[pronounced gōōs]
in process of becoming portland’s first riverfront sauna.
[pronounced gōōs]
in process of becoming portland’s first riverfront sauna.
[pronounced gōōs]
in process of becoming portland’s first riverfront sauna.
[pronounced gōōs]
in process of becoming portland’s first riverfront sauna.
a threshold between home and the world of water
a threshold between home and the world of water
a threshold between home and the world of water
This is not a spa.
It’s a practice. A return. A shared rhythm of heat and cold, of breath and stillness. Here, the simple act of stepping into the river becomes something sacred.
This is not a spa.
It’s a practice. A return. A shared rhythm of heat and cold, of breath and stillness. Here, the simple act of stepping into the river becomes something sacred.
This is not a spa.
It’s a practice. A return. A shared rhythm of heat and cold, of breath and stillness. Here, the simple act of stepping into the river becomes something sacred.
We create the container, stoke the fire, and set the tone.
Every session is an invitation to arrive fully and leave a little lighter.
You’ll never step in the same river twice.
The water is always moving and so are you. Come cool your body and awaken something deeper.
You’ll never step in the same river twice.
The water is always moving and so are you. Come cool your body and awaken something deeper.
BOOK A SESSION
BOOK A SESSION
Drop In
$30
60 min.
Book a single sauna session for a specific day and time.
River cold plunge
Wood fired sauna
Immerse yourself in nature
book now
Drop In
$30
60 min.
Book a single sauna session for a specific day and time.
River cold plunge
Wood fired sauna
Immerse yourself in nature
book now
Punch Pass for 5 Sessions
$120
60 min.
Make it a ritual. A flexible way to return to the heat again and again. Use your 5 sessions whenever you want - rain or shine.
Book any session, any time. No need to plan weeks ahead.
Bring a friend or gift a session. Share the ritual.
Come back when you need a return to the water. Your five visits never expire.
book now
Punch Pass for 5 Sessions
$120
60 min.
Make it a ritual. A flexible way to return to the heat again and again. Use your 5 sessions whenever you want - rain or shine.
Book any session, any time. No need to plan weeks ahead.
Bring a friend or gift a session. Share the ritual.
Come back when you need a return to the water. Your five visits never expire.
book now
Private Sauna Rental
$280
Full hour
Reserve the full space for your crew — birthdays, team hangs, winter dips with friends. It’s a hot, beautiful way to gather.
Sauna all yours (fits up to 12 people)
Perfect for celebrations or group hangs
A more affordable way to share the heat together
book now
Private Sauna Rental
$280
Full hour
Reserve the full space for your crew — birthdays, team hangs, winter dips with friends. It’s a hot, beautiful way to gather.
Sauna all yours (fits up to 12 people)
Perfect for celebrations or group hangs
A more affordable way to share the heat together
book now
Looking for something a little different?
We love getting creative - private bookings, custom sessions, collaborations. Let’s make it happen.
I love the water because everything is slower and softer. It forces you to be present with the small things. And the cold water.. it simply makes me feel alive.
Hope
I love the water because everything is slower and softer. It forces you to be present with the small things. And the cold water.. it simply makes me feel alive.
Hope
I love the water because everything is slower and softer. It forces you to be present with the small things. And the cold water.. it simply makes me feel alive.
Hope
Info
What is Guss?
Yes, it’s a sauna, but not just any sauna. This is Portland's sauna by the river. Each session invites you into a rhythm: warm up in the wood-fired heat, cool off in the river (or crisp air), and repeat. Bring a friend or come solo and meet likeminded people. You book ahead, show up, and drop into flow at your own pace.
Where is it?
On the river. Most days we'll be at Sellwood Riverfront Park parked closest to the dock or Willamette Park by the boat ramp and dock. When you go to book your session, be sure to check the location that is listed with the time you are selecting!
What to pack
Just the essentials - nature will handle the rest: 1. Two towels (required): one to sit on in the sauna, one to dry off after your plunge. 2. Sandals for the walk down to the water. 3. A full water bottle - hydration is key. 4. A swimsuit (required, as we sauna in public spaces). 5. Warm, comfy clothes for that blissed-out post-sauna float home.
Where to change
Most of our parks have public restrooms nearby. We reccomend arriving sauna-ready.
What's the vibe?
This space is communal - think mindful, not rigid. But yes, we’ve got some shared agreements: 1. Sit on a towel. Always. No exceptions. 2. Wash your feet. Sandy toes and beach grit stay outside. 3. Don’t save seats. When you dip, take your towel with you. 4. Mind the door. Close it gently and keep the heat where it belongs. 5. Ladle mindfully. Ask before you steam. 6. Phones stay outside. Presence is the point. 7. Respect the flock. Guss is about connection. Everyone should feel welcome and safe.
Where do I stash my stuff?
Hooks and shelves are right outside the sauna. We suggest traveling light. Less stuff, more space to feel. You are responsible for your items. The sauna host will be present most of the session, but may have to go to the water on occasion and step away from the sauna.
Showers?
No showers, but a river plunge, towel dry, and cozy clothes will leave you just right.
Is the river safe to swim in?
Yes. The Willamette has come a long way thanks to big investments like the Big Pipe Project. The water is tested weekly, and when we’re open, it’s swim-safe.
Weather
Then you’re in for a treat. Rain on the roof, steam rising, you warming from the inside out. We never cancel for weather.
Cancellation policy
All purchases are final — we don’t offer refunds. Booking a sauna session is like buying a concert ticket: once your spot is reserved, it’s yours. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before a regular drop-in session or one week before a private sauna will receive a credit toward a future visit. Guided sessions and River Rituals are one-time events with guest facilitators, so we’re unable to offer credits or refunds for those.
Why the media waiver?
Sometimes we capture the magic - photos or videos that share what Guss is all about. They’re taken with care and used to inspire others. Don’t want to be in a photo? No problem. Just let us know at check-in.
Can I book a private session or event?
Yes. We host private bookings for groups, celebrations, or just those who want the space to themselves. Drop us a note at josh@theguss.com and we’ll help create something memorable.
What if I arrive late?
Please aim to arrive 10 minutes early to get settled. If you’re late, you’re still welcome, but your session still ends on time so we can stay on schedule for everyone.
Age requirements
To keep our social sessions relaxing for all, drop-ins are 16+. Kids under 16 are welcome during private sauna rentals with adult supervision. Thanks for being mindful!
Human Access Project
Guss is proud to partner with the Human Access Project (HAP), a Portland nonprofit transforming our city’s relationship with the Willamette River. Since 2010, HAP has worked to make the river more accessible, welcoming, and safe by improving river edge spaces, inspiring recreation, and fostering environmental stewardship. Their vision is simple but powerful: a city in love with its river. To support this mission, Guss donates 5% of all revenue to HAP - helping ensure the Willamette River is a clean, safe, and vibrant space for everyone in Portland to enjoy.
What is Guss?
Yes, it’s a sauna, but not just any sauna. This is Portland's sauna by the river. Each session invites you into a rhythm: warm up in the wood-fired heat, cool off in the river (or crisp air), and repeat. Bring a friend or come solo and meet likeminded people. You book ahead, show up, and drop into flow at your own pace.
Where is it?
On the river. Most days we'll be at Sellwood Riverfront Park parked closest to the dock or Willamette Park by the boat ramp and dock. When you go to book your session, be sure to check the location that is listed with the time you are selecting!
What to pack
Just the essentials - nature will handle the rest: 1. Two towels (required): one to sit on in the sauna, one to dry off after your plunge. 2. Sandals for the walk down to the water. 3. A full water bottle - hydration is key. 4. A swimsuit (required, as we sauna in public spaces). 5. Warm, comfy clothes for that blissed-out post-sauna float home.
Where to change
Most of our parks have public restrooms nearby. We reccomend arriving sauna-ready.
What's the vibe?
