go right from the beach to reach Hog Island. The water is calm and relaxing. It's a nice spot for walking dogs, with easy trails and a sandy area by the river for them to enjoy.

OVERCROWDED in the summer. Hardly any parking. LO Police give $120 parking tickets. Dogs off leash…read morefine $145. Steep hill to lug your inflatable up. "Beach" is very small. Insider tips: come off season or early morning in the summer. Enter on Green Street off of Hwy 43. Great walk off the lower parking lot along the river to Old River Road.

Im not sure how successful folks are with catching fish in this large pond, but sitting by the dock…read moreis very peaceful. The lake is centered around the shopping mall so there are a few restaurant that overlook the lake. There are also ducks that live there.

Came here today with fishing friend who did some actual fishing. Nothing was caught (fish 1 -…read morehumans 0), but it was really OK, and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in my camping chair and watching the fish jump in the air and the world passing by. A few other people were down on the dock casting for fish, others sat on the various rock formations sort of zoning out, and it was a real pleasure to see the children and parents sharing something they really loved. If the youngsters aren't interested in the fishing, they can come down and feed the ducks - such fun. The water is so clear you can see down to rocks and plants on the bottom and also nearest the dock flashes of the goldfish as they glide along (these goldfish eventually grow into some very large carp). There are evidently some sturgeon as well along with the rainbow trout, and also lots of ducks and other water birds (a few still with babies). Oh yes, lots of dragonflies - flashes of black and fiery orange red - add to the charm. People who fish welcome you right into their society and talk readily about their fishing experiences and how the big one got away and even why. This is a terrific family experience and for those who want to come out alone. The best time is to come early, before 7, and especially after the lake has been re-stocked, if you want to catch some fish. But like I said, it's a wonderful experience whether fish are caught or not. Give it a try. And remember if you don't catch any fish, you can hike back up to the shopping center above and get some breakfast. Not a bad day at all, in fact a damn fine one if you ask me.

Absolutely Beautiful! Even though it was windy , cold and wet. A must see if you ever visit…read moreWashougal, WA. I was just just looking at maps trying to find places to explore and was pleasantly surprised! Apparently you can swim in the lake and it's great for dogs!

Peaceful and beautiful spot on the river. A good family friendly spot. I plan on coming back here…read moreon a hot day to swim with the kiddos. Took my dog this time and let her off at the end of the beach which was pretty secluded. Some horses even showed up!

So nostalgic! Every time I swim in Lake Oswego I'm transported back to my childhood with long…read moresummer days spent swimming in the lake, jumping off the dock and playing on the sandy beach. The beach area is covered with lots of trees from large trees, there is plenty of room to picnic (grills available), a snack bar, restrooms, playground and lake access. This beach is closed to everyone except those that live within the boundaries of a Lake Grove School District. Fortunately I have friends who live on the canal and I'm invited out often for boat rides and to anchor and swim in the swimming hole by this beach. Water is surprisingly warmer than I ever predict, but still a cool and refreshing 77 which feels awesome on a hot summer day. This summer, 2020, we enjoyed many pop-up concerts where the band performed on a barge. Missing all the concert and movies in the park, this was a welcomed way to enjoy summer while being socially distanced. My favorite day is July 4th when the town of Lake O lights fireworks over the lake. This is open to anyone, but obviously it's super crowded so if you plan on watching from the beach, get there super early! We watch from the boat, anchoring and tying up with other boats, and then enjoy the magnificent display of fireworks and their reflection on the water while sipping wine, enjoying snacks and great conversation. It's one of my favorite nights of the year! Sadly, the fireworks were cancelled in 2020, along with most everything, but I still spent several heavenly days and evenings on the lake.

Such a good swim! i loved the park where we went swimming. Make sure to try the swimming there!!…read moreThere's a good part where you can swim too. Happy swimming!!

This is a long, meandering river offering you a ton of recreationally minded activities. Much to…read moresee, much you can do and enjoy - worth your time to top in at one of the points you have access to stop in at along the river. The water is typically a perfect temp in the summer and the current is ideal for tubing - especially in the Clackamas area. Safe enough for the family, pretty enough you want to go alone and soak it in....

The Confession: I'm a masochist. Despite being clumsy and lacking any visual depth perception…read more(seriously, it's clinically proven), I can't really use those excuses when it comes to my persistent ability to get injured. If you see me, chances are I have band-aids on. So, I'm pretty sure it's just that I actually LIKE getting hurt. This is a case in point: The Prelude: Since I was about 3 years old, I have enjoyed exploring the depths of the woods, especially near some giant, rushing body of water that drowns out all the mundane commotion in my head. I like being surrounded by towering trees, waist-high ferns, and little, precious wildflowers. I've run into grizzly bears while huckleberry picking, yet never, ever have I been afraid in the woods. Not even at night when I have to go pee. I actually want to get lost and find my way home. This is my idea of fun, especially if I have a cold beer in hand. Problem is, I usually get hurt while I'm out there. In fact, I judge my excursions as such: the more I get hurt, the more fun I had. The Rub: This is where the Clackamas River is GOD to me. Yeah, I love to come here to swim, hike, camp, float down the river, picnic, etc. But I always leave with excessive scrapes, bruises, scratches, and bloodied body parts. Could be I just play hard. But I think it's more than that. It's as though the river gives me so much pleasure, it demands a little sacrifice from me. Not all rivers have this affect on me, mind you. Yesterday, it took a few pieces of skin from my arm when I fell down a hill, clambering to get to the water on a hot day. Last weekend, it took a chunk out of my leg when I foolishly attempted to mount a log in the river. Painful, yes. But these are battle scars of love, people. This is my idea of heaven. No other river has loved me this much and, I must say, vice versa. The 411: If you want to kayak, raft, camp, hike, lay on the rocks, float in an inner tube, or whatever...check out the Clackamas. Drive straight through Estacada and follow Hwy 224. Or take the fork at the Ranger Station and head down Forest Road 46. There are tons of campsites, both official and just off the road. The water is cold, but refreshing on a hot day. Or, you can head south on 46 to it up Bagby Hot Springs. But please be careful out there, kiddos. People do die on this river every year (in fact, a young woman just drowned 2 weeks ago), so treat it with respect and be aware of the dangers. And if you like getting (safely) beat up by nature, like me, take your neosporin and head out. You're going to get your ass kicked and you'll keep coming back for more.

Mount Tabor Park was long, long , long on my list for places to visit in Portland. After a recent…read moretrip to Portland we timed it where we could go here one morning and enjoy the scenery. We were not disappointed in the slightest! Most of the park is up on a hill which if I recall correctly is an extinct volcano. The reservoirs are very cool to look at and walk around at. We went to three of them and I believe that is the total number that aren't decommissioned but there once was five reservoirs here but two are decommissioned. The reservoirs were once used for drinking water but now serve primarily as a scenic and historic feature which it most certainly is! There is all kinds of paths you can walk around in and even minor hikes of a urban sort if you want to look at it that way as if you want you can walk uphill for quite a while. If you roam around the park you can see beautiful views of downtown Portland which is very enjoyable to see. I definitely recommend visiting this park and it has the appeal where it will attract tourists and locals alike as it is just that kind of a special place!

Mount Tabor Park Nature's Own Little Showstopper…read more Mount Tabor Park stands proudly in the heart of Portland, yet somehow feels like a secret escape tucked right under the city's nose. The moment you step onto the trails, you forget you're in a metropolis at all trees tower overhead like gentle giants, wind whispers through the branches, and everything smells like fresh air and freedom. On a busy day, this place absolutely fills up walkers, joggers, bikers, curious wanderers, and people who just came for the view but pretend they're "out exercising." The crowd doesn't ruin the vibe, though; it actually brings the park to life. Nature does the singing, and visitors add the harmony. The water reservoirs sit calmly along the hillside, shining like mirrors laid out to reflect the sky. They give the park this serene, cool presence as if the earth itself stopped to take a drink. And those little trails? They may not stretch for miles and miles, but they're perfect for exploring, stretching your legs, and clearing your head. Just enough adventure, just enough workout, and plenty of places to pause and think, "Dang, this is nice." And then you reach the top. The view of Portland is nothing short of jaw-dropping. A full, wide panorama of the city laid out beneath you. It's the kind of view that hits your brain like a reward like nature saying, "Congratulations, you made it. Enjoy the show." You're on a mountain smack in the middle of the city, yet you feel miles above it all. Million-dollar views in every direction, guaranteed. Riddle time: What mountain lets you see the whole city while barely breaking a sweat? Answer: Mount Tabor Park, of course. Whether you drive up, walk up, or roll up with your snacks ready, this place never disappoints. It's one of my all-time favorites a little oasis with a big personality, a peaceful escape with killer views, and an easy adventure anyone can enjoy. Mount Tabor Park is a must. Step in, look out, breathe deep, and let nature do its magic.

We don't get out to Laurelhurst as often as we should; it's one of the best inner city parks that…read morewe have, for myriad reasons: spacious, shaded, plenty of picnic space and open greenway, trails, special events all year round (our favorites being the Water Lantern Festival and Movies in the Park), an off-leash dog area, duck pond, sports courts and fields, and likely a lot more things of which I am aware. It's also seems, to me at least, to be one of only a handful of Portland's "living room" spaces: large enough, and conveniently central enough, to draw in folks from all over the metro area, for any of the reasons mentioned above. It's quite, serene, welcoming...nostalgic, even. A great place to commingle, or isolate, whatever your preference. Portland is blessed with a lot of urban green spaces, but few outside of Forest Park (the G.O.A.T.) can rival the majesty, modesty, and utility of Laurelhurst. It's the sort of place that can make you fall in love with your city all over again.

