What Hammond Marina offers and who uses it

Hammond Marina sits on the Columbia River just outside Warrenton, Oregon, about 10 miles upriver from the Pacific. It's a working boat launch and moorage facility, not a resort—the focus is getting boats in the water and keeping them there between trips. The marina handles both saltwater and freshwater anglers, crabbers, and recreational boaters heading to the lower Columbia, Youngs Bay, or the ocean.

The facility includes a concrete launch ramp, covered moorage slips, open-water moorage, fuel dock, and a small store. It's operated by the Port of Longview and stays open year-round. Most users are locals who fish the Columbia regularly or visitors launching for a day trip to the estuary or nearshore waters. The marina fills up fastest during crabbing season (December through September) and when salmon are running.

Key Takeaways

  • Hammond Marina has a concrete launch ramp, fuel dock, and both covered and open moorage for boats of various sizes.
  • Launch fees and moorage rates vary by boat length and slip type; call ahead to confirm current pricing and availability.
  • The marina is the closest public launch to Warrenton for accessing the lower Columbia River and Youngs Bay.
  • Parking is limited, especially during crabbing season and salmon runs, so arrive early if you're launching a trailer boat.
  • Fuel, ice, and basic supplies are available on-site, but the nearest full-service tackle shop is in Warrenton proper.

Launch ramp and day-use parking

The launch ramp is concrete and wide enough for most single-axle and tandem trailers. It's well-maintained but can get crowded during peak season—early morning is your best bet if you're towing. The ramp fee is charged per launch, not per day, so you can pull out and re-launch without paying twice if you're fishing nearby and returning the same day.

Day-use parking is first-come, first-served and fills quickly during crabbing season and weekends. There's no reserved lot for trailers, so if you arrive mid-morning on a Saturday in December, you may find yourself parking on the street or waiting for a spot. The marina does not hold spots, and there's no online reservation system for day-use parking.

Moorage options and slip availability

Hammond offers both covered and open-water moorage. Covered slips protect your boat from weather and are more expensive; open slips are cheaper but leave your boat exposed. Slip sizes range from 20 feet to 40-plus feet, and rates depend on length and slip type. Monthly and annual moorage is available, but short-term (nightly) moorage is also offered and fills up during busy seasons.

Slip availability changes with the season. Summer is generally easier to find space; winter crabbing season and fall salmon runs tighten availability. If you're planning to moor for more than a few days, call the marina office directly—they can tell you what's open and hold a slip while you arrange payment.

Fuel, supplies, and services

The fuel dock sells diesel and gasoline. Hours vary by season, so confirm before you arrive if you're coming in late afternoon. The on-site store stocks ice, basic snacks, and some fishing supplies, but selection is limited. If you need tackle, bait, or specialized gear, you'll want to stop at a shop in Warrenton before launching.

The marina does not have a full-service repair yard, but there are mechanics and boat services in the Warrenton area. Restrooms and water are available at the facility. There is no restaurant or lodging at the marina itself.

Best times to fish from Hammond

The lower Columbia estuary around Hammond is productive year-round, but timing matters. Crabbing peaks from December through September, with the heaviest pressure in winter months. Chinook salmon run in spring and fall; coho show up in late summer and fall. Sturgeon fishing is steady but requires specific knowledge of the channel and tide.

Summer is the easiest time to launch and moor without crowds, though the fishing is slower than fall and winter. If you're new to the area, launching on a weekday morning gives you time to explore without fighting for ramp space. The marina staff can point you toward current conditions and which species are biting.

Getting to Hammond Marina from Warrenton

From downtown Warrenton, take Highway 101 north toward Astoria for about 2 miles, then turn west on Skipanon Road. Follow it to the marina entrance—it's well-signed. The drive is roughly 10 minutes from central Warrenton. There's no public transit to the marina, so you'll need a vehicle.

If you're towing a boat, note that Skipanon Road is narrow in places and has a few sharp turns. Larger trailers should take it slow. Parking at the marina itself is tight, so if you're launching a trailer, drop the boat and move your vehicle to the day-use lot or street parking to free up ramp space for others.

Nearby alternatives and when to use them

If Hammond is full or you want a different launch point, Warrenton has other options. Warrenton Mooring Basin is closer to town and smaller, better for smaller boats and kayaks. Desdemona Sands, further upriver, is shallower and better for drift fishing. Each has different fees, parking, and moorage options, so your choice depends on boat size, what you're fishing for, and how far upriver you want to go.

For ocean fishing, some anglers trailer to Garibaldi or Depoe Bay instead, which are farther but have different access to offshore grounds. Hammond is the best choice if you're targeting the estuary, lower river, or nearshore waters within 20 miles of the mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current launch and moorage fees?

Fees vary by boat length and slip type and change seasonally. Call the marina office at the number listed on the Port of Longview website to confirm current rates before you arrive. Day-use launch fees are typically lower than monthly moorage, which is charged per foot of boat length.

Can I launch at night or early morning?

The ramp is accessible during daylight hours, but the marina office has limited hours. If you need to launch before the office opens or after it closes, confirm access with staff ahead of time. Fuel dock hours are also restricted, so plan accordingly if you need to fuel up.

Is there a boat launch fee if I'm just picking someone up?

If you're not launching a boat, there's no launch fee. Day-use parking is free for vehicles, though parking spaces are limited. If you're staying more than a few hours, ask the marina staff about parking options.

What's the best time of year to avoid crowds?

Late spring and early summer (May through July) are quieter than winter crabbing season and fall salmon runs. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends year-round. If you're flexible with timing, launching on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning will give you easier ramp access and better parking.

Do I need a reservation to launch, or is it first-come, first-served?

Day-use launching is first-come, first-served. Moorage slips can be reserved by calling ahead, especially for longer stays. During peak season, calling a day or two in advance improves your chances of finding a slip available.