Water Recreation
At all times, wearing a PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE, regardless of conditions, is recommended.
Boating & Kayaking
It is approximately a 50-mile trip to circumnavigate Sauvie Island!
Please take care not to disturb waterfowl and other bird or wildlife nesting areas that may be found along beaches and atop piers and pilings such as the Osprey nest (see picture).
Waterway Access Permit
Oregon's boating laws require all non-motorized boats (including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and rafts) to carry a Waterway Access Permit, regardless of length. Previously, boats under 10 feet were exempt. Permits cost $8 for a 7-day pass, $22 for an annual pass, and $37 for two years.
The new boating laws and updates introduced via House Bill 2982 include the following key details:
Expanded Permit Requirements: The previous 10-foot minimum length exemption was removed. All human-powered craft must carry a permit while on the water, which can be purchased through the Boat Oregon Store.
Fines: Operating a non-motorized craft without the required permit can result in an $115 fine.
Inner Tubes Exemption: While the bill originally cast a wide net, the Oregon State Marine Board clarified that simple float mattresses, single inner tubes, or two tubes tied together are exempt from the permit requirement.
Oregon.gov Waterway Access Permit FAQs
Waterway Access Permit on ODFW website (search for general / waterway)
Boat Ramps and docks
Sauvie Island Boat Ramp – located at the end of NW Ferry Rd across from Fire Station on Sauvie Island Road. Has an adjoining parking facility and bathrooms maintained by Portland Metro. Metro website link.
Hadley’s Landing – borders Wapato State Greenway on the Multnomah Channel is a boat dock and small picnic area with a seasonal port-a-potty, picnic tables and horse-shoe pits.
Island Marina – a private sailboat moorage with large sailboat slips and side ties. Shade trees and picnic area. A nice place to keep your boat - with a community of sailors. By appointment.
Cove Marina – lies in a small inlet, just upstream from Willow Point, near the Columbia River. A Launching ramp is available, but no fuel.
Boating rules and safety
No Wake zones are posted on both sides of the Multnomah Channel north and south of the Sauvie Island bridge; south of Sauvie Island moorage and the north end of Mayfair Moorage (at Pier Road boat launch). Please show consideration to our floating homes residents. See Oregon State Marine Board website for more information on wakes.
Multnomah Channel is popular in summer. Boaters be careful for water skiers and tubers in the water.
After heavy rains there is a large amount of floating timber in both the Multnomah channel and Columbia River. These are often times largely submersed. Slow is the recommended speed.
Kayaking
The Multnomah Channel or the Columbia River waters which border the island are obvious paddling waterways; however both have a lot of boat traffic which may include barges, sailboats and power boats and additionally, the Columbia River sees heavy ocean-going container-ship traffic.
The Cunningham Slough provides easy water kayaking.
A great family paddling option is Sturgeon Lake where there is a boat launch.
Cunningham Slough
Gilbert River