The Portland Water Lantern Festival was a great outing, especially for father's day! There were…read moregreat food vendors options and overall it was a peaceful, relaxing evening. Set intentions and let the lanterns go!

Lacamas lake and the surrounding trails are awesome! There is a small parking lot or an overflow…read moreparking lot available and both make it easy to access the lake and trail. We did the round lake loop trail that is about 1.5 miles round trip. It is relatively flat with a few inclines and declines. We saw families using strollers on parts of the trail. The trail is shaded for almost the entire route. The trail is well maintained and clean. The trails are clearly marked and the signs are easy to see. There's bathrooms and a playground for kids. We saw a lot of people using kayaks in the lake. There's also picnic tables and benches to use. This is a great option for any age and ability. It's beautiful and green. I highly recommend Lacamas Lake for those who want to enjoy the greenery and beauty of Washington.

Love this lake! There are three parking lots available, two on the smaller side. There are…read morerestrooms available during summer months. This park is very lush with picnic tables and grills spread out for privacy. The view of the lake is gorgeous! There are over 6 miles of trails, some of which intertwine. If you're new to these trails, a map is a good idea; one could easily get lost if not familiar as the trails aren't all marked. I just took a picture of the trail map by the parking area to have as reference in case I needed it. The trails are lush and mainly dirt and rocks. If you walk down to lower falls the trail can be a little more treacherous. Some of the hills are steep and some rocks loose. Make sure you wear the proper footwear. There are a few falls to see, many creeks, a dam and a couple lakes (Lacamas and Round). Overall a wonderful place to get outside for fresh air and beautiful scenery. Highly recommend.

Many people only think of "the pumpkin patch" or other U-Pick farms on Sauvie Island, but there is…read moreSO 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.

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

A hideout indeed! Google maps and pics do not properly show the enormity of this place. I came…read morehere a couple of months ago for disc golf, but there was way more to be discovered here then I had thought. Here's a little bit about Horning's Hideout: = Just Getting Here = Be aware that once you drive off the main road, you'll see the signs to the hideout, but it's all gravel and tall trees from there. From the main sign, the drive heads downward, winding through the forest, down the canyon. Similar to that of driving to Pittock Mansion, only unpaved and narrower turns. So please proceed with caution. Once at the bottom, it opens up to a pleasant little valley. = Parking and Fee = Past the barn, to your right is the parking area. It's an open field. Pay at the parking station, $5 per person. = Features & Activities = * For fishing, I had inquired at the office. Once you park, there is a house or an information office just above the parking station. The lady (or owner) was helpful as she explained to me the lay of the land. Again, this place was way larger than I had imagined. But back to fishing... There is a lake that gets stocked with trout. No fishing license required. Assuming due to this being private land. You do pay a catch/cleaning fee. They also have fly-fishing during the winter through spring season. More details on their website. I did notice they've got paddle boats as well. So, forget the stupid ipad, and keep the kids busy with fishing and paddle boating! * For disc golf, there are three huge courses. One, only being par 3's. Which to me was like a good hike, yet still challenging. A medium course that's par 3's and 4's through the canyon that's said to be scenic. I have yet to try it. And a championship course with par 5's; Difficult greens around trees, and a U-turn. Someday, but not any time soon! * As for the wedding venues, I can only imagine, but there are three venues to use depending on your wedding party size. Can you envision your wedding photos or even your reception being close to a pond, a lake, a creek, or even a waterfall, with trees all around? Yeah, that's this place! Oh yeah, and with peacocks too! * Camping is also allowed as well. Reservations required of course. * And as you can see with the yelp photos, they occasionally have concerts which I though was really cool. Well, that just about sums it up, not sure what else to say. It's just a secluded place worth checking out. Especially if you need to escape some city life.

An Absolutely Beautiful place for a wedding. My son and daughter in law chose the lakeside venue…read more We were blessed with a wonderful day weather wise. It had forecasted to rain but luckily it held off until the following day. It would have been a totally different event had it rained. I do wish there was a way of getting around having to walk in gravel but unless they pave it there is no getting around that. So guests were told ahead of time to be aware of that. Different chairs were rented rather than the plastic ones that are provided which was a nice thing. Extra hanging lights were rented and hung up by the brides father. It made a big difference and I think the venue should consider investing in adding them permanently.