Sandy River Delta – A Nature Lovers Paradise
Known as a “thousand acres” to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, Sandy River Delta is a scenic outdoor space beloved by dog parents for its off-leash areas, mountain bikers honing their skills, birders, and anglers. A $5 recreation fee is required at this official Forest Service site, with a Northwest or Federal Interagency Pass accepted. Learn more by clicking here.
1. It’s a Dog’s Paradise
Known by locals as Thousand Acres, this 1400-acre natural area is a furry friend’s dream. Off-leash dogs can explore the wetlands, open fields, and trails – and even swim in the Sandy or Columbia Rivers.
While dogs are allowed off-leash, they must be under voice control and can’t dig holes in the Delta. Dogs must also be leashed along the Confluence Trail and in other areas where requested for safety reasons.
Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a leisurely stroll or more challenging hike around the scenic trails. For the best experience, visit on a weekday for less crowds and more space to play.
2. It’s a Nature Wanderer’s Dream
Picture miles of trails, refreshing rivers, and a dog-friendly paradise. And that’s exactly what you will find at Sandy River Delta Park. This 1400-acre natural area is loved by hikers, horseback riders, and bikers alike. It’s also a favorite place for dogs to run free off-leash.
Take the Meadow Trail, which winds through meadows, tall mullein stalks, and black cottonwood and Oregon ash trees. The trail also connects to the Confluence Trail.
It’s best to visit on a weekday to avoid overcrowding and ensure you can find parking. And remember to leave no trace when you go hiking! This is an official Forest Service fee site, so bring a $5 day use pass or a valid Northwest Forest Pass or Federal Interagency Pass.
3. It’s a Equestrian’s Paradise
The wide, flat trails of the Sandy River Delta are a favorite for horseback riders. The trails wind through meadows, wetlands, and forests bordered by the Columbia and Sandy rivers. Mountain bikers are also discovering this area, especially those honing their skills in the winter and spring.
A formerly private ranch, the 1400 acres of this natural area are now managed by the Forest Service as a public recreation site. Efforts to restore native habitat are ongoing, including cattle grazing and removal of invasive species like Himalayan blackberry and reed canarygrass. The area is an official fee site requiring a $5 day use pass or an annual Northwest Forest Pass or Federal Interagency Pass. More about Portland here.
4. It’s a Birder’s Paradise
Known by locals as “Thousand Acres,” the Sandy River Delta is a nature lover’s paradise with miles of trails, wildflower meadows, wetlands, blackberry bushes, and two rivers. It’s also a horseback rider’s favorite, with 7 miles of flat trails maintained by Oregon Equestrian Trails.
Visit during a weekday to beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxing outdoor experience. A $5 recreation fee is required for non-motorized recreation at the site, which includes the bird blind designed by Maya Lin as part of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Confluence Project.
Help preserve this landscape and wildlife by volunteering to clean up the park with Friends of the Sandy River Delta or helping plant trees with the Columbia Gorge Chapter of Oregon Trees for the Future. Remember to practice leaving no trace and pack out all trash including pet waste.
5. It’s a Mountain Biker’s Dream
Located on the western edge of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this 1,400-acre natural area boasts forests, fields, and two refreshing rivers. It’s a popular spot for dog parents and their pups who enjoy off-leash play in the vast open fields, and equestrians, hikers, birders, anglers, and cyclists connect with nature here too.
Mountain bikers are also beginning to take notice of this gem, with easy trails for honing their skills. Just be sure to stay on the marked paths and respect your fellow recreationists.
Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy more peace and quiet. Be sure to check out the new paved path that runs west from Sundial Road to Marine Drive.
6. It’s a Fishing Paradise
The wide range of activities draws dog lovers from the off-leash areas, nature wanderers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and anglers alike. The delta has plenty of water, forests, and trails to explore.
Stroll up Maya Lin’s elliptical bird blind and watch for Lazuli buntings or hear the slow pecking of Pileated woodpeckers and downy woodpeckers. This park is a great place to see wildlife and learn about the restored forest ecosystem that existed here 200 years ago.
The park also offers a great network of flat mountain bike trails for beginners, with clinics held onsite. Make sure to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds and find parking. A $5 recreation pass is required (available on-site). Find out more!
Driving directions from Allure Window Coverings to Sandy River Delta
Driving directions from Sandy River Delta to Luuwit View Park
