Frequently-asked and good-to-know information
How do you pronounce Sauvie?
Saw-vee or So-vee; both pronunciations are used by island residents.
Do I need a parking permit?
Parking permits are required on Sauvie Island to park in all wildlife areas on the island.
Where can I buy a parking permit and what is the cost?
Daily permits are $7.00; annual permits are $22.00. Permits can be purchased at:
- Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife – 18330 N. W. Sauvie Island Road – 503.621.3488
- The Cracker Barrel Store – 15005 N. W. Sauvie Island Road
- Reeder Beach RV Country Store – 26048 N. W. Reeder Road
- 7-11 Convenience Store – 14491 N. W. St. Helens Road (off Island)
Is there a gas station on the island?
No. There are gas stations in Linnton (2 mi south of bridge) and in Scappoose (9 mi north).
Are there public restrooms on the island?
Restrooms are extremely limited. There are two at the Sauvie Island Boat Ramp at end of Ferry Rd. There are primitive bathroom facilities (port-a-potties) in the wildlife areas, two at Reeder Beach RV Park and Country Store and one at Wapato State Park near the Hadley’s landing which are cleaned weekly (one located at the bus turnaround is for bus driver’s use only). The larger farm stands (Pumpkin Patch and Kruger’s) have bathroom facilities open to customers only.
Are dogs welcomed on the island?
Most walking areas, Wapato State Park, public beaches and farm stands allow dogs but require pets be on leash. Howell Territorial Park does not permit pets due to maintenance upkeep, wildlife safety and organic gardens in close proximity to its boundaries.
Is there a store or other places to get something to eat or drink on the island?
Yes; however, food options are limited. Visitors often pack snacks. There are no public drinking water sites. Food can be obtained at:
Reeder Beach RV Park and Country Store – groceries, snacks, made to order deli sandwiches, hot biscuits & gravy, kielbasa dogs, ice, fishing tackle, bait, etc.
Cracker Barrel Convenience store – ice cream, egg rolls, fried chicken, corn dogs, etc. Located at foot of bridge on Sauvie Island Rd.
Island Cove Café – deli; breakfast for hunters 9-11 daily. Summer hours 9-6.
Are the beaches and lakes open year-round?
Public beaches are open all year. Lakes are open April 16 through September 30; they close in winter time corresponding with hunting season.
Is camping allowed; are there camping sites?
No camping is allowed on the island or beaches; there are two RV parks.
Are bonfires allowed on beaches?
Open fires are not allowed on beaches. Fire threat level is posted on Bridge.
When are wildlife areas open?
April 16 through September 30 each year. Many wildlife areas are closed during hunting season, October to April. Contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 18330 N. W. Sauvie Island Road, 503-621-3488, for information. Remember you will need a parking permit to access Wildlife areas.
Can wedding receptions be held on Sauvie Island?
Yes; however, in permitted, designated areas only.
The grounds of Howell Territorial Park can be rented through Metro Parks and Greenspaces.
Phone: 503-797-1850, option 2. Web: http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=152
The Sauvie Island Grange Hall is available for weddings, family reunions, etc. Contact Grange member Vicki Mayberry at 503-621-3074 or via her email.
The Blue Heron Herbary gardens and grounds can be rented. Contact owner, Heather Hanselman, 503-621-1457
Is the Bybee Howell House open to the public?
It is closed until further notice. However the grounds on which it sets, Howell Territorial Park, is open.
Is there an island road map?
- Sauvie Island Road travels from the foot of the bridge north along the Multnomah Channel and dead-ends at the north end in Columbia County.
Reeder Road intersects with Sauvie Island Rd and travels east toward most of the public beaches. Gillihan Road intersects with Reeder Road in the Northeast corner and loops back toward the bridge.
Oak Island Rd intersects with Reeder Road and dead-ends at Sturgeon Lake - A basic road map is provided at right (click on map to enlarge). Sauvie Island, Reeder and Gillihan roads form a 12.6-mile loop:
