Lewis + Clark State Recreation Site

Located just within the limits of a protected area, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site's Broughton Bluff actually marks the westernmost edge of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area designation.  The park is a rather modest day-use area, with a simple picnic area, a boat ramp, restrooms, and a short interpretive trail describing the namesake's incredible western voyage.

Two features of this park set it apart from your average family picnic spot.  First, Broughton Bluff is without a doubt Portland's best outdoor climbing crag.  Hidden from the rest of the park, the Bluff hosts 10 unique pitches on public lands with routes as high as 180 feet and rated up to 5.13c.  Second, along with Glenn Otto Community Park on the other side of the Sandy River, the park is host to some of the best beaches within a 30-minute drive from Portland.  After Collins Beach on Sauvie Island or Broughton Beach off of Marine Drive, these two Sandy River parks offer more beach space for summer adventurers than any other swimming hole in the area.