Overcrowded May - August. Not enough parking…read more Check the water quality- it's often polluted Expensive $120 parking tickets $145 fine for dog off leash "Beach" is very small Construction during summer 2026 on river path Go visit spring, fall or winter Or go very early in the morning in the summer

What a fantastic park in the heart of Lake Oswego! There are so many amenities at this park I had…read moreto look them up on their website to remember. They have: - restroom facility -water access to the Willamette River - nice trail up on the bluff along the river - playground - 2 baseball fields - soccer field - pickleball courts - garden area - picnic tables & picnic shelters (lower shelter has 2 barbecues) We just went here to walk along the river and were pleasantly surprised with all the amenities and how very well maintained the park was. Check it out!

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.

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!

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!

The Lake Grove Swim Park is a great day to spend with the kids. We have family that live within the…read moreboundaries so we have access as guests. There are some parking spots in front and also street parking, but on busy days parking can be limited. There is plenty of room to find a spot to put down a blanket or chairs. The only thing to consider is that there is bird/duck poop (it's a lake) on the ground so plan accordingly. The food options are okay and my kids love that there are slushies. There are several areas to swim in per the level/age of the swimmer. We appreciate that there are lifeguards there as well. If the kids need something to do outside of playing in the lake there is basketball, shuffle board, ping pong, and a play structure.

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.

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.

TACKLING TERRIFIC TABOR…read more Every time I'm in Portland, I head to this urban oasis for a hike and some overdue forest bathing. There are plenty of different trails to explore, and the views are amazing. You'll feel like you're miles away from the city in this cool, shady enclave. Last time I was here, a couple was taking wedding photos. If you have a dog, stop at the ranger station for a free treat. There's a playground for kids, too. Time to park it!

There's so much to do and see here. It's definitely a great urban park oasis. They have a lot of…read moreevents, a great dog park and playground, and it's clean!! The view by the reservoir is lovely during sunset. We go yearly for the soapbox Derby and I love how Portland comes together as a community for it.

A beautiful environment that accommodates everyone from athletes to casual strollers. With its…read morescenic duck pond and lively community energy, this is easily one of the best parks in Portland. Whether you want to play pickleball or tennis, hit the skate area, spread out on the grass for a picnic, or take a walk along the paved paths around the pond, there's something for everyone. The natural scenery is peaceful and perfect for solitary unwinding or weekend gatherings with friends and pets. Logistics Tip: Laurelhurst doesn't have a dedicated parking lot, so look for neighborhood street parking. Google Maps took me to a street near the playground area. Restrooms are limited and near the center of the park by the lake, so plan your walking route accordingly.

After a very filling meal, I decided to walk to this park since it was within walking distance of…read moreOld Town Portland, where I was staying. I instantly fell in love with it. Even though it was a hot day, the park felt surprisingly cool and refreshing thanks to all the trees and shade. There are plenty of trails for walking, running, and biking, along with basketball courts, a small skate park, and a playground for kids. There also happened to be an event going on while I was there, and it was great to see the park come alive with so many people. It's such a spacious park that I can easily see it being a great venue for both small and large events.My favorite part, though, was the lake. It created such a peaceful atmosphere and made it easy to slow down and just enjoy the moment. I loved the multiple viewpoints overlooking the water, and seeing the ducks swimming around was the perfect finishing touch.This ended up being one of my favorite places to unwind during my time in Portland.

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.

Perfect escape from Portland and just a 25 minute drive, Sauvie Island is a Gem! One of my Happy…read morePlaces! 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!!!

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.