This space is communal - think mindful, not rigid. But yes, we’ve got some shared agreements: 1. Sit on a towel. Always. No exceptions. 2. Wash your feet. Sandy toes and beach grit stay outside. 3. Don’t save seats. When you dip, take your towel with you. 4. Mind the door. Close it gently and keep the heat where it belongs. 5. Ladle mindfully. Ask before you steam. 6. Phones stay outside. Presence is the point. 7. Respect the flock. Guss is about connection. Everyone should feel welcome and safe.
Where do I stash my stuff?
Hooks and shelves are right outside the sauna. We suggest traveling light. Less stuff, more space to feel. You are responsible for your items. The sauna host will be present most of the session, but may have to go to the water on occasion and step away from the sauna.
Showers?
No showers, but a river plunge, towel dry, and cozy clothes will leave you just right.
Is the river safe to swim in?
Yes. The Willamette has come a long way thanks to big investments like the Big Pipe Project. The water is tested weekly, and when we’re open, it’s swim-safe.
Weather
Then you’re in for a treat. Rain on the roof, steam rising, you warming from the inside out. We never cancel for weather.
Cancellation policy
All purchases are final — we don’t offer refunds. Booking a sauna session is like buying a concert ticket: once your spot is reserved, it’s yours. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before a regular drop-in session or one week before a private sauna will receive a credit toward a future visit. Guided sessions and River Rituals are one-time events with guest facilitators, so we’re unable to offer credits or refunds for those.
Why the media waiver?
Sometimes we capture the magic - photos or videos that share what Guss is all about. They’re taken with care and used to inspire others. Don’t want to be in a photo? No problem. Just let us know at check-in.
Can I book a private session or event?
Yes. We host private bookings for groups, celebrations, or just those who want the space to themselves. Drop us a note at josh@theguss.com and we’ll help create something memorable.
What if I arrive late?
Please aim to arrive 10 minutes early to get settled. If you’re late, you’re still welcome, but your session still ends on time so we can stay on schedule for everyone.
Age requirements
To keep our social sessions relaxing for all, drop-ins are 16+. Kids under 16 are welcome during private sauna rentals with adult supervision. Thanks for being mindful!
Human Access Project
Guss is proud to partner with the Human Access Project (HAP), a Portland nonprofit transforming our city’s relationship with the Willamette River. Since 2010, HAP has worked to make the river more accessible, welcoming, and safe by improving river edge spaces, inspiring recreation, and fostering environmental stewardship. Their vision is simple but powerful: a city in love with its river. To support this mission, Guss donates 5% of all revenue to HAP - helping ensure the Willamette River is a clean, safe, and vibrant space for everyone in Portland to enjoy.
What is Guss?
Yes, it’s a sauna, but not just any sauna. This is Portland's sauna by the river. Each session invites you into a rhythm: warm up in the wood-fired heat, cool off in the river (or crisp air), and repeat. Bring a friend or come solo and meet likeminded people. You book ahead, show up, and drop into flow at your own pace.
Where is it?
On the river. Most days we'll be at Sellwood Riverfront Park parked closest to the dock or Willamette Park by the boat ramp and dock. When you go to book your session, be sure to check the location that is listed with the time you are selecting!
What to pack
Just the essentials - nature will handle the rest: 1. Two towels (required): one to sit on in the sauna, one to dry off after your plunge. 2. Sandals for the walk down to the water. 3. A full water bottle - hydration is key. 4. A swimsuit (required, as we sauna in public spaces). 5. Warm, comfy clothes for that blissed-out post-sauna float home.
Where to change
Most of our parks have public restrooms nearby. We reccomend arriving sauna-ready.
What's the vibe?
This space is communal - think mindful, not rigid. But yes, we’ve got some shared agreements: 1. Sit on a towel. Always. No exceptions. 2. Wash your feet. Sandy toes and beach grit stay outside. 3. Don’t save seats. When you dip, take your towel with you. 4. Mind the door. Close it gently and keep the heat where it belongs. 5. Ladle mindfully. Ask before you steam. 6. Phones stay outside. Presence is the point. 7. Respect the flock. Guss is about connection. Everyone should feel welcome and safe.
