Columbia River Cross Channel Swim 2026

Join us on the banks of the Columbia River this Labor Day weekend for an exhilarating open-water swim.

Swimmers board the famous Sternwheeler paddleboat on the south shore of the Columbia River, at the dock in Cascade Locks, and are ferried to the Washington side of the river. When signaled, swimmers jump off the Sternwheeler into the Columbia and swim an approximately 1.1-mile stretch across to Cascade Locks. To help them find their way, a special swim lane lined with volunteers in sailboats, kayaks, and paddle boards are there to guide, encourage, and protect swimmers as they cross the channel.

Ages 10 & up may participate
Ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Check in: 6:00-7:15am | Boat begins loading at 7:15am.
8am start time.

Safety equipment:
All swimmers are required to swim with a tow buoy. Brightly colored swim caps are required, however we are no longer providing branded caps as part of registration. Wetsuits are optional.

Merchandise & Add Ons: Registration includes participation only. Patches, shirts, and other merch will be available through our merch store later this year.

Join fellow swimmers as you navigate the currents and conquer the channel - grab your goggles, swim cap, and get ready to make a splash at the Columbia River Cross Channel Swim!