Washougal River Milepost 3 - Natural Swimming Hole near Portland & Vancouver

Washougal River Milepost 3 sits along Washougal River Road near the mile marker “3,” about 20 miles from Vancouver and roughly 32 miles from downtown Portland, depending on your start.

You get a wide gravel-and-sand beach, calm shallows, and a deep, clear pool with a small waterfall across the river. It’s a quick, low-stress swimming hole with a short, steep trail from roadside parking.

You walk a short but steep path down to the riverbank. Take it slow. You step into shallow, calm water first, and then slide out to deeper sections if you want.

Note: Roadside parking is limited.

Washougal River Milepost 3 Swimming

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.

Washougal River Milepost 3 Rockhounding

The Washougal River mixes volcanic and metamorphic rocks, so the colors really pop when the sun hits the wet stones. Rockhounds can find agates, carnelian, jasper, and quartz, along with occasional thunderegg-like nodules, and even hints of chrysocolla-blue or copper.

The best Washougal River rockhounding is along freshly exposed gravel edges, especially after a slight drop in flow or following winter and spring scouring. Wet stones reveal their colors most vividly, making these times ideal for spotting treasures.

Open: Year-round (best May–September)
Managed by: Washougal River Greenway

Amenities: Vault toilet; limited roadside shoulder parking; natural beach (no tables, no trash cans)
Activities: Swimming, wading, sunbathing, rockhounding

Distance from the parking: ~150–250 ft (short but steep user trail)
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Washington Discovery Pass
Dogs: Allowed; keep leashed and pack out waste

Elevation: ~120–180 ft (37–55 m)

Washougal River Milepost 3 is located:

3 miles north of downtown Washougal
20 miles east of Vancouver, WA
32 miles east of Portland.

Family-friendly swimming hole on the Washougal River

Swimming hole rating: 4.6 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: Pebbly, gravel-and-sand shoreline with rounded stones
Water T° (summer): Typically upper 60s°F to ~70°F in warm months