Dive in for a first-hand look at Ebb & Ember on the Columbia River.
By Misty Milioto
Photo by Tyler Gerhartz
If you’ve been searching for a wellness experience that feels genuinely different — not another yoga studio or juice bar — Portland just got something special. Ebb & Ember, the city’s first floating sauna, officially opened in January 2026, on the Columbia River, and it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.
What Is Ebb & Ember?
Nestled in the North Portland Harbor at Elevated Tides Marina, Ebb & Ember is a Norwegian-inspired floating sauna and cold plunge experience with panoramic views of the water and Mt. Hood. Founded by three Portlanders—Jonah Moses, Dustin Miller and Davey Rack—the concept is rooted in community and accessibility. The floating sauna is the first of many planned waterfront structures, with offices, wellness studios and event spaces on the horizon.
Sessions run 1 hour and 45 minutes and include access to the floating sauna, the river for cold plunging, an outdoor lounge, showers and changing rooms. You can book a social sauna session (starting at $49/person) alongside other guests, or reserve the entire space privately for up to 10 people (starting at $449/session). Memberships are available for regulars, and the facility is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Photo by Tyler Gerhartz
A First-Hand Experience
I went in with a friend, joined by six strangers — and honestly, that was one of the best parts. The group was warm, open and genuinely fun to be around. I even made a new friend. There’s something about the heat, the river and the shared experience that just opens people up.
The cold plunge? I did it three times. And I mean this—the feeling of being fully awake, refreshed and truly alive lasted for hours afterward. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve felt it — a kind of clarity and energy that I haven’t gotten from a workout or a cup of coffee. It’s the real deal.
The facilities are impeccable. Heated bathroom floors, towel warmer racks beautiful showers—everything is thoughtfully designed. In the warmer months, I’d highly recommend packing snacks to enjoy on the top deck of the sauna, which also doubles as a jumping-off point for a plunge directly into the Columbia River. Yes, you can dive in from the top.
Photo by Tyler Gerhartz
Why It’s Perfect for a Bachelorette Party
Looking for a bachelorette idea that goes beyond the usual bar crawl? Ebb & Ember is a genuinely memorable alternative. The private booking option accommodates up to 10 guests, making it ideal for a bridal party. Imagine renting out the whole sauna for your crew — sweating it out together, taking brave leaps into the river, laughing, bonding and ending the session feeling like absolute goddesses. The top deck is a natural spot for photos, Champagne (bring your own!) and snacks. It’s adventurous, beautiful and deeply relaxing all at once. The backdrop of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River doesn’t hurt either. And of course, plan for plenty of Instagram-worthy pics.
Photo by Tyler Gerhartz
Plan Your Visit
Ebb & Ember is located at 173 NE Bridgeton Road, Portland, Oregon 97211 at Elevated Tides Marina. Book your session online and follow along on Instagram at @ebbandember.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer, planning a group outing or hunting for the most unique bachelorette idea in the Pacific Northwest — this is it. Portland has a new gem, and it’s floating on the Columbia.
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