Frequently Asked Questions
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In 2024 ODFW stopped issuing printed annual SI wildlife area parking permits to Sauvie Island businesses. For those that enjoy beach going, bird watching, and hiking who would prefer buying an annual permit in person rather than online, you can stop by the ODFW office (18330 NW Sauvie Island Rd) Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00, 1:00-5:00 to purchase one (or a daily one). Outside these hours on the info kiosk on the ODFW office driveway, there will be a sign with a QR code to purchase daily and annual permits with your cell phone. There are plans to install more of these QR code signs in the wildlife areas. Both permits can be purchased online at ODFWs website.
Daily permits are $10.00; annual permits are $30.00.
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To address public safety issues and protect wildlife area habitat at Sauvie Island Beaches, the ODFW Commission adopted a limited entry parking program for summer weekends and holidays at Sauvie Island's Beaches. Under the new program, from June 15th to Labor Day, vehicles will need to have a "Sauvie Island Beaches Parking Permit" ($10 daily) to park at Walton, Collins, and North Unit beaches on weekends and holidays. The traditional Wildlife Area Parking Permit will not be valid in these parking areas but can be used at other locations on the wildlife area (Willow Bar, Gilbert River boat ramp, Warrior Rock) and on summer weekdays. You can read the full statement from ODFW here.
Go to MyODFW.com and click Buy License.Parking along roads or other areas is prohibited and violators may be towed.
Beaches Passes go on sale two weeks prior to the weekend on Thursdays at 7 a.m. Get one for the date you want to visit, one per vehicle required. Beaches Passes are limited and cell coverage on Sauvie Island can be spotty so get it before you travel to the beaches.
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Item Restrooms are extremely limited. Most of these are porta-potties, but they are cleaned frequently.
+ Howell Territorial Park
+ Multnomah Channel Boat Ramp, NW Ferry Road
Hadley’s Landing in Wapato State Greenway (accessible only by boat or to hikers)
Parking area for Coon Point on Reeder Road
Reeder Tract parking lot, where Dairy Creek crosses underneath Reeder Road.
Parking area for Willow Bar, off Reeder Road
ODFW’s East Side Check Station at the intersection of Reeder and Rentenaur.
+ Wildlife viewing platform on Reeder Road before you get to Rentenaar Road.
Grandma’s Kitchen parking lot at the west end of Rentenaaer Road
Several along the parking areas for the Columbia River beaches
Gilbert River Boat Ramp (off Reeder Road)
Trailhead to Warrior Point (End of Reeder Road)
*Haldeman Pond on Oak Island
+ Oak Island trailhead
+ Steelman Lake parking area (Just after Sauvie Island Road turns to an unpaved road)
*+ Big Eddy handicapped fishing platform (off the unpaved portion of Sauvie Island Road.)
* One each of two dog-training areas on the unpaved portion of Sauvie Island Road.
* indicates they are in areas on the wildlife area that are closed to the general public from October 1 to April 30.
+ designates handicapped accessible.The larger farm stands (The Pumpkin Patch and Topaz Farm) have bathroom facilities open to customers only.
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Boating information:
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Open fires are not allowed at Sauvie Island beaches. More information available through Sauvie Island Fire District. Fire threat level is posted on Bridge.
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You can visit Tricounty Farm Fresh for an approximation of what is in season. Most farms on the island publish their specific in-season information on their websites.
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No! There are gas stations in Linnton (2 mi south of the bridge) and in Scappoose (9 mi north).
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Most walking areas, Wapato State Greenway, public beaches but require pets be on leash. Howell Territorial Park does not permit pets due to maintenance upkeep, wildlife safety and organic gardens in close proximity to its boundaries. Most farm stand and u-pick farms prohibit dogs due to Oregon Department of Agriculture food safety rules, even on leashes. Please check with each farm for their individual policy.
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See additional resources section.
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In ODFW Wildlife areas, no person shall possess or use alcoholic beverages or consumable products containing alcohol from May 1 through September 30.
The seasonal alcohol ban was developed and recommended by ODFW staff and the Oregon State Police out of concern for public safety as the result of an increase in alcohol-related problems at SIWA beaches during the summer months.
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Through a combine effort of all the pumpkin patches on the island, they are trying to mitigate the weekend traffic as much as possible. Weekdays are the best time to visit your favorite farm stand in October.
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Yes; however, food options are limited, some seasonally. Options include:
Cracker Barrel Convenience store – 15005 NW Sauvie Island Rd.
Reeder Beach RV Park and Country Store – 26048 NW Reeder Rd.
Island Cove Market – 31421 NW Reeder Rd.
(seasonal) Bella Organic – 16205 NW Gillihan Rd.
(seasonal) The Pumpkin Patch – 16511 NW Gillihan Rd.
(Seasonal) Topaz Farm – 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd.
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Public beaches are open all year. Lakes are open April 16 through September 30; they close in winter time corresponding with hunting season. More information is available through ODFW.
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No camping is allowed on the island or beaches; there are two RV parks.
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April 16 through September 30 each year. Many wildlife areas are closed during hunting season, October to April. More information is available through ODFW. Remember you will need a parking permit to access Wildlife areas.
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Yes; however, in permitted, designated areas only.
The grounds of Howell Territorial Park can be rented through Metro Parks and Greenspaces. Phone: 503-797-1850, option 2.
The Sauvie Island Grange Hall, located at 14443 Charlton Road, is available for weddings, family reunions, etc. Go to their website for more information.
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Sauvie Island’s roads are all listed on Google Maps. There is also a helpful map in the parking lot on the island.
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Sauvie Island, with its rural charm combined with the proximity to the Portland metropolitan area, holds much appeal to groups hoping to hold events here on the island. If you are planning an event here, we encourage you to contact us.
While the Sauvie Island Community Association cannot grant or deny permission for events that take place on county roads and public property, we do try to alert island residents and businesses about group events held here on the island. The information you provide helps us to keep the community informed.
The combination of limited access through a single bridge, the narrowness of the roads — in particular the dike road, and the limited locations for large groups to congregate really presents difficulties for island residents and visitors to our wildlife areas, parks, and the farmstand businesses here on the island.
Note that some events will also require a Multnomah Country Event application. Information can be found at Road and Bridge Permit Applications