Stay Cool During the Dog Days of Summer!
As the summer heats up in the Pacific Northwest, finding ways to stay cool becomes a priority. Luckily, there are plenty of options for beating the heat in the region. Click to see a list of some of our top picks for places to stay cool this summer...
Check It OutWe spend all year counting down to sunny days and summertime in the PNW and it is always fun to see the way our entire area comes alive at those first few beautiful days of summer. The “Dog Days” of summer are from July 3rd to August 11th each year and are usually the hottest and most unbearable days of the season. When those heatwaves hit with no reprieve, we often find ourselves desperately looking for ways to stay cool. Whether you are on the hunt for a thrilling water park experience or a peaceful spot to soak up some sun, there are plenty of options to stay cool this summer across Oregon & SW Washington. Scroll down to see our map and short list of recommendations for local area spots that can help you and your families and friends beat the heat and have fun!
Here are our favorite spots that we can't wait to visit again...
- Wings & Waves Waterpark
460 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128
Immense indoor water park featuring a wave pool, interactive exhibits & waterslides. Online tickets start at $29.99. - Ida B Wells-Barnett Outdoor Pool
1151 S Vermont St, Portland, OR 97239
This outdoor pool in SW Portland has a diving board and water slide. Check website for admission fee. - Mt. Scott Community Center Pool
5530 SE 72nd Ave, Portland, OR 97206
This fun indoor pool in SE Portland with a water slide and a lazy river. Check website for admission fee. - North Clackamas Aquatic Park
7300 SE Harmony Rd, Milwaukie, OR 97222
This water park in Milwaukie has a variety of slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool for all ages to enjoy. Check website for admission fee. - Southwest Community Center Pool
6820 SW 45th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
This indoor pool in SW Portland has a water slide, a hot tub and more. Check website for admission fee. - Blue Lake Regional Park Splash Pad
21224 NE Blue Lake Rd, Fairview, OR 97024
Splash into an action-packed spray ground with colorful features that shower, gush, dump and pour water. $5 parking fee. - Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Grand Mound
20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531
North America’s largest indoor family water park resort! The 1.5 hour drive from Portland is so worth it! Half Day Passes start at $40 per person and can be purchased online or by calling 800.905.9653.
For more of an all-day-trip vibe, check out some of these fan favorites to keep it cool:
- Columbia River Gorge: The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful area with plenty of opportunities to stay cool. You can go for a swim at one of the many waterfalls, take a dip in the Columbia River, or hike to a high elevation for cooler temperatures.
- Mount Hood: Mount Hood is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and it's also a great place to stay cool. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and you can also take a dip in one of the many lakes or rivers in the area.
- Oregon Coast: The Oregon Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and it's a great place to stay cool during the summer months. You can take a dip in the ocean, explore tide pools, or go for a hike along the coast.
- Multnomah Falls: Multnomah Falls is a popular tourist destination near Portland, and it's also a great place to stay cool. The waterfall creates a cool mist that can be refreshing on a hot day, and there are plenty of hiking trails in the area to explore.
- Forest Park: Forest Park is a large urban park located in Portland, and it's a great place to stay cool during the summer months. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the dense forest canopy provides plenty of shade to keep you cool.
- Oxbow Regional Park: Oxbow Regional Park is a 1,000-acre park located on the Sandy River, about 30 miles east of Portland. The park offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, and there are also several hiking trails to explore.
- Trillium Lake: Trillium Lake is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and it's also a great place to stay cool during the summer months. The lake is located about 50 miles east of Portland, near Mount Hood.
- Sauvie Island: Sauvie Island is a large island located in the Columbia River, about 10 miles north of Portland. The island offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking, and there are also several beaches where you can relax and stay cool.
- Johnson Creek: Johnson Creek is a small stream that runs through the east side of Portland, and it's a great place to stay cool during the summer months. There are several parks and green spaces along the creek, including Tideman Johnson Park and Powell Butte Nature Park.
- The Grotto: The Grotto is a serene garden and Catholic shrine located in northeast Portland. The garden features several water features, including a waterfall and reflecting pool, and the shady paths are a great place to escape the heat.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you or your family or friends are looking to buy or sell – or just to chat about the changing market. I’m always available to discuss your needs and would love to catch up with you!
