One of the oldest geographic landmarks around Portland, this exposed rock island is perfect to explore on foot or via water.
Portland and the landscape around it was cut and shaped by ancient exploding volcanos. The Columbia River Gorge bares the wreckage of this phenomenal natural power, its basalt remains punctuating the land in dramatic reminder of the past.
Elk Rock Island may be the oldest of them all. The exposed rock stands strong amid the rising and falling tides of the Willamette River, its shores connected to the city of Milwaukie by a 40 million year old land bridge.
You've gotta check it out.
Enter at the Spring Park Natural Area. Depending on when you go, the land strip may be pockmarked with water, decorated with moss, or the rock may be laid bare. The diverse conditions of the island make it a good home for all kinds of plants and animals, as seven distinct habitats flourish on the relatively small area.
The highlight of our visit was when I heard a faint, rhymthic noise almost like wheezing. I thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be cool to see a sea lion?" then BAM I connected the sound to the water just in time to see a sea lion's head popping out of the Willamette as it swam East!
I was baffled and almost doubted what I saw - what would a sea lion be doing this far up the Willamette, past downtown Portland, swimming along the motorboats and jet skiers?
Turns out sea lions regularly swim all the way from the Pacific Ocean to Willamette Falls in pursuit of wild winter steelhead. The falls create a perfect trap for the fish, so much so that some species are threatened to go extinct from the sea lions' feasting!
Elk Rock Island has seen a similar hunting maneuver throughout its long history.
See that cliff across the Willamette? Native Americans used to herd elk to the edge then force them off the steep cliff as in a buffalo jump, hence the name Elk Rock Island.
Nowadays you're not likely to see any elk, but aquatic life abounds.
Since this area changes so much with the water levels, this is also a great place to kayak!
We came back in the summer and entered via the dock at Milwaukie Bay, paddling around the inlets to see what we could see, including these two sunning turtles!
On a down note, one of those sweet turtles had a fishing hook stuck in its nose. A sad sight to see, so please remember to fish responsibly to protect wildlife!
Distance from Portland: 15 minutes / 10 miles
Difficulty: Easy
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