Jones Beach extends along the Columbia River's southern shore 6.5 miles west of Clatskanie, created from massive sand deposits accumulated during 20th-century dredging operations that deepened the Columbia River shipping channel. This windswept expanse of sand transformed from river dredge spoils into a recreational beach offering unobstructed views of Puget Island, Tenasillahe Island, and Mount St. Helens rising 50 miles northeast across the Washington border. The beach sits at river mile 53, where the tidal Columbia River still experiences minor fluctuations averaging two feet between high and low tide despite the distance from the Pacific Ocean 60 miles downstream. Endangered Columbian white-tailed deer inhabit nearby islands and bottomland forests, part of the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge protecting these rare subspecies found nowhere else on Earth. Clatskanie developed in the 1850s as a logging community shipping old-growth timber downriver to Portland and Astoria sawmills.
Swimming at Jones Beach proves extremely dangerous due to Columbia River currents exceeding four knots during high water, cold temperatures averaging 60-65 degrees in summer and dropping to 45 degrees in winter, commercial shipping traffic including ocean-going vessels, and complete absence of lifeguard services. The river's depth exceeds 40 feet in the main channel just offshore from Jones Beach. Drowning claims multiple victims annually along the Lower Columbia River. Wading remains unsafe beyond ankle depth. Fishing dominates recreational use, with summer steelhead fishing proving productive from June through August as anglers cast from the beach for fish averaging 8-12 pounds. Spring and fall Chinook salmon runs attract bank anglers targeting 20-50 pound fish migrating past the beach toward tributary spawning streams. White sturgeon fishing produces trophy catches exceeding 10 feet in length. Kitesurfing has emerged as Jones Beach's signature activity, with consistent Columbia River Gorge winds averaging 15-25 miles per hour creating ideal conditions for wind-powered water sports. Picnic tables scattered across the beach accommodate families grilling and relaxing while watching river traffic and kite surfers.
Access Jones Beach via Highway 30 west of Clatskanie, turning right at the blinking yellow traffic light onto Woodson Road marked with brown Jones Beach directional signs. Follow Woodson Road 1.7 miles to River Front Road, turn right, and continue 0.7 miles to the large paved parking lot accommodating approximately 50 vehicles. No entrance fees apply to the county beach access. The parking lot sits directly on the sand with minimal walking distance to the waterline. Portable toilets serve visitors during summer months with no facilities available November through March. No drinking water exists at the beach. The site operates without posted hours, accessible dawn to dusk year-round. Cell phone service proves reliable with most carriers. The nearest boat ramp operates at Clatskanie Riverfront Park two miles east on Highway 30. Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center provides emergency services 35 miles southeast in Tualatin at 19300 Southwest 65th Avenue.
Dining concentrates in downtown Clatskanie six miles east along Highway 30. Chef Court's on Highway 30 earned recognition for Oregon's best tacos, preparing street tacos with grilled steak, carnitas, and fish alongside Mediterranean dishes including gyros, hummus platters, and Greek salads. Fultano's Family Pizza Parlor at 770 East Columbia River Highway serves creative pizzas including BBQ chicken pizza, pepperoni and sausage combinations, and build-your-own options alongside pasta dinners and breadsticks. Colvin's Pub and Grill at 123 Nehalem Street cooks burgers, fish and chips, chicken sandwiches, and pulled pork in a classic tavern atmosphere. The Berry Patch at 49289 Highway 30 prepares American breakfast featuring pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and omelets while serving lunch sandwiches and burgers. Chavita's Mexican Food offers enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and tamales with house-made salsas and fresh tortillas. Jones Beach's combination of excellent kitesurfing conditions, Columbia River fishing access, and endangered wildlife viewing creates a unique recreational destination where wind sports and angling converge along Oregon's northern waterway.
