Blue Lake Regional Park is a large, multi-use recreational park near Portland, Oregon. It consists of a large lake with paved trails that's north of Fairview Lake and south of the Columbia River.
The park is used for hiking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, disc golf, picnics, biking, and much more! Keep reading to get an insider's perspective on what to do at Blue Lake Regional Park and when the best time to visit is.
Visiting Blue Lake Regional Park
Blue Lake Regional Park is a beautiful, easy-to-access park that's on the bank of the Columbia River, just east of Portland and north of Fairview, Oregon.
Address: 20500 NE Marine Drive, Fairview, OR 97024
Admission Fee: $5 per car, $7 per bus
Open Hours: 8:00 AM to 9 PM in summer and 8:00 AM to 5 PM in winter.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in the park.
Bikes: Bikes are allowed on paved paths in the park.
Wheelchair accessible? Yes, much of the park is wheelchair accessible.
The best time to visit the park depends o what you want to do. If you want to boat, kayak, or canoe, you should visit in winter when those activities are allowed. But if you're hoping to walk or bike, I highly recommend going in the summer or early fall.
Where is Blue Lake Regional Park?
From Portland, Blue Lake Regional Park is only 25 minutes away, driving down Highway 84 and exiting just before Gresham. Use the map below to navigate to the park:
Around the park, you'll also find Fairview Lake (which has Lakeshore and Hockaday City Parks on its banks). North of Blue Lake is Chinook Landing Marine Park and the Sundial Wetlands.
What to Do at Blue Lake Regional Park
Blue Lake Regional Park is a popular place for exercising, disc golf, relaxing on the shoreline, swimming, and fishing.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Blue Lake Regional Park. As long as you follow the Department of Fish and Wildlife Regulations, it'll be a fantastic day out. Some of the fish you might catch include:
Largemouth bass
Bluegill
Crappie
Rainbow trout
Steelhead
Black bullhead
Green sunfish
The largemouth bass are usually found around the docks and in the weeds and can be found attacking smaller fish and foliage.
Hiking and Biking
There are several small trails that run around and through the Blue Lake Regional park area and a longer trail that loops around the lake. If a path is paved, you're allowed to bike on it. One of these is the Marine Drive Trail.
If you want a closer look at the Columbia River and the hills on either side of the gorge, this is a good option. There's a nice view of McGuire Island (which sits in the middle of the river) as well.
Disc Golf
There is a disc golf course at the park that's open every day, closing just before dark and opening at sunrise.
Boating
The boating rules at Blue Lake are somewhat more complicated, and we highly recommend calling beforehand and checking with the park to see what the current guidelines are. But, generally, they forbid boats in the summer. But boats with a horsepower of 3.0 and shorter than 14 feet are allowed between October and April.
Kayaks and canoes 17 feet and shorter are allowed in the lake around the same period.
Remember! Flotation devices, like paddleboards and pedal boats, are not allowed in the lake.
Camping Near Blue Lake Regional Park
The park is a popular getaway for residents from around the Columbia River. There are a few different camping options nearby (you can't camp at the park!).
Portland Fairview RV Park
The Portland Fairview RV Park is in Fairview and is one of the closest camping areas to Blue Lake Regional Park. It's open all year long and has an impressive 407 sites, a clubhouse, swimming, pool, a fitness center, and WiFi.
Sandy Riverfront RV Resort
Sandy Riverfront RV Resort is another great camping area near Blue Lake Regional Park. It is only a few minutes away in Troutdale. It has a total of 113 sites with full hookups. There are picnic tables, WiFi, and more.
You might also want to check out the Badlands Rock Trail near Bend, Oregon as a truly unique outdoor adventure.
Oxbow Regional Park
Oxbow Regional Park is another popular nearby park that's used for hiking and camping. There is a great campground there, right next to the Sandy River. Oxbow is open seven days a week and has 74 drive-in campsites, 12 RV sites, and free hot showers.
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