One of the most fun afternoons out you can have with the family, especially when the weather is warm, outdoor swimming pools are synonymous with summer fun. From public spots with slides and lessons to more zen destinations, here are the best outdoor Swimming Pools in or near Portland, Oregon…
1. Pier Pool and Pier Park – a popular public pool and park with a kids’ play area
The Pier Pool and Pier Park are great spots to relax with friends and family. There is a separate pool for small children which makes it convenient for parents who want to avoid their youngsters clashing with the older children and adults in the same pool.
Consequently, finding a seat by the pool can be challenging on busy days. But since it’s so simple and inexpensive, you won’t give it a second thought.
This pool is sure to be a hit with the younger kids. You can choose from various slides, including a little one, a huge one, and a lazy river. In addition, there is a beautiful poolside seating area where you may relax.
Address: N Seneca St & N St Johns Ave, Portland, OR 97203
2. Grant Outdoor Pool – a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a large shallow area, for open swims and lessons too
The Grant Outdoor Pool is the ideal pool to get your swim sessions. Grant Park has managed to keep this little gem a secret. There are instances when the water will be warmer, but they don’t second guess about cleanliness. Grant’s towering stone walls and lack of seating make it less ideal for sunbathing or chilling out.
But that doesn’t mean the sun doesn’t shine on the water, the reason you’ll be there in the first place. Getting out of the shower after a swim can be a hassle as kids are always taking swimming lessons. On most days of the week, you’ll see a snow cone cart parked in front of the pool.
Address: 2300 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97212
3. McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool – a relaxing saltwater soaking pool
McMenamins Kennedy School has a saltwater pool that you can use all year long if you don’t want to swim laps. The hotel’s pool is open to non-guests, yet it seldom gets too crowded because of the severe capacity restrictions.
Note: If you’re a local, you get to use this pool for free.
Address: Pool, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
4. Wilson Outdoor Pool – an outdoor summer-only pool on the Woodrow Wilson High School campus offering water features and classes
On Wilson High School’s campus in the forests of Portland, the city’s future leaders practice their morning swim routines in a pool. Newly constructed tracks and a vital building have also been added. A children’s pool with water features, a lazy river, and a simple water slide is included in this pool, which has two pools.
Showers are plenty, and the locker rooms are massive. Passes to the city pool are not available at this store. If you have children or are looking for the best possible pool experience, the drive is well worth it. As a result of so many swim teams, there is only one lane available for morning lap swimming.
Address: 1151 S Vermont St, Portland, OR 97219
5. Peninsula Pool (seasonal) – a newly-renovated popular outdoor pool
The Peninsula Pool is the closest thing to a city swimming pool that you’ll find in Oregon. In front of Rosa Parks, locker facilities are in an old Spanish-style building. White painted rough; tall sides give the impression that this is a place where you could knock your teeth out but this is not the case. If you’re not particularly strong, you’ll need a ladder unless you’re exceptionally tall.
Even so, it’s a lot of fun, thanks to the chilly, clear water. People who don’t plan on spending the entire day at the pool will enjoy this one, especially for city youngsters as it’s a great place to ride a bike as well.
Address: 6400 N Albina Ave Portland OR 97217
6. Sellwood Pool (seasonal) – offers swim lessons, open play swim, family play swim, lifeguard program, swim instructor program and rentas too
You wouldn’t be wrong to say that Sellwood Pool is Portland’s most entertaining municipal structure after you pay the place a visit. You can find designs reminiscent of a Bavarian village in a fairy tale.
Swimming laps are tough but very possible in this circular pool despite the shallow end’s zero-foot depth. Another sign of a well-kept summer pool is the presence of a snow cone cart at the gate.
Address: 7951 SE 7th Avenue Portland, OR 97202
7. Creston Pool (seasonal) – a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with slides
Located just off of Powell Boulevard, Creston is a small but charming pool and seems to have originated from a Beverly Cleary novel. Creston Park is located at the foot of a steep hill. Even though there is a lot of parking, you will have to walk a long distance to get to the swimming pool.
There are plenty of grassy areas with umbrellas and well-equipped locker rooms if you’re in the market for a community pool. As long as lifeguards allow, you can spend the entire day at this swimming pool.
Address: 4454 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206
8. Montavilla Community Center – a neighborhood recreation center with basketball courts, kids’ activities and a large outdoor pool
Despite its gritty appearance, Montavilla Pool has a lot to offer. There are no large walls obstructing the deck and plenty of room to lounge around the pool. You’ll come across a few errant leaves floating but the water is crystal-clear and refreshing. The lanes are enough to go around for everyone and big enough to swim in a circle together.
Is there anything else that stands out? One block away, you’ll find Taco Time.
Address: 8219 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220
9. Somerset West Swim Center – a fun public place to swim in Portland
Parks are a big draw in Oregon, as they are in many other cities. Just take a moment to relax at Somerset West Swim Center. Whether you’re in the mood for a picnic, a party, or some physical activity, there’s no better way to spend your free time than hanging out with friends.
Space, privacy, convenience, and a sense of community are all essential aspects of an excellent outdoor pool. If you are thinking of prolonging your stay in Portland, Somerset West swim center has one, two, and three-bedroom homes and townhouses that offer everything you need. During the hot months of the year, the well-kept seasonal pool is all you could ask for.
Address: 18300 NW Park View Blvd, Portland, OR 97229
10. Raleigh Swim Center – a 25-yard outdoor pool located at Raleigh Park perfect for lap swimmer
The Raleigh Swim Center is an excellent place to bring family and friends for a day of fun in the sun. Cleanliness, simplicity, and fun are all words that describe how they operate this swimming pool. The group members have planned a fun event for everyone, adults and kids alike.
Profanity has no place in music, cans of beer aren’t a problem either because no one drinks too many of them. The diving board appears to be excellent. The club charges a nominal fee to guests to keep things fresh and entice new members.
Address: 3500 SW 78th Ave, Portland, OR 97225
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Born and raised in Brazil, Gaby has always had a taste for the intriguing, the off-beat and the far flung. After travelling around most of South America, living in Spain and Italy and then moving to England, her feet have stayed continually twitchy. Studying for a degree in Spanish translation and then learning five more languages only poured more fuel onto her travelling ardor.
Gaby likes nothing better than discovering new destinations and meeting the locals, tasting the cuisine and hearing about the local stories. Her other indulgences include French cinema, boxing, photography, colourful manicures and soaking up the rays on a sun-infused beach. She counts Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon and Cornwall as her most favourite places in the world.