Sauvie Island

Amazing! We have been coming here for years to the pumpkin patches, festivals, etc...... but it is a huge island, with beautiful scenery!!!! Definitely recommend a drive around the entire island! The market, the homes on the water, the farms!!! It is all incredible!!! ❤️❤️

Grew up here when there wasn't everyone and their mom and moms cousins 3times removed family coming here. Now its still very beautiful, but be prepared to search and find parking. Or even a spot to layout at. Be best if you have a family or friend come drop you off so you have 1 less thing to do(like finding parking)

🏝️ Sauvie Island: Oregon’s Rural Playground Sauvie Island is one of the largest river islands in the United States, spanning over 24,000 acres between the Columbia River and Multnomah Channel2. It’s a rare blend of working farms, protected wildlife areas, and recreational beaches—all just 10 miles from downtown Portland. Size: Roughly the same as Manhattan Vibe: Peaceful, pastoral, and perfect for unplugging Google Maps Rating: ⭐ 4.6 from over 440 reviews 🌿 What Makes It Special Wildlife Refuge: The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area is a haven for over 200 bird species, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and great blue herons3. Agricultural Riches: Farms here grow berries, pumpkins, corn, lavender, and more. Seasonal U-pick events are a local favorite4. Beaches: The island’s northeast edge offers miles of sandy shoreline along the Columbia River—including a designated clothing-optional beach. Trails & Nature Walks: Flat, scenic loops like Wapato Access Greenway and Oak Island Nature Trail offer peaceful strolls through wetlands and oak groves4. 🥾 Top Things to Do Activity Highlights Berry & Pumpkin Picking Seasonal U-pick farms like Bella Organic and The Pumpkin Patch Birdwatching Spot eagles, flickers, and chickadees in the wildlife refuge3 Beach Day Swim, sunbathe, or paddleboard along the Columbia River beaches Scenic Walks Wapato Greenway (2 mi loop) and Oak Island Trail (2.4 mi loop)4 Fishing Warm-water fishing for perch, crappie, and catfish in island lakes Farmers Markets Fresh produce, cider tastings, and hayrides at local farms Cycling & Kayaking Flat roads and calm waters make it ideal for both 🧭 Visitor Experience Parking: A $10 day-use permit is required at trailheads and beaches Accessibility: Most areas are flat and walkable; trails are beginner-friendly Seasonality: Best from April through October for farm visits and wildlife viewing Facilities: Limited—bring water, snacks, and sunscreen Crowds: Summer weekends can get packed; weekdays are quieter 🗣️ What Locals Say “It’s a trip to go to an island the same size as Manhattan and see nothing but grass, fields and water. Very peaceful place.” — Bronson Allen “Grew up here when there wasn’t everyone and their mom and mom’s cousins 3 times removed coming here. Still beautiful, but parking is tough.” — Local Guide1 “The trails are peaceful and full of wildlife. I recommend taking a drive around the island for stunning views.” — Michelle Parker 🧳 Tips for a Stellar Visit 🧢 Sun Protection: No shade on beaches or trails—bring a hat and sunscreen 🥾 Footwear: Trails can be muddy in spring; wear waterproof shoes 🧺 Pack Snacks: Limited food options unless you visit a farm stand 🐕 Dog-Friendly: Most trails welcome leashed pets 📷 Photography: Sunset over the fields or fog on the river—pure magic 🧠 Final Verdict: Is It Worth It? Absolutely. Sauvie Island is a rare gem—close enough for a day trip, yet wild enough to feel like a true escape. Whether you’re chasing birds, berries, or just a quiet moment by the water, it delivers a full Oregon experience in one lush package.

Its a trip to go to an island the same size as Manhattan and see nothing but grass, fields and water. Very peaceful place. Easy place to get lost and be left alone.

Had to think multiple times before reviewing this place coz of selfish reasons! This is one of my favourite offbeat places in Oregon. It’s so good that I would never share details of this place with anyone so it remains isolated and less crowded 😂 It’s pretty close to the parking area, very calm and peaceful plus you get to swim and enjoy the weather!! Make sure you get a parking pass and print a copy to put it on your dashboard.

What a wonderful place in such a hectic town Definitely worth the drive

A beautiful island with an abundance of birds, particularly during migration. Farm land and farm stands worthy of a stop. Quiet and a place to refuel your soul. Visited in Sept 2021.

Amazing for wildlife viewing in general, but especially birding. Osprey, Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, and migrating Canada geese are common. The Columbia can move deceptively fast at times, so be careful moving far off shore. The last time I was there I saw seals in the river. The nude beach is fun in the summer.