Trestle Beach extends along the Columbia River's southern shore at the northern edge of Columbia City, 30 miles northwest of Portland where an abandoned railroad trestle crosses Sandy Island Slough. This sandy strand sits on Port of St. Helens industrial property opened for public recreation, providing river access through Columbia City Industrial Park off Highway 30. The historic railroad trestle, constructed in the early 1900s to transport timber from Northern Oregon Coast Range sawmills to river shipping points, now serves as a landmark guiding visitors to the quarter-mile forest trail accessing the beach. Columbia City developed in the 1860s as a shipping center where steamboats loaded wheat, lumber, and salmon for transport to Portland and Astoria. Pixie Park downtown honors the boat named Pixie that once plied these waters, sitting on property owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution adjacent to the Caples House Museum preserving 19th-century frontier history.
Swimming at Trestle Beach proves unsafe due to Columbia River currents reaching three to four knots, cold water temperatures averaging 60-65 degrees in summer and dropping to 45 degrees in winter, industrial barge traffic loading materials at nearby Knife River facility, and complete absence of lifeguard services. Industrial operations drop aggregates onto barges directly adjacent to the beach, creating noise and activity incompatible with peaceful swimming. Wading beyond ankle depth remains dangerous. Fishing attracts anglers casting from the sandy beach for spring and fall Chinook salmon weighing 20-50 pounds, summer steelhead averaging 8-12 pounds, and smallmouth bass in backwater sloughs. The Columbia River supports over one million salmon and steelhead during productive years, with bank access at Trestle Beach providing free fishing opportunities without boat requirements. Dog walking dominates beach use, with the sandy strand and forest trail accommodating leashed pets. Beachcombing reveals driftwood, river stones, and occasional glass floats. Birdwatching rewards visitors with osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, and cormorants.
Access Trestle Beach via Highway 30 north of Columbia City, turning onto Pacific Street immediately north of town and then immediately left after crossing railroad tracks into the Port of St. Helens parking lot. The parking area accommodates approximately 50 vehicles with restrooms and garbage containers available. The facility operates 8am to 7pm during summer months and 8am to 5pm during winter, with gates locked promptly at closing time. Parking and beach access remain free with no day-use fees. Walk through the railroad trestle tunnel to access the wide forest trail extending quarter-mile through cottonwoods and willows before emerging at the sandy beach. The trail proves accessible for most fitness levels with minimal elevation change. Cell phone service proves reliable with most carriers. Columbia Memorial Hospital provides emergency services 12 miles north in Astoria at 2111 Exchange Street, with Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center operating 40 miles south in Tualatin at 19300 Southwest 65th Avenue.
Dining concentrates in downtown Columbia City one mile south and St. Helens five miles north along Highway 30. Dockside Steak and Pasta in St. Helens prepares ribeye steaks, grilled salmon, fettuccine alfredo, and seafood pasta overlooking the Columbia River. Plymouth Pub serves burgers, fish and chips, pulled pork sandwiches, and craft beers in a classic tavern atmosphere. Vinnie's Chicago Sandwich Shop creates Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and deep-dish pizza using authentic recipes. Kozy Korner Restaurant cooks classic American breakfast featuring biscuits and gravy, omelets, and pancakes alongside lunch sandwiches and burgers. Victorico's Mexican Food prepares enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and chile rellenos with house-made salsas. Big River Taproom in St. Helens pours craft beers and serves pub fare including burgers and wings. Trestle Beach's industrial setting and free public access create a utilitarian Columbia River beach experience, attracting dog walkers and anglers seeking convenient fishing spots between Portland and Astoria rather than pristine recreation destinations typical of dedicated county parks.
