20 min
Overview
A network of trails courses the bottomland along the Sandy River at Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale, but it’s also possible to use a short stretch of sidewalk along the old Columbia River Highway to ascend the high bluff above the river and then descend into steep-sided Beaver Creek Canyon. You’ll pass the historic Harlow House, near the site of the trout ponds that gave Troutdale its name, and follow the gully used by many Oregon Trail pioneers. The trails down in Beaver Creek are deteriorating, with both of the bridges now gone, so a ford is necessary to get to the east bank. However, you can still hike up and down the remarkably secluded west bank of Beaver Creek. This is a good walk in the wet months; as soon as the weather gets hot, the Sandy River beaches will be crowded with noisy humanity. Walk to the east end of the parking lot, and find the gravel path leading down the low bluff. An interpretive sign here recounts the naming of the Sandy River, originally called the ‘Quicksand River’ by Lewis and Clark. Lahars from Mount Hood’s Crater Rock eruption of 1780 had flowed down the river and formed a huge soft fan at its mouth. The trail crosses some of this sandy lahar into an alder/cottonwood bottomland and reaches the river in what is now the Sandy River Greenway. In summer, this area is packed with youngsters sunning and swimming (A sign warns of the 12 drownings in the area), but at other times of the year only a few fishermen are present. Broughton Bluff looms across the Sandy, and just downstream is the Columbia River Highway bridge. At low water, you can walk upriver along the beach; at other times of the year, take a wide trail leading right through the alders, with Douglas-firs and cedars also in the mix. Sword fern, snowberry, and invasives like ivy, blackberry, and holly form the understory. Spurs lead out to the river. The trail arrives at another favorite fishing spot. From here, you can wander along the bank here through stubby willows. Note the picturesque stand of bamboo across the river. C
Trail Stats
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99 m
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Photos
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