Golf & Swimming

Golf & Swimming

Golf

Broadmoor Golf Course (3509 N.E. Columbia Blvd., near airport, 97211. 503/281-1337) is an 18-hole, par-72 course where the greens fee runs $30 and an optional cart costs $26.

At the 18-hole, par-72 Colwood National Golf Club (7313 N.E. Columbia Blvd., near airport, 97218. 503/254-5515), the greens fee is $26-$28, plus $24 for an optional cart.

Eastmoreland Golf Course (2425 S.E. Bybee Blvd., Sellwood, 97202. 503/775-2900) has a highly regarded 18-hole, 72-par course close to the Rhododendron Gardens, Crystal Springs Lake, and Reed College. The greens fee is $15-$32 plus $28 for an optional cart.

Glendoveer Golf Course (14015 N.E. Glisan St., near Gresham, 97230. 503/253-7507) has two 18-hole courses, one par-71 and one par-73, and a covered driving range. The greens fee runs $16-$30; carts are $13 for 9 holes, $26 for 18 holes.

Heron Lakes Golf Course (3500 N. Victory Blvd., west of airport, off N. Marine Dr., 97217. 503/289-1818) consists of two 18-hole, par-72 courses: the less-challenging Greenback and the Great Blue, generally acknowledged to be the most difficult links in the greater Portland area. The greens fee at the Green, as it is locally known, is $26-$30, while the fee at the Blue runs $37-$40. An optional cart at either course costs $26.

Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (12930 N.W. Old Pumpkin Ridge Rd., North Plains, 97133. 503/647-4747 or 888/594-4653. www.pumpkinridge.com) has 36 holes, with the 18-hole Ghost Creek par-71 course open to the public. According to Golf Digest, Ghost Creek is one of the best public courses in the nation. Pumpkin Ridge hosted the U.S. Women's Open in 1997 and in 2003. The greens fee is $135; the cart fee is $15.

Rose City Golf Course (2200 N.E. 71st Ave., east of Hollywood District, 97213. 503/253-4744) has one 18-hole, par-72 course. Greens fees are $25-$30; carts are $26 for 18 holes.

Swimming & Sunbathing

Blue Lake Regional Park (20500 N.E. Marine Dr., Troutdale. 503/797-1850) has a swimming beach that's packed on hot summer days. You can also fish and rent small boats here. This is a great place for a hike on the surrounding trails or for a picnic.

If you feel like tanning au naturel, drive about a half hour northwest of downtown to Sauvie Island, a wildlife refuge with a secluded beachfront that's popular (and legal) with nude sunbathers. If the sky is clear, you'll get a spectacular view from the riverbank of three Cascade mountains -- Hood, St. Helens, and Adams. Huge oceangoing vessels cruise by on their way to and from the Port of Portland. To get here, take U.S. 30 north to Sauvie Island bridge, turn right, and follow Reeder Road until you hit gravel. Look for the Collins Beach signs. There's plenty of parking, but a permit is required. You can buy it ($3.50 for a one-day permit, $11 for an annual permit) at the Cracker Barrel country store just over the bridge on the left side of the road.