Reeder Beach sits along the Columbia River in North Portland, offering a small sandy beach providing riverside recreation access for residents of industrial North Portland neighborhoods and cyclists touring the Willamette Greenway Trail system. This community beach along the Columbia's shore creates natural respite amid the industrial landscape of Portland's north waterfront, serving walkers, joggers, anglers, and paddlers using riverside trails and launch points. The beach reflects Portland's working waterfront character where shipping facilities, grain elevators, and industrial operations coexist with public greenway trails and beach access areas. The sandy shoreline attracts families seeking swimming and wading during warm months, though the Columbia River's size, currents, and commercial traffic require appropriate caution and awareness compared to smaller urban water bodies.
Swimming and wading during summer months provide relief from Willamette Valley heat though the Columbia River's currents, boat traffic, and cold water require experienced swimmers and constant supervision of children. Paddleboarding and kayaking launch from the beach accessing the Columbia River's urban reaches and connecting to other Portland and Vancouver waterfront areas. Fishing from shore targets bass, catfish, sturgeon, and other Columbia River species. Picnicking on the sand serves riverside diners. Sunbathing attracts those seeking river beach relaxation. Birdwatching reveals waterfowl, gulls, herons, ospreys, and eagles. Walking and cycling along greenway trails use the beach as a stopping point during riverside tours. The industrial port facilities provide unique urban waterfront views.
Portland's dining scene offers extensive options with North Portland neighborhoods featuring diverse restaurants including Podnah's Pit for barbecue, Por Que No for tacos, Screen Door for Southern comfort food, and countless food carts, cafes, and restaurants throughout the city reflecting Portland's renowned culinary culture and farm-to-table emphasis.
Reeder Beach offers no lifeguards and the Columbia River presents significant hazards including strong currents, large commercial vessel traffic, water quality concerns, and cold temperatures even during summer requiring appropriate respect for this major waterway. Children require constant close supervision. Swimmers should stay near shore and watch for boat traffic. Paddlers need experience and life jackets. The industrial area means parking security warrants awareness. Water quality in the urban Columbia fluctuates and contact recreation should consider current advisories. Weather brings wet mild winters and warm dry summers. Cell phone coverage is excellent. Reeder Beach provides North Portland residents with Columbia River beach access, greenway trail connections, and urban waterfront recreation along Portland's working river.
