Poet's Beach (Willamette River)
River · Oregon
ℹ️ Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Poet's Beach is a scrappy little Willamette River beach under the Marquam Bridge, reclaimed by volunteers from blackberry choked banks. The sandy cove offers downtown Portland's most urban swim. It is more about the novelty than the scenery, but the water is swimmable.
Good to know
| Water type | River |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 60s-70s in summer |
| Depth | river beach under the Marquam Bridge |
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | street parking; walk in |
| County | Multnomah County |
| Nearest town | Portland |
| Safety notes | no lifeguard; urban river — check water quality advisories; boat traffic |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Does Poet's Beach (Willamette River) require reservations?
No reservations are required at Poet's Beach (Willamette River) based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Poet's Beach (Willamette River)?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Poet's Beach (Willamette River)?
The best season is typically June-September.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026