5 min
Overview
Richard T. Dabney was one of the original champions for the preservation of the Columbia River Gorge and a strong proponent of the scenic highway. Originally from Illinois, he invested heavily in Pacific Northwest timber and real estate and grew rich from the proceeds. In 1905, he moved to Portland, where he and his wife raised eight children. The family also acquired 50 acres on the Sandy River for a summer getaway. Upon Richard’s death in 1916, the land was given to Multnomah County. The county gifted the acreage to the state in 1945, and in 1968 a further 85 acres were purchased. The park has a short trail system that threads through the wooded bottomlands along the river as well as the bluffs above. The eastern section of the park contains a very popular disc golf course. Summer days can be very busy here, with pleasure goers coming to enjoy the expansive beaches and float the river. At other times of the year, the park is relatively quiet. Note that this is one of the few Oregon state parks that does not permit pets. Walk to the west end of the parking area on the right of the restrooms. Drop down a paved trail to a picnic area shaded by tall cottonwoods, Douglas-firs, cedars, and big-leaf maples. The boat launch is to your right. Follow the trail to an interpretive sign about the Sandy River. You can access a beach on the river here and look downstream to the Stark Street Bridge. Then head east along a narrow paved trail that parallels the river. Look across to an island that can be accessed in the summer as well as the steep 250-foot bluffs on the opposite bank. Keep to the Sandy River Trail, and cross the wooden footbridge over Bonnie Brook. The path loops up the slope to a trail junction, where you go right. Hike along a wooded bluff with more picnic tables in a vine maple, thimbleberry, and snowberry understory. Reach the restrooms at the upper parking area. A sign here tells about the Nature’s Conservancy’s work in clearing invasive plants such as garlic mustard and clematis. Find the River Access
Trail Stats
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27 m
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Photos
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