Forest Park gets a lot of love from Portland hikers, but another great spot for an afternoon ramble is Sauvie Island. Try the Warrior Point Hike if you want to skip the crowds and explore a wildlife refuge close to town.
Expect a flat, quiet stroll through the northern tip of the island. The trailhead starts at Reeder Road, but folks who are in the know often choose to start out on the beach for a more scenic walk. Walk along the riverside until the sands run out, then wander up a dirt access road through a peaceful cottonwood forest. Eventually the trail opens up to the visual climax of the hike – Warrior Rock Lighthouse. From here there are several access points to the river.
A wildlife refuge pass is needed to access this trail. A day pass for $7, or annual pass for $22 can be picked up at the island stores.
Directions from Portland:
1. Take Hwy 30 West (the road really goes North in this area)
2. Take a right onto Sauvie Island Bridge
3. After crossing the bridge, stop at the store on your left (Cracker Barrel) to pick up a permit.
4. Continue west on Sauvie Island Rd for two miles
5. Turn right onto Reeder Road and follow 12 miles to the trailhead where the road ends.
Click the Learn More button to find out more about the interesting history of the lighthouse.
Rick
8 years agoWe love Sauvie's Island! This is a great wildlife walk and we highly recommend leaving time to hang out on the beach and pick berries at the many wonderful farms if you are there in the summer. :)