Lyons Beach stretches along the Columbia River's western shore on Sauvie Island's northern tip near Scappoose, accessible via the Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail at the terminus of Northwest Reeder Road. This remote sandy beach extends from Warrior Rock Lighthouse north to Warrior Point, marking Oregon's largest island's northernmost extent where the Columbia River completes its 1,243-mile journey from British Columbia before entering the Pacific Ocean 20 miles downstream. The 28-foot Warrior Rock Lighthouse, Oregon's smallest lighthouse, has guided Columbia River shipping since 1889, warning vessels away from the rocky basalt outcropping that gives the landmark its name. Lewis and Clark passed this location twice during their 1805-1806 expedition, documenting the Multnomah and Chinook tribal villages that harvested wapato roots, salmon, and sturgeon from these waters for thousands of years before European contact. Sauvie Island Wildlife Area manages the beach within its 12,000-acre refuge protecting critical habitat for sandhill cranes, tundra swans, and wintering waterfowl.
Swimming at Lyons Beach proves extremely dangerous due to swift Columbia River currents exceeding four knots where the main channel narrows past Warrior Rock, cold water temperatures averaging 60-65 degrees in summer and dropping to 45 degrees in winter, commercial shipping traffic including ocean-going vessels drawing 40 feet of draft, and complete absence of lifeguard services. The powerful current has claimed numerous drowning victims throughout the river's history. Beachcombing dominates activities, with driftwood, river-smoothed stones, Japanese glass floats, and agates washing ashore during winter storms. The 6.1-mile out-and-back Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail provides the sole beach access, requiring hikers to traverse forested paths and muddy sections before emerging at the lighthouse and beach. Most hikers complete the round trip in approximately 1 hour 47 minutes. Birdwatching proves exceptional year-round, with osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, and hundreds of waterfowl species utilizing Sauvie Island's wetlands. Harbor seals haul out on exposed sandbars during low tide. Kayakers paddle from the trailhead to explore the shoreline during calm conditions.
Access Lyons Beach via Northwest Reeder Road on Sauvie Island, crossing the Sauvie Island Bridge from Highway 30 northwest of Portland and following Reeder Road north to its terminus approximately 14 miles from the bridge. Parking accommodates approximately 20 vehicles at the Warrior Rock trailhead with portable toilets serving visitors year-round. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Area parking permits are required, costing 10 dollars daily or 30 dollars annually, available at Island Cove Cafe at 31421 Northwest Reeder Road, Cracker Barrel Store at 15005 Northwest Sauvie Island Road, and other island vendors. Starting July 4 through Labor Day, visitors need both the Wildlife Area permit and a free Sauvie Island Beaches Pass for weekend and holiday parking. The beach sits three miles north of the parking area via the Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail, with the final two miles of Reeder Road unpaved gravel requiring careful navigation. Hours operate 4am to 10pm daily. Cell phone service proves unreliable. Legacy Emanuel Medical Center operates 15 miles southeast in Portland at 2801 North Gantenbein Avenue.
Dining concentrates in Scappoose 10 miles southeast and on southern Sauvie Island. Simm Oriental Cuisine at 33466 Havlik Drive in Scappoose prepares Thai cuisine including pad thai, green curry, tom yum soup, and panang curry using traditional recipes and fresh vegetables. Sushiro Ramen Cafe serves ramen bowls, sushi rolls, teriyaki, and tempura in downtown Scappoose. Willie V's Pit Smoked BBQ smokes brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken over applewood, serving sandwiches and platters with coleslaw and baked beans. Fultano's Pizza creates creative pizzas and pasta dinners for takeout and delivery. Island Cove Cafe at 31421 Northwest Reeder Road on Sauvie Island serves breakfast sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream. Cracker Barrel Grocery near the Sauvie Island Bridge stocks snacks, drinks, and basic provisions. Lyons Beach's remote location at Sauvie Island's northern tip combined with the required three-mile hike creates Oregon's most isolated Columbia River beach experience, rewarding adventurous visitors with solitude, lighthouse history, and pristine shoreline accessible only by trail or watercraft.
