North Beach sits at Tomahawk Bay Marina on Hayden Island in the Columbia River between Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington, offering a small urban beach providing access to this island community's waterfront recreation area. The beach serves residents of Hayden Island's mobile home communities, houseboat moorages, and apartments, creating neighborhood recreation space along the Columbia River. Tomahawk Bay creates protected water conditions shielded from the main Columbia River channel, making it suitable for swimming, paddling, and water play during warm months. The island location places the beach within Portland city limits though the community maintains a distinct character as a Columbia River island with bridges connecting to both Oregon and Washington. Marina facilities nearby support recreational boating, with the beach providing shoreline access complementing the protected bay's water activities.
Swimming in Tomahawk Bay during summer provides refreshing experiences in protected water calmer than the main Columbia River channel. Paddleboarding and kayaking launch from the beach exploring the bay and island shorelines. Fishing targets Columbia River species including bass and catfish. Picnicking along the shore serves island residents. Beachcombing reveals driftwood and river finds. Birdwatching includes waterfowl, gulls, herons, and ospreys. The marina provides boat launching and moorage. Walking and cycling around Hayden Island use paths and roads exploring the island's unique community.
Hayden Island features limited dining with Beaches Restaurant and Bar and Jantzen Beach SuperCenter food court nearby, while Portland and Vancouver offer extensive restaurant options minutes away across the bridges. Portland dining includes Le Pigeon offering innovative Northwest cuisine, Pok Pok serving Thai street food, and Voodoo Doughnut providing quirky pastries. Vancouver features Who Song and Larry's offering Mexican food and Beaches Restaurant providing burgers and waterfront dining.
North Beach offers no lifeguards and Tomahawk Bay and the Columbia River present hazards including currents, boat traffic, and water quality concerns. Children require supervision. The Columbia River's size and commercial traffic create dangers for inexperienced boaters. Water quality fluctuates and contact recreation should consider current advisories. Island access requires crossing bridges that can experience traffic congestion. Parking may be limited in this residential area. Weather brings wet mild winters and warm dry summers. Cell phone coverage is excellent. North Beach provides Hayden Island residents with Columbia River beach access, protected Tomahawk Bay swimming and paddling, and island community waterfront recreation between Portland and Vancouver.
