Sandy River
Oregon
The Sandy River originates in the high glaciers of Mt. Hood, the most prominent peak in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Riverside trails offer spectacular scenery, easily observed geologic features, unique plant communities, and a variety of recreational opportunities. Just outside Portland, the lower reaches of the Sandy River flows through a deep, winding, forested gorge known for its anadromous fish runs, botanical diversity, recreational boating, and beautiful parks.
The U.S. Forest Service administers the initial 12.4-mile segment, and the Bureau of Land Management manages the lower 12.5-mile section between Dodge Park and Dabney Park.
Designated Reach
October 28, 1988. From the headwaters to the Mt. Hood National Forest boundary. From the east boundary of Section 25 and 36, T1S, R4E downstream to the west line of the east 1/2 of northeast 1/4 Section 6, T1S, R4E.
Outstandingly Remarkable Values
Ecology
Western Oregon's climate features mild, wet winters and narrow daily fluctuations in temperature. In addition, the river incorporates portions of two major physiographic zones, the Willamette Valley and Western Cascades regions. This setting supports an unusual diversity of vegetation (plant spec...Show More
Fish
Fisheries within the lower Sandy River are noted for their population diversity, high quality of spawning and rearing habitat, and excellence for sport. The Sandy River contains populations of at least eight runs of anadromous fish species (includes wild and hatchery stock), as well as up to ten ...Show More
Geology
The shape and character of the upper Sandy River Valley are products of the glaciation and volcanic activity of Mt. Hood. As glaciers widened and deepened the Sandy River Valley, they exposed volcanic rocks of many different ages in the valley walls. Geologic history includes incised oxbows from ...Show More
Recreation
The upper Sandy River provides hiking, fishing, backpacking, and camping. The Ramona Falls Trail is the most popular trail in the river corridor, providing a relatively easy hike to see this well-known and very scenic waterfall. The upper Sandy River provides a unique kayaking opportunity for exp...Show More
Scenery
The upper reaches of the Sandy River and its tributaries flow through rolling mountainous terrain, characterized by narrow chutes and boulder-choked channels. The middle portion flows through a wider river valley with a moderate gradient, descends through narrow and incised bedrock in the Sandy R...Show More
Water Quality
Annual precipitation in the Sandy River watershed ranges from around 110 inches in the upper elevations to about 70 inches near the mouth. Mt. Hood sustains a snowpack year-round in its higher elevations, which provides water storage over the winter and supplemental flows in the summer. The Sandy...Show More
Wildlife
The Sandy River Gorge offers one of the greatest levels of diversity in both wildlife species and habitat of any river in the region. Habitats bordering the river and major tributaries provide critically important travel corridors for wildlife movement along the river and to and from the Larch Mo...Show More