Reeder Beach occupies a private sandy stretch along the Columbia River's western shore on Sauvie Island at 26048 Northwest Reeder Road, 15 miles northwest of downtown Portland. This riverfront beach serves guests of Reeder Beach RV Park and Country Store, one of the first properties visitors encounter traveling north on Reeder Road from the Sauvie Island Bridge. The property overlooks the mighty Columbia River where it flows 1,243 miles from British Columbia through the Columbia River Gorge before reaching the Pacific Ocean 90 miles downstream. Sauvie Island formed over millennia as Columbia River floods deposited rich alluvial soil creating Oregon's largest island at 26,000 acres, though modern dikes and levees reduced flooding that once enriched bottomland farmland. The island's name honors Laurent Sauve, a French-Canadian who managed Hudson's Bay Company dairy operations here in the 1830s. Lewis and Clark camped on Sauvie Island in November 1805 and March 1806, documenting the Multnomah tribe's extensive wapato cultivation and fishing villages.
Swimming at Reeder Beach requires caution due to Columbia River currents reaching two to three knots, cold water temperatures averaging 60-65 degrees in summer and dropping to 45 degrees in winter, sudden depth changes where three feet becomes nine feet within two steps, and absence of lifeguard services. The beach remains private, accessible only to Reeder Beach RV Park guests staying in the full hook-up sites overlooking the river. Swimming proves safer than public Sauvie Island beaches downstream where currents intensify and shipping traffic increases. Fishing attracts RV park guests casting from the sandy beach for white sturgeon, walleye, and bass during summer months. Beachcombing reveals driftwood, river stones, and occasional glass floats. Birdwatching rewards visitors with osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, and Canada geese hunting the river and shoreline. The private beach provides quiet family recreation without the crowds typical of public Sauvie Island beaches located farther north on Reeder Road.
Access Reeder Beach exclusively through Reeder Beach RV Park at 26048 Northwest Reeder Road, requiring RV park guest status for beach use. The park charges nightly and monthly rates for full hook-up sites with water, electricity, and sewer connections. Reach Sauvie Island via Highway 30 northwest from Portland, crossing the Sauvie Island Bridge and following Reeder Road approximately three miles north to the RV park entrance on the right. The country store operates on-site selling snacks, drinks, ice cream, made-to-order deli sandwiches, seasonal Sauvie Island produce, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife parking permits, and camping supplies. Restroom and shower facilities serve RV park guests. The beach sits directly adjacent to RV sites with minimal walking distance from parking to sand. Cell phone service proves reliable with most carriers. No public parking or beach access exists for non-guests. Legacy Emanuel Medical Center provides emergency services 15 miles southeast in Portland at 2801 North Gantenbein Avenue.
Dining concentrates at Island Cove Cafe at 31421 Northwest Reeder Road five miles north, serving breakfast sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream alongside camping supplies and beach gear. Cracker Barrel Grocery near the Sauvie Island Bridge three miles south stocks snacks, drinks, and basic provisions. North Portland restaurants operate 12 miles southeast across the bridge. Occidental Brewing Company at 6635 North Baltimore Avenue brews German-style lagers and serves bratwurst, pretzels with beer cheese, and schnitzel sandwiches. Plew's Brews at 8409 North Lombard Street pours craft beers and prepares burgers, fish tacos, and loaded nachos. Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft at 3226 North Lombard Street cooks pad thai, green curry, and drunken noodles using traditional recipes. Prost Marketplace at 4237 North Mississippi Avenue serves German sausages, pork schnitzel, and spaetzle alongside imported German beers in an outdoor biergarten. Reeder Beach's private status and RV park amenities create a family-oriented Columbia River camping experience with beach access, distinguishing it from crowded public Sauvie Island beaches while maintaining proximity to Portland's urban conveniences and island agricultural attractions.
