Dibblees Beach occupies 110 acres of Columbia River shoreline one mile west of downtown Rainier in Columbia County, approximately 52 miles northwest of Portland and eight miles south of Longview, Washington. This riverfront county park extends along a lengthy sandy beach where the Columbia River flows 1,243 miles from British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. Dibblee Point, the prominent headland marking the beach's western boundary, creates a protected cove reducing current velocity and providing calmer water conditions compared to the main river channel. Lewis and Clark passed this location during both their westbound and eastbound journeys in November 1805 and March 1806, documenting the area's abundant wildlife and native settlements. Columbia County acquired the property for public recreation in the 1970s, developing trails and beach access while preserving the natural riparian forest of cottonwoods, willows, and Oregon ash that shelter the shoreline.
Swimming at Dibblees Beach proves dangerous despite the protected cove location, with Columbia River currents reaching three knots, cold water temperatures averaging 60-65 degrees in summer and dropping to 45 degrees in winter, commercial shipping traffic, and complete absence of lifeguard services. The river claims drowning victims annually throughout Oregon's Columbia County shoreline. Wading in shallow areas during low water provides safer cooling opportunities. Fishing dominates recreational activities, with the beach drawing heavy use during salmon and sturgeon seasons. Anglers target spring and fall Chinook salmon weighing 20-40 pounds, white sturgeon exceeding 100 pounds, and walleye in backwater sloughs. Sandy sections accommodate picnicking at weathered tables positioned along the beach, though facilities appear minimal and unmaintained. Over five miles of trails wind through the 110-acre property, weaving through forest and along two miles of Columbia River shoreline, accommodating hikers and equestrians exploring the riparian ecosystem. Birdwatching rewards visitors with osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, and migrating waterfowl including Canada geese and tundra swans.
Access Dibblees Beach via Highway 30 west of downtown Rainier, turning right onto Rock Crest Street and left onto Dike Road, continuing 1.3 miles to the dirt turnoff on the right just before Barton Road. The park charges five dollars per vehicle day-use fees, with annual Columbia County park passes available at reduced rates. Parking accommodates 6-10 horse trailers plus approximately 15 standard vehicles in gravel lots. No developed restrooms exist at the beach, though portable toilets serve visitors during peak summer months. Park hours operate 5am to 10pm April through October and 5am to 7pm November through March. Equestrian facilities include trailer parking and horse-friendly trails but no hitching posts or water troughs. Cell phone service proves spotty with most carriers. The nearest boat ramp operates at Rainier Marina two miles east on Veterans Way. PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center provides emergency services 10 miles north in Longview, Washington at 1615 Delaware Street.
Dining concentrates in downtown Rainier two miles east along Highway 30. Cornerstone Cafe serves breakfast all day on Sundays, preparing chicken fried steak with eggs, huckleberry pancakes, and bacon cheeseburgers alongside daily lunch and dinner specials. Outpost 30 at 73684 Columbia River Highway operates a burger barn cooking Western burgers topped with onion rings and BBQ sauce, bacon avocado burgers, and hand-cut fries with house-made fry sauce. Interstate Tavern specializes in fresh seafood including Dungeness crab cocktails containing over 10 ounces of crabmeat, beer-battered cod fish and chips, and Manhattan-style clam chowder. Goble Tavern at 70255 Highway 30 prepares classic tavern fare including burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and fried mozzarella sticks. Columbia Bakehouse bakes fresh croissants, cinnamon rolls, sourdough bread, and cookies daily while serving espresso drinks and breakfast sandwiches. Dibblees Beach's combination of Columbia River fishing access, equestrian trails, and protected cove swimming creates Columbia County's most developed riverfront recreation area, attracting anglers seeking trophy sturgeon and horseback riders exploring forested shoreline trails.
