Sauvie Island

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Farmland on Sauvie Island in early summer
Farmland on Sauvie Island in early summer
Map of Sauvie Island, drawn in 1937, showing Multnomah Channel, Columbia River, Willamette River, Portland, Vancouver, and Columbia River Highway.
Map of Sauvie Island, drawn in 1937, showing Multnomah Channel, Columbia River, Willamette River, Portland, Vancouver, and Columbia River Highway.

Sauvie Island, in the U.S. state of Oregon, is the largest island along the Columbia River, at 26,000 acres (105 km²). It lies approximately ten miles northwest of downtown Portland, between the Columbia River to the east, the Multnomah Channel to the west, and the Willamette River to the south. Much of the interior comprises water; Sturgeon Lake, in the north central part of the island, is the most prominent water feature. The land area is 84.82 km² (32.75 sq mi, or 20,959 acres). Most of the island is in Multnomah County, but the northern third belongs to Columbia County. The Sauvie Island Bridge (built 1950) provides access across the Multnomah Channel from U.S. Route 30.

The island is predominantly farmland and wildlife refuge. There were 1,078 year-round residents at the 2000 census. There is an industrial zone and small grocery store in the southeast corner, near the bridge. Bicyclists flock to the island because its flat topography and lengthy low-volume roads make it ideal for cycling. Its nearest incorporated neighbors are the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area to its south and southeast; St. Helens across the Multnomah Channel from the extreme northern tip of the island; and Scappoose, across the Multnomah Channel to the west.

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[edit] History

Looking west across the fields from Gillihan Road
Looking west across the fields from Gillihan Road

[edit] Recreational beaches

The island is also the location of several riverside beaches, including Walton Beach, North Unit Beach, and the clothing-optional Collins Beach[6] on the island's east coast along NW Reeder Road's last few miles past the end of the pavement. The beaches are open fromdawn to 10:00 p.m., and are closed to overnight use and camping. Open fires are not allowed. Dogs are allowed if they are leashed. Rangers have been known to use binoculars to spot dogs running loose far up the beach and then to issue tickets upon the owners' return to the parking lot with animal leashed.

Beach parking is subject to Sauvie Island Wildlife Area parking permits,[7] which are $3.50/day or $11/year and are available at all stores on the island and many near the island. Vehicles without a permit are towed and impounded; as of 2005, this can cost a vehicle's owner around $700.

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