by David Friedman
Beachfront access to the Columbia River is only an 11-minute drive from the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood. Once dubbed Dittler’s Beach, Broughton Beach has undergone a remarkable transformation. Recent cleanup efforts removed 110 tons of debris, turning it into a rare family-friendly, sandy haven in NE Portland.
The beach now beckons visitors with its scenic allure and a multitude of birds, including double-crested cormorants, which signal wind direction to keen observers. Artists find inspiration in the light dancing across the water, capturing the scene against the backdrop of Mount Hood, which is visible in the distance.
From dawn to dusk, the beach buzzes with life: picnickers, sunbathers, fishermen, and what is fondly referred to as the Wilshire Park Swim Club by dog folks from Wilshire Park, who meet up at the beach on warm Sunday mornings and walk east to a spot they call Puppy Point.
Broughton Beach is a great place to take your dog for a run or a swim in the gentle waves. Occasionally disturbed by the sounds of jets taking off or landing at our nearby airport, this beach is a local treasure, helping us experience the beauty of the Columbia River — and inviting to you or your dog when you need to take a beach walk.
How To Get There & More
Broughton Beach is a quarter mile east of Salty’s waterfront restaurant on NE Marine Drive. Turn north from NE Marine Drive into the bustling M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp area and head toward the easternmost parking lot. Parking for the day at this Metro-run beach costs $5; an annual Metro Parks pass is available for $40, or $30 for seniors.
David Friedman, @friedart, is a visual artist specializing in papercutting, printmaking, and painting. He and his dog, Poppi @poppipdx, can be seen daily at Wilshire Park. His work is on display at the Alberta Street Gallery, daily 11-7.