The Pacific Northwest is notorious for excessive rain, a claim I think is a little exaggerated, but still reasonably accurate. It isn’t until the summertime that rain becomes sparse and triple-digit heat radiates off the sidewalk. I naturally run pretty hot, so hot that my wife refers to me as a walking furnace. So, while some enjoy the cloudless, 90-degree days, I’m in constant search of air conditioning, or at least a fan. This is probably because I was born and raised in the Portland area, so I am much more acclimated to the fall and winter seasons.
Nevertheless, summertime in Oregon opens up many outdoor possibilities. It is pretty challenging to have a picnic in a quiet meadow in late November with hail falling from the clouds. From neighborhood bike rides to family hikes through a nearby forest, this warm weather allows for great exploration. With so many cool activities in Oregon, it can be easy to overlook some of these options.
Sauvie Island is located about 10 miles north of Portland and is the largest island on the Columbia River. Its northern part is mostly a wildlife refuge, while its southern half is made up of farmland. This famous Oregon island is the perfect place to take the family for a day to cool off by the river. I recommend packing some food, sunscreen, and plenty of water, and then finding a spot on the sand to relax.
Overpacking for day trips like this can be tempting, but it’s essential to remember that it can lead to unnecessary stress. Create a list of essentials, pack beforehand, and you will be just fine. We like to bring simple objects that make for lasting entertainment. Some of these include soccer balls, footballs, and sand buckets. Most toddlers and kids are more than happy with these options. I would also be lying if I said building sandcastles as a full-grown adult doesn’t entertain me too.
There is much to do at Sauvie Island. One of the beaches I recommend visiting is Broughton Beach, a family-friendly spot to enjoy. Along the Columbia River, there are many potential activities, such as swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, depending on skill and confidence levels. In addition to spending time on the sand, there are additional activities at Sauvie Island, like the Sauvie Island Stables, which sits on 70 acres. They also offer a full-day Kids Camp that involves horseback riding, playing with goats, and various crafts. There are multiple camps for different age ranges and last throughout the summer here. Another one is their Horse Camp, which helps young riders develop skills in horse grooming, safety practices, and riding.
For those with older kids and teenagers, you can take a 5-mile hike to visit Oregon’s smallest lighthouse. The Warrior Rock Lighthouse was constructed in the late 1800s and is still in operation today, helping to guide the river traffic.
The farms on Sauvie Island are also worth visiting. Bella Organic Farm is a truly wonderful place, offering activities such as U-Pick, corn mazes, and a pumpkin patch. Their U-Pick is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and is currently in blueberry and blackberry season. From August 8th to September 7th, there will be their 3rd Annual Sunflower Festival and U-Cut. Tickets are $11.20, which includes the service fee and two sunflower stems to take home. Children 5 and under get free admission to the event.
I know that we are in the midst of summer, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention their very spooky haunted corn maze. The opening night for this begins on September 27th. A word of caution, this is scary, so leave the little ones at home and bring your thrill-seeking teenagers instead. Bella Organic Farm has a regular corn maze that is fun for all ages, with no spooky elements. Their pumpkin patch also opens to the public at the end of September.
Sauvie Island is a vast stretch of land that extends across several counties in Oregon. Its environment creates a calm landscape that is representative of the wild land in this state. Named after Laurent Sauvé dit Laplante, a French-Canadian dairy farmer, Lewis and Clark explored this land in the early 1800s and took extensive notes on the area. One of their pieces included writing about the abundance of Broadleaf arrowhead plants, an attribute unique to the region.
A few decades later, in 1834, Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth established Fort William on the island to compete with the British. And by 1843, the Oregon Trail was developed enough for American settlers to make their way to Sauvie Island to establish roots. This calm, serene land has an incredible history behind it, which makes it even more fascinating to visit with your family. Make a day out of it here. There are plenty of activities and sights to see for everyone to enjoy.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.