Sellwood Riverfront Park

Sellwood Riverfront Park is an 8-acre park on the banks of the Willamette River in southeast Portland.  It’s a dog lover’s paradise with a huge, off-leash area.

Visitors can also enjoy the waterfront trail, with great views of the Sellwood Bridge and downtown Portland, and plenty of interesting marine traffic.

Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Willamette River, or venture down to the beach in summer months.

10 best things to do at Sellwood Riverfront Park

1. Riverfront Path

The Riverfront Path (0.5 miles long) starts near the parking lot, and passes a kayak launch area, boat dock and dog park, before ending at a wetlands area at the north end of Sellwood Riverfront Park.

2. Dog off-leash area

The 1.5-acre off-leash park is in a grassy area in the middle of Sellwood Riverfront Park.  This un-fenced area is one of Portland’s most popular off-leash parks. Bring a frisbee and let your dog roam!

3. Wetlands

Explore the forested wetlands at the north end of Sellwood Riverfront Park, teeming with frogs and dragonflies.

4. Boat Dock

Sunbathe on the boat dock, with a long arm that juts out into the Willamette River.

5. Picnic

Spend a lazy summer day picnicking on the lawns of the Sellwood Riverfront Park, or find a picnic table (pictured below) overlooking the river.

6. Kayak Launch

Launch a kayak from the south end of the Sellwood Riverfront Park.

7. Beach

Dip your feet in the cool waters of the Willamette River at the beach at Sellwood Riverfront Park.  There are no lifeguards, so swimming is not recommended.  You will also be sharing the beach with plenty of dogs. The rocky beach is only visible at certain times of the year when the river level drops.

8. Oaks Amusement Park

Walk up to Oaks Amusement Park, just north of the Sellwood Riverfront Park. 

9. Oaks Pioneer Church

The historic Oaks Pioneer Church is just up the hill from the Sellwood Riverfront Park.  This quaint church hosts up to 300 weddings a year, and has a gorgeous setting amongst manicured gardens and stone pathways. It has been moved 3 times, arriving at this final location in 1961.

10.  SE 13^th in Sellwood

Drive up to a fabulous shopping strip on SE 13^th on Sellwood, just 3 blocks up the hill from the Sellwood Riverfront Park.  Explore the section between Malden and Harney Streets for cafes, restaurants and antique shops.