Paradise Point State Recreation Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Scenic coastal point near Port Orford — dramatic cliff views of the Pacific and nearby Humbug Mountain.

Visitor Information

About Paradise Point

Paradise Point State Recreation Site is a forested campground along the East Fork of the Lewis River in southwestern Washington County — wait, correction: this park is actually in Clark County, Washington, near the Oregon border! It offers a peaceful riverside retreat beneath tall Douglas fir trees with access to the Lewis River for summer swimming.

Note: This park is managed by the Washington State Parks system. The Lewis River here runs cool and clear, with deep pools perfect for summer dipping. The old-growth forest setting creates a secluded wilderness feeling despite being minutes from Interstate 5.

Things to Do

Camping (79 standard sites, 18 with hookups), swimming in the Lewis River, and hiking the 2-mile nature loop trail through forest. Fishing for steelhead, salmon, and trout is popular. The park connects to the Lewis River trail system for extended hiking.

Getting There

Located off Interstate 5 at exit 16, approximately 25 miles north of Portland. Day-use fee applies. Open year-round.

About Paradise Point

Paradise Point State Recreation Site in Clackamas County provides riverside recreation along the Clackamas River in the Cascade foothills. The Clackamas flows from the western slopes of Mount Hood through forested canyons — one of the most important salmon and steelhead rivers in the Portland metro area.

Things to Do

Fishing for salmon and steelhead, swimming in the river during summer, picnicking, and enjoying a forested retreat in the Cascade foothills near Portland.

Insider Tips

Willamette Valley escape: Paradise Point offers shaded recreation along the Willamette River. Pro tip: The Willamette is swimmable in summer — local swimming holes are a beloved Oregon tradition. Paddling: The Willamette Water Trail spans 187 miles from Eugene to Portland — one of America’s great urban water trails. Paddle past farms, forests, and wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: River swimming, paddling, and fishing. Fall: Salmon runs and fall foliage along the river. Spring: High water for kayaking. Winter: Eagle watching — bald eagles concentrate along the Willamette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim in the Willamette River?

Yes — the Willamette has been dramatically cleaned up since the 1960s when it was one of America’s most polluted rivers. Today, Portlanders swim in it regularly. The transformation is considered one of the greatest environmental success stories in US history.

Wildlife & Nature

Paradise Point provides scenic recreation along one of Oregon’s waterways — offering the relaxed, nature-focused experience that defines Oregon’s extensive state park system. Oregon’s 254 state park properties encompass 115,000+ acres — one of the most comprehensive park systems in the nation. The diverse landscapes protected range from coastal rainforest receiving 100+ inches of rain annually to high desert receiving less than 8 inches. Oregon supports approximately 500 bird species, 140 mammal species, 50+ reptile and amphibian species, and over 5,000 plant species. The state’s biogeographic position — at the intersection of Pacific, Great Basin, and Rocky Mountain influences — creates this exceptional diversity.

Nearby Attractions

Oregon’s state recreation sites connect travelers to the state’s extraordinary natural diversity. Oregon State Parks offer free day-use parking (funded by vehicle registration fees — a unique funding model). Oregon’s Scenic Byways — 28 designated routes — showcase landscapes from coastal headlands to volcanic peaks to painted deserts. National Forests covering 15.7 million acres provide additional recreation. Bureau of Land Management lands add millions more acres of public access. Oregon’s public land tradition reflects a deep commitment to outdoor access.