New seasonal hours
Oxbow is open 7 days per week. Reservations are from 8 a.m. to one hour before park closure.
May 1 through Sept. 14
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sept. 15 through Oct. 31
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 1 through March 14
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 15 through April 30
8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2022 reservations are open
You can reserve your space over the phone or online at our reservation website.
Reservations are accepted 15 days to nine months in advance. No day-of reservations are available at this time.
Reserve your picnic shelter online
How to make a reservation
Take a look at the information below to see which areas fit your needs. To view availability or reserve a shelter, use our online reservation system. If you have questions or need additional assistance, call 503-663-4708 or email [email protected].
Reservable picnic areas
Each reservable area includes shelter, tables, large barbecue, horseshoe pit, potable water, pit or flush toilets, parking area and turfed play area.
Electricity is not available.
Alder Shelter
- parking adjacent to the shelter
- large turfed area for games
- trail leading down to the Sandy River
- playground within short walking distance
- 22' x 62' open air shelter with concrete floor
- up to 300 people; seating under shelter for 148 people
- $250 fee
Beaver Shelter
- playground within short walking distance
- large turfed area for games
- no direct river access
- 22' x 22' open air shelter with concrete floor up to 60 people; seating under shelter for 56
- $125 fee
Coho Shelter
- playground within short walking distance
- small turfed area for games
- no direct river access
- semi-secluded 22' x 38' open air shelter with concrete floor
- up to 150 people; seating under shelter for 96
- $125 fee
Dragonfly Shelter
- secluded picnic site with private access drive
- adjacent parking limited to 25 vehicles; additional parking nearby
- located just downstream from the boat ramp
- trail to the Sandy River
- small turfed area for games
- 24' x 40' open air shelter with concrete floor
- up to 100 people; seating under shelter for 64
- $250 fee
Eagle Shelter
- large turfed area for games
- no direct river access
- 24' x 40' open air shelter with concrete floor
- up to 100 people; seating under shelter for 64
- $125 fee
Weekday and off-season rentals
The prices listed above are for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between May 1 and Sept. 30. Non-holidays Monday through Friday between May 1 and Sept. 30 are charged the weekday fee of $50. All picnic reservations from Oct. 1 through April 30 are charged the weekday fee of $50.
Alcohol
Beer and/or wine is allowed with a $225 permit fee and a reservation fee for a designated area. Permits can be purchased online when making a reservation. A minimum of 14 days' notice is required to secure a permit.
Catering and amusement providers
You are welcome to have your picnic or event catered or to rent equipment from a professional amusement provider with the required permit. Permits can be purchased online when making a reservation. A minimum of 14 days' notice is required to secure a permit. Personal inflatable equipment, and slip and slides are not allowed. Learn more about caterer and amusement provider guidelines here.
Cleaning up after your event
Litter and garbage (including candy wrappers, cigarette butts, bottle caps, etc.) should be picked up and bagged or put into garbage cans at the end of the day. Sweeping or hosing of the shelter will not be required unless there are major accumulations of dirt or spilled liquids or foods. The permit holder will be charged for any damage to park facility rented or for any cleaning of litter, garbage or major accumulation of dirt or spilled liquids or foods.
Vehicle fees
There is a vehicle fee of $5 per motorized vehicle and $7 per bus on all days. This fee is in addition to the reservation fees.
All pre-paid parking passes must be purchased at least 10 business days before the reservation holder’s event. This includes passes bought over the phone and in person at the Blue Lake or Oxbow park office. The reservation holder is responsible for distribution of passes to attendees prior to the reservation. No exceptions. Vehicles fees may be pre-purchased in advance or paid at the gate on arrival.
Price: $5
Picnic reservation cancellation and refunds
You will receive a full refund:
- If you cancel your reservation 31 days or more before the reservation.
- If Metro closes the park on the day of the reservation.
You will receive a refund only of paid permit fees if you cancel your reservation 30 days or less before the reserved date.
Rescheduling
You may reschedule your reservation for a $20 change fee, if you do so at least 7 days before your event, depending on site availability. If you cancel after rescheduling, no refund will be given.