The most popular route on the Sandy is Dabney State Recreation Area to Lewis & Clark State Park (see map below). You can also start at Dodge Park and continue to Lewis and Clark. Most of this route is pretty chill the later in the summer it gets. However, there are some rapids and rocks at Glen Otto park. Right before the bridge that’s the start of the Historic Columbia River Highway at the large boulders, keep right. There is a life guard station here that is usually open Memorial Day to Labor Day. (They also have a sign of count of # of people who have drowned). They also have had a life vest stand for free loaner vests some years. Float Times & Sandy River Water Level: It’s really hard to estimate float times on the Sandy! The river speed and water level depths change quickly from beginning of summer to end, and depending on the year. Just because you floated the Sandy last year in June doesn’t mean this year will be same conditions. You can also check out the USGS river data to see the gage height at Bull Run (further up river). This can help you estimate how the river is looking compared to last year. For example, by June 16 of 2020, the river was still 3 feet higher than the same date in 2019. And it was moving 8x as fast at that gauge too. Estimate 2-5 hours.
Route 1: Dabney to Lewis and Clark or Glenn Otto (Class I rapids)
Route 2: Oxbow to Lewis and Clark/Glenn Otto (Class I rapids)
Route 3: Dodge to Oxbow / Dabney (Class II+ rapids)
Troutdale's Sandy River is a close location for your next tube float, and this river has it all. Easy access and plenty of nice strips of sand to stop and play on, this is tubing perfection. Start at Dabney State Recreation Area and float your way to relaxation. This is absolutely one of the best lazy river floats near Portland!
Floating the river can be relaxing and fun at the same time. Floating the Sandy river will take a minimum of 2 hours and can take up to 4 hours. To float the Sandy river plan to start at Dabny State Park and pull out at Lewis and Clark state park. You do have to pay to leave a car in both of the parks. Both charge $5 for parking and they took credit cards or cash. There is nowhere to air up a tube or raft, so be sure to bring your own air pump. Other good items to bring: water, snacks, and a dry bag to protect your cell phone. https://www.10best.com/destinations/oregon/portland/troutdale/attractions/float-the-sandy-river/#:~:text=at%20Dabny...-,Floating%20the%20river%20can%20be%20relaxing%20and%20fun%20at%20the,in%20both%20of%20the%20parks. These six trips represent a wide range of river conditions and difficulty levels. Paddles times are estimated based on average river flows and may vary by type of craft and boater skill level. It’s important to select a trip that fits your skills. Current river levels and flow conditions can be found online at the Northwest River Forecast Center: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/rfc/ Intermediate - II+ Dodge Park (RM 18.75) to Oxbow Regional Park (RM 12.5) This scenic 6.25 mile float begins with the Class III “Pipeline” Rapid then eases into numerous pool drops. Class II rapids intertwine with sweeping vistas and abundant wildlife. This is the starting point for Oregon’s State Scenic Waterway and the federal Wild and Scenic river designation. Estimated paddle time: 4 hours Intermediate - III Sandy-Salmon River Confluence (RM 38) to the Former Marmot Dam Site (RM 30.5) Scenic cliffs mark the confluence of the Salmon River and the Barlow Park trail system. Paddlers get constant whitewater action with continuous Class II+ boulder gardens. The Alder Creek Rapid (Class III - IV) is known for a dangerous hydraulic effect at higher river flows. Scout/portage on the river right bank. The former Marmot Dam site, the largest dam removal in Oregon, poses many hazards due to the dynamic nature of the newly-restored river. Use extreme caution in this area. Estimated paddle time: 3 hours Advanced - IV, V Former Marmot Dam Site (RM 30.5) to Dodge Park (RM 18.75) A 6.5 mile portion of this segment is referred to as the “Sandy Gorge,” and is considered an advanced level run. This segment should be considered for experts only with numerous Class IV-V rapids due to the changing sediment conditions. Several professional guides offer trips through the Sandy River Gorge. Estimated paddle time: 4 hours River character
OXBOW TO LEWIS & CLARK
The Sandy River from Oxbow to Lewis & Clark is the perfect beginner run. The river calms down as it enters Oxbow Regional Park and settles to class I for the remainder of the run until it empties into the Columbia River near Lewis & Clark state park. You might see a few breaking waves occasionally depending on flow, but everything is easily negotiated. The first stretch of the run feels more remote, as the river winds its way through Oxbow Regional Park. You will see fishermen and campers along the water, but few houses.
OXBOW TO DABNEY
Oxbow Regional Park to Dabney State Recreation Site is a 7-mile float that goes through swift-moving Class I rapids. This is a very popular and busy section of the Sandy used by people with a variety of skill levels including anglers. For a shorter run, exit at Dabney State park right before the first bridge. Here the river widens and slows to a crawl. Houses emerge on both banks, but it doesn’t detract from the natural beauty of the river.
Beginner - I+ Oxbow Regional Park (RM 13) to Dabney State Recreation Site (RM 6) Estimated paddle time: 3.5 hours
Dabney State to Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site is a popular float that consists of four miles of Class I riffles and numerous access facilities. This section is lined by private property, so paddlers need to stay below the high water mark along the bank. This section is also commonly used for tubing during the summer months. Estimated Paddle time: 3 hours The most difficult thing about this run is correctly identifying the takeout spot. Even this is not difficult if you pick out a few landmarks. There will be a railroad trestle and a water tower in view as you paddle over to the takeout spot on the river right. Far in the distance, you will see I-84 hwy marking the Columbia River. We recommend trying this run or something similar before progressing on to more difficult water.
Beginner - I+ Lower Sandy from Dabney State Recreation Site (RM 6) to Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site (RM 2) This popular float consists of four miles of Class I riffles and numerous access facilities. This section is lined by private property, so paddlers need to stay below the high water mark along the bank. This section is also commonly used for tubing during the summer months. Estimated Paddle time: 3 hours
✅ 👍 👍 👍 *SANDY RIVER - DABNEY TO LEWIS - Drop-off: Dabney State Recreation Area (25 min)
LEWIS & CLARK TO SANDY RIVER DELTA
Beginner - I Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site (RM 2) to the Sandy River Delta at the Columbia River (RM 0) Once you leave the park toward the confluence, you enter the Sandy River Delta. It is not recommended to paddle into the Columbia, where open water conditions vary and high degree of skill is required. Estimated paddle time: 1 hour.