Where do I stash my stuff?
Hooks and shelves are right outside the sauna. We suggest traveling light. Less stuff, more space to feel. You are responsible for your items. The sauna host will be present most of the session, but may have to go to the water on occasion and step away from the sauna.
Showers?
No showers, but a river plunge, towel dry, and cozy clothes will leave you just right.
Is the river safe to swim in?
Yes. The Willamette has come a long way thanks to big investments like the Big Pipe Project. The water is tested weekly, and when we’re open, it’s swim-safe.
Weather
Then you’re in for a treat. Rain on the roof, steam rising, you warming from the inside out. We never cancel for weather.
Cancellation policy
All purchases are final — we don’t offer refunds. Booking a sauna session is like buying a concert ticket: once your spot is reserved, it’s yours. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before a regular drop-in session or one week before a private sauna will receive a credit toward a future visit. Guided sessions and River Rituals are one-time events with guest facilitators, so we’re unable to offer credits or refunds for those.
Why the media waiver?
Sometimes we capture the magic - photos or videos that share what Guss is all about. They’re taken with care and used to inspire others. Don’t want to be in a photo? No problem. Just let us know at check-in.
Can I book a private session or event?
Yes. We host private bookings for groups, celebrations, or just those who want the space to themselves. Drop us a note at josh@theguss.com and we’ll help create something memorable.
What if I arrive late?
Please aim to arrive 10 minutes early to get settled. If you’re late, you’re still welcome, but your session still ends on time so we can stay on schedule for everyone.
Age requirements
To keep our social sessions relaxing for all, drop-ins are 16+. Kids under 16 are welcome during private sauna rentals with adult supervision. Thanks for being mindful!
Human Access Project
Guss is proud to partner with the Human Access Project (HAP), a Portland nonprofit transforming our city’s relationship with the Willamette River. Since 2010, HAP has worked to make the river more accessible, welcoming, and safe by improving river edge spaces, inspiring recreation, and fostering environmental stewardship. Their vision is simple but powerful: a city in love with its river. To support this mission, Guss donates 5% of all revenue to HAP - helping ensure the Willamette River is a clean, safe, and vibrant space for everyone in Portland to enjoy.
BOOK A SESSION
Drop In
$30
60 min.
Book a single sauna session for a specific day and time.
River cold plunge
Wood fired sauna
Immerse yourself in nature
book now
Punch Pass for 5 Sessions
$120
60 min.
Make it a ritual. A flexible way to return to the heat again and again. Use your 5 sessions whenever you want - rain or shine, weekday or weekend.
Book any session
Can gift to a friend
Find your rythm in ritual
book now
Private Sauna Rental
$280
Full hour
Reserve the full space for your crew. Birthdays, team hangs, winter dips with friends - it’s a hot, beautiful way to gather.
The sauna, all yours.
Best for: celebrations or those craving more space.
Bring up to 12 people - the sauna is fun when it's full of friends!
book now
Looking for something a little different?
We love getting creative - private bookings, custom sessions, collaborations. Let’s make it happen.
BOOK A SESSION
Drop In
$30
60 min.
Book a single sauna session for a specific day and time.
River cold plunge
Wood fired sauna
Immerse yourself in nature
book now
Punch Pass for 5 Sessions
$120
60 min.
Make it a ritual. A flexible way to return to the heat again and again. Use your 5 sessions whenever you want - rain or shine, weekday or weekend.
Book any session
Can gift to a friend
Find your rythm in ritual
book now
Private Sauna Rental
$280
Full hour
Reserve the full space for your crew. Birthdays, team hangs, winter dips with friends - it’s a hot, beautiful way to gather.
The sauna, all yours.
Best for: celebrations or those craving more space.
Bring up to 12 people - the sauna is fun when it's full of friends!
book now
Looking for something a little different?
We love getting creative - private bookings, custom sessions, collaborations. Let’s make it happen.