Phone: 503-823-7529
1120 SW Fifth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
Park Hours
5:00am-midnight
In the summer, when water levels are lower, Poet’s Beach has a sandy shore with river access, and an in-water swimming area delineated with a swim line and floats. The swim line’s purpose is to mitigate potential conflicts between swimmers and other river use, including boats and other watercraft. Because Poet’s Beach is not lifeguarded, swimmers enter the river at their own risk and need to be aware of the risks and potential hazards of entering the Willamette River. Water depth is shallow in the area of Poet’s Beach.
Permanent restrooms are available a few minutes’ walk or bike north of the beach at South Waterfront Park Garden, 1831 SW River Drive. Wayfinding signs will point Poet’s Beach users to the permanent restrooms.
Poet's Beach is in South Waterfront Park, on the west side of the Willamette River and just north of the I-5 Marquam Bridge.
Click for Poet's Beach mapped location
Remember, river swimming means colder water, and currents change depending on the tide, river level, and wind. Safety is our top priority, if you are not a strong swimmer, consider a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).