Goble Beach lines the Columbia River's southern shore in the unincorporated community of Goble, six miles south of Rainier along Lower Columbia River Highway (Highway 30). This small riverfront access point sits approximately 45 miles northwest of Portland where Goble Creek flows into the Columbia River after descending from the Northern Oregon Coast Range. The creek supports spawning runs of Coho, Chinook, and Chum salmon each fall, creating concentrated fishing opportunities where freshwater meets the river's main channel. Goble developed in the 1880s as a steamboat landing and lumber shipping point, named after town founder Rufus Goble who operated a sawmill processing old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar logged from surrounding mountains. The historic Lower Columbia River Highway passes through Goble, part of the water-level route completed in 1917 providing automobile access between Portland and Astoria before Highway 30 modernization in the 1950s.
Swimming at Goble Beach proves extremely dangerous due to swift Columbia River currents exceeding four knots, cold water temperatures averaging 60-65 degrees in summer and dropping to 45 degrees in winter, commercial barge traffic, and complete absence of lifeguard services. The Columbia River claims drowning victims annually throughout its 1,243-mile course. Currents sweep swimmers downstream rapidly toward the shipping channel. Wading in shallow creek mouth areas during low water provides limited cooling opportunities. Fishing dominates recreational use, with anglers casting from the beach for spring and fall Chinook salmon weighing 20-50 pounds, summer steelhead averaging 8-12 pounds from June through August, and white sturgeon reaching lengths exceeding 10 feet. The confluence of Goble Creek and the Columbia River creates productive holding water where migrating salmon rest before entering tributary streams. Picnic tables, fire rings, and benches scattered along the beach accommodate families grilling and relaxing. Birdwatching rewards visitors with osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, and great blue herons hunting the river and creek mouth.
Access Goble Beach via Highway 30 at 70500 Lower Columbia River Highway in Goble, with parking along the highway shoulder accommodating approximately 10 vehicles. No entrance fees apply to the informal beach access. Facilities remain minimal with scattered picnic tables and fire rings but no developed restrooms, with nearest facilities at Prescott Beach County Park four miles south charging five dollars per vehicle. The beach operates without posted hours, accessible dawn to dusk year-round. Boat launching occurs at nearby informal ramps though Prescott Beach provides developed facilities. Cell phone service proves reliable with most carriers. Goble Creek Falls, a 100-foot cascade, sits one mile east up Goble Creek Road for visitors seeking waterfall viewing. PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center provides emergency services 14 miles north in Longview, Washington at 1615 Delaware Street.
Dining centers at Goble Tavern located at 70255 Highway 30, mere yards from the Columbia River and beach access. Named Best Small-Town Bar in Oregon by Thrillist, the tavern operates seven days weekly serving burgers including the Mac Daddy topped with macaroni and cheese and bacon, blue cheese bacon burgers, fish and chips using Pacific cod, and pulled pork sandwiches. Live music fills the outdoor stage on weekends with karaoke Friday evenings starting at 6pm for children and 8pm for adults. The tavern displays extensive memorabilia creating a roadhouse atmosphere popular with locals and Highway 30 travelers. Cornerstone Cafe six miles north in Rainier serves breakfast all day on Sundays, preparing chicken fried steak, huckleberry pancakes, and burgers. Outpost 30 at 73684 Columbia River Highway in Rainier cooks Western burgers with onion rings and BBQ sauce alongside hand-cut fries. Interstate Tavern in Rainier specializes in fresh seafood including Dungeness crab cocktails and fish and chips. Goble Beach's position at Goble Creek's mouth creates concentrated salmon fishing during fall runs, attracting anglers seeking trophy Chinook where tributary freshwater meets the Columbia River's powerful current.
