- Staff Photo
GROWING UP in the boonies of Idaho, summertime meant swimming our fool faces off all the time—before work, at lunch, and careening off boats after work. But moving to the city put a little damper on my backstroke action (and yours too, I suspect). But guys... we're just being silly—we're rolling deep in bodies of water fit for hootin' and hollerin'. So let's get to swimming and floating and aqua carousing! Here's a handy guide to getting your body wet in the coming months:
RIVER SWIMS
Willamette
I hate to be the harbinger of the obvious, but the Willamette River cleans up real nice. Ever since the completion of the Big Pipe project, the river's like the shiny "after" picture in a toilet bowl-cleaner commercial. I've been in, and the swimmin's fine. Don't believe me? Check out the fourth annual Big Float on July 26, when thousands of Portlanders will take to the river for a huge flotilla and beach party.
One of the best places to take a post-work dip is right off the Eastside Esplanade by the Hawthorne Bridge. Show the commuters your finest cannonball from the dock. Or wade in from the grassy lawn and beach on the west side of the Hawthorne. There's also a swell beach and dock just northwest of the Steel Bridge. I bet your pooch pal would love to jump in with you at Sellwood Park. Or pack a picnic for swimming and basking at Elk Rock Island near Milwaukie. It's a great bike ride down the Springwater Corridor, then a little jaunt to Milwaukie on easy bike routes to SE 19th and Sparrow. Enter Spring Park by foot, follow the trail to cross the land bridge over to the island where there's a beach, great views, and the occasional river jet boat screaming by.
Columbia
Check out the new and improved M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp on Marine Drive. Last time I was on the nearby bike path, there was a raging beach party at the boat launch, complete with bonfire, volleyball, and oodles of sandy fun. It looked like a great spot to take a dip after a sweaty-betty bike ride. Bonus points: nearby bars that serve margaritas. The only bummer is that you have to pay for parking for the fancy new parking digs, so maybe pedal your bike on down.
And don't forget about the killer swimming to be had in Hood River, with its plethora of breweries and restaurants right on the beach at Hood River Waterfront Park. It's real easy to take a plunge in the Columbia, lay about on the beach, explore the riverside trail, and then take your sun-kissed face into Pfriem Family Brewers for sudsy libations.
Washougal
If you've got the chutzpah and gas money to drive to the Washougal River (it only takes about an hour on Highway 14), make sure to hit up Dougan Falls. There's a nice wide waterfall that spills into a narrow, clear pool. Explore the falls or just float about, if that's your bag. An item of note: The water is hella chilly. Check out one of the many river pullouts on the drive to Dougan Falls on Washougal River Road, where maybe you can find a little slice of quiet.
WA-14 past Washougal to Salmon Falls Road heading north. After about three miles, take a right on Washougal River Road. Drive about six miles to end of pavement.
