While Portlanders flock to Sauvie Island’s beaches, farm stands or pumpkin patches, one of the city’s most fascinating hikes sits quietly at the northern tip of the island, waiting to be discovered.
The Warrior Point Trail leads hikers along Columbia River views to Oregon’s tiniest lighthouse — a unique destination that was discussed on an episode of the Peak Northwest podcast from the archives.
- Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
“It’s one of my go-to year-round hikes if I want something that’s kind of flat but a little bit distance and a little bit of payoff, maybe a little quieter,” Peak Northwest co-host Jamie Hale said. “This is honestly a great spot for all of those reasons.”
The roughly six-mile round trip journey to Warrior Rock Lighthouse offers a perfect balance of accessibility and reward. Unlike many Portland-area trails that require significant elevation gain or technical hiking skills, this path provides a mostly flat route through beautiful forest landscapes before emerging onto a beach where the historic lighthouse stands.
The Warrior Point Trail runs through a quiet forest on the north end of Sauvie Island. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
Fall visitors are treated to a sensory experience that exemplifies the Pacific Northwest at its most enchanting. “I went when the fall foliage was in action so a lot of beautiful yellow leaves and, you know, the leaves crunching underneath your feet,” Hale described.
The path itself follows a straightforward route along the northern portion of Sauvie Island, and while there are a few forks in the trail, Hale offers simple advice for navigation: “When in doubt just stay toward the river and that’ll take you all the way to the lighthouse.”
One practical consideration for hikers: the trail can become quite muddy during Portland’s rainy season, so appropriate footwear is essential after heavy rainfall. Additionally, visitors need to purchase a $10 parking permit, available online or at local retailers.
Mount St. Helens is seen over the Columbia River from the Warrior Point trail on the northern tip of Sauvie Island. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
Upon reaching the lighthouse, hikers are rewarded with more than just the structure itself. The area offers spectacular views of the Columbia River, with Mount St. Helens visible in the distance on clear days. The rocky shoreline creates a perfect lunch spot, with the water providing a mesmerizing backdrop.
The combination of natural beauty and historical interest creates an experience that feels complete in a way many hikes don’t. As Hale succinctly put it: “Beautiful views, nice quiet forest, a cool historical lighthouse. What what else could you ask for?”
Listen to the full Peak Northwest podcast episode to learn more about this hidden gem and get detailed directions for your own lighthouse adventure.
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