Gull Island is a historic and expansive 30.64-acre private retreat that embodies the raw, natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Known as a former hunting destination for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the island offers a rare blend of historical prestige and absolute seclusion. With a significant stretch of sandy shoreline and a dense interior of mature trees, it is a definitive "blank canvas" for the outdoor enthusiast. Whether utilized as a private family camping ground, a strategic land investment, or a base for world-class river recreation, Gull Island is one of the most substantial private holdings currently available on the Columbia River.
Property Details
The island is currently in a pristine, non-developed state, offering total flexibility for recreational use.
The Land: Spanning over 30 acres of level, wooded terrain, the island is zoned PA-80 (Primary Agriculture), which supports its current use as raw recreational land.
Historical Legacy: The island’s past as a preferred duck-hunting spot for FDR adds a layer of unique cultural value that is impossible to replicate.
Development Potential: While currently without structures, future improvements such as a private dock or accessory recreational buildings may be possible through the Department of State Lands (DSL) and Columbia County permitting processes.
Land and Water
Gull Island’s geography is defined by its long, wide sandy beaches and its command of the river's main channel.
The Shoreline: The island features an extensive sandy beachfront that is perfect for summer picnics, overnight camping, and swimming. The firm, level terrain along the water’s edge allows for easy boat beaching.
Recreational Hub: The surrounding waters of the Columbia River are renowned for salmon and sturgeon fishing, while the island's interior provides a sheltered habitat for abundant birdlife and deer.
Views: From its central position, the island offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, river traffic, and the lush forests of the Oregon and Washington banks.
Access and Utilities
Despite its feeling of deep seclusion, Gull Island is remarkably easy to reach from regional population centers.
Transit: The island is a quick 5-minute boat ride from the Willow Grove boat launch in Longview, WA. It is strategically positioned about 60 miles from Portland and roughly the same distance from the Pacific coast beaches.
Utilities: The property is currently off-grid with no existing utility services. This makes it a prime candidate for a low-impact, sustainable setup utilizing solar-power and mobile water filtration.
Taxes: As a recreational landholding, the property carries an exceptionally low annual tax burden (historically approximately $134/year).
Lifestyle and Value
Ownership of Gull Island is an invitation to unplug and inhabit the Columbia River in its purest form. It is a place where the pace of life is dictated by the current and the tides. In a 2026 market where "escape-to-nature" assets are increasingly finite, this 30-acre island represents a significant value-proposition for those looking to secure a large-scale private sanctuary within reach of the city. It is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Pacific Northwest history and a sprawling riverside playground that will remain a legacy for generations to come.
