Swimming in Portland, Oregon is an important activity in the summer.  Temperatures rise and people want to cool down, pretty simple.  As green as a place that Portland is I find it a little lame that we can not even swim in the Willamette River, which flows right through the middle of town, without worrying about health risks.  I am hopeful that with the completion of Big Pipe project that we will be able swim, float and recreate in the Willamette River in the future without worrying about e-coli.  Let’s face it we all love livability in Portland, but in my mind having a river to swim in close to downtown is the measure of a towns livability in the summer time.  When that day happens you can bet that Portland’s fun meter will rise 5 - 10 notches.  So until that magic day I have compiled a short list (in no particular order) of suggestions for places to cool off and take a dip in PDX.

1) Sandy River - about 20 minutes from downtown Portland.  Great natural area, crowded on the weekends but great for people watching.

2) Portland Public Pools - these pools are very family oriented, but even if you don’t have kids or a family it is unbelievable fun.  Every day is like the pool party at Caddyshack.  Kids are having a ball with floats, there are plenty of lounge chairs to take in the scene and chill.  My favorites are Grant Pool, Sellwood Pool and Wilson Pool - all great outdoor pools.

3) Trillium Lake - if you really want to experience the outdoors take an hour and a half drive up to Mt. Hood and Trillium Lake.  How about going for a swim and taking in a view of Mt. Hood?

Have suggestions for your favorite please let me know and contribute!