Sandy Swimming Hole – Family-Friendly Swim Spot near Portland & Vancouver

Sandy Swimming Hole on the Washougal River sits in the city of Washougal, Washington, about 18–22 miles from Vancouver and roughly 30–32 miles from Portland, depending on your start. You get a gentle, family-friendly beach, clear water, and shade from tall riverside trees. It’s a quick, low-stress swim spot with a paved, free parking lot right by the river.

You walk a short, flat path (about 200–300 feet) from the lot to the beach. No steep drop, no long hike. At the shoreline, there’s room for a blanket, a small canopy, and a cooler. You slide into shallow, calm water first, and then swim out to deeper sections if you want.

Note: This is a developed city park area. You’ll find restrooms, picnic tables, and trash cans. Please pack out extras and keep the beach clean.

Sandy Swimming Hole Swimming

I like this spot because the entry is easy and the vibe is mellow. The river bends gently, creating a broad wade-in area with a deeper lane farther out. On late summer afternoons, the lower Washougal often reaches around 68–72°F, with August peaking near 70°F—just right after a hot drive.

The gently sloped sandy–pebbly beach makes entry simple, with shallow edges perfect for kids and cautious swimmers, while the deeper mid-channel offers space for more confident swimmers. A pebbly bottom means water shoes can help with grip.

However, be cautious during spring runoff or after storms. Flows can rise, and the current can quicken. Always test depth feet-first, watch for slippery rocks, and keep kids close.

Sandy Swimming Hole Rockhounding

Between dips, the gravel bars and shallows offer a fun, light hunt. The Washougal mixes volcanic and metamorphic stones, so you’ll spot color and shine when the sun hits wet rock.

You might find agates, carnelian, jasper, and quartz, along with occasional thunderegg-like nodules, and even hints of chrysocolla-blue or copper. The best picking is along freshly exposed, low-water gravel edges.

Pro tip: Scan slowly in morning light or right after a small drop in flow, when wet stones show their colors most vividly. Bring a small pouch, a lightweight scoop, and a bottle of water to rinse finds. If you enjoy simple treasures you can pocket while friends relax, you’ll love this beach walk.

Open: Year-round (best May–September)
Managed by: City of Washougal

Amenities: Free paved parking, restrooms, picnic tables, trash cans, small grassy lawn
Activities: Swimming, wading, sunbathing, picnicking, rockhounding

Distance from the parking: ~200–300 ft (flat, easy)
Road access: Any passenger vehicle; signed city park access
Day-use fees: None
Dogs: Allowed; keep leashed and pack out waste

Elevation: ~80–120 ft (24–37 m)

Sandy Swimming Hole - Washougal River is located:

2 miles north of downtown Washougal
22 miles east of Vancouver, WA
32 miles east of Portland.

Family-friendly swimming hole on the Washougal River

Swimming hole rating: 4.5 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Clear & transparent
Current: Slow near shore; moderate mid-channel when flows rise
Depth: Shallow edge (1–3 ft); deeper outside (up to chest-to-overhead, varies by season)
Beach: Sandy–pebbly shoreline with scattered rounded stones
Water T° (summer): Typically upper 60s°F to ~70°F in warm months