Sandy, OR

Sandy River

Sandy River
Photo of Mike Long by Thomas O'Keefe taken 21APR06 @ 1160 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

This is an incredible piece of river flowing through a beautiful gorge right at Portland�s doorstep. In October 2002 AW signed the Settlement Agreement that will result in the removal of Marmot Dam and restoration of this river for fish, wildlife, and recreation (read more). We are continuing to work with our partners to realize the full potential of this spectacular river as lands owned by PGE are transferred to public ownership. This is a great run but it's a good idea to get recent beta from the locals as there are a couple spots where log hazards can create issues.

From the base of Marmot Dam (photo) the river flows through straight forward whitewater until you come to '64 Logjam where remants of an old log jam still stick up from the channel and can occassionally collect debris. Many boaters use the trail that allows you to put-in just below this rapid which shortens the run to include the best section of whitewater and avoids the longer hike into the dam.

The river disappears into a magical river gorge with hanging gardens that drape down the sides of the bedrock walls. The first major drop known as Boulder Rapid will be obvious as you approach (photo). You have a couple options (either down the left or the right) depending on flows, the current wood situation, and your comfort level. The right line is more of a boat scout or you can check out the left line from the boulders on river left. If you want to portage you can scramble along these boulders on river left.

Rasp Rock is the next significant rapid where the river rushes over boulders with some holes you'll have to negotiate. The river narrows down here and wood has been known to collect in the slots at the bottom of the rapid.

Drain Hole comes up next and if it's your first run, this drop is sure to make you a bit nervous (photo). There is a generous eddy upstream of the rapid but the river appears to race down the left and disappear in the narrow slots between boulders. These slots have been known to collect logs. You can scout or portage from the gravel bar on river right but the line is to start down the left and then make the hard move all the way over to river right as you ride the current around on the upstream side of the boulders. The drop is easier than it looks but the hazard factor is significant so be sure you're clear on the line and what you need to do.

You will recognize Revenue Bridge Rapid, the last major drop as the bridge starts to come into view. Be warned that if you try to scout this drop from the bridge at the take-out (photo), it will look a whole lot bigger once you're in the middle of the rapid. The gravel bar on the left gives you the best view of the drop if you want to scout. You have a couple different options depending on flows and how much action but the key is to figure out how you'll negotiate the holes in the bottom half of the drop. Once you make it through this rapid the take-out on river left on the upstream side of the bridge.

Logistics:

From Highway 26 in Sandy turn north onto Ten Eyck Rd. Follow this road 1.9 miles down into the Sandy gorge and the Revenue Bridge. This bridge is the take-out where a trail leads up from the river on the upstream river left side. Parking is available on the downstream river right side. To reach the put-in continue on Ten Eyck Rd. another 0.2 mile and turn right onto SE Marmot Rd. Head 4.1 miles to the private PGE road at 48770 SE Marmot Rd. Turn right onto this road and head 1.3 miles down to a small pullout at a gated road (just before the barn). Walk a short distance down this road, cross the canal, and then take the trail to the left that drops into the gorge. It's a bit of a scramble down the bank. An alternative put-in is to take the private PGE road 2 miles from SE Marmot Rd. to its end at Marmot Dam. The last segment of the road is gated so it's about a 15 minute walk to the river at the base of the dam.

Additional Information:

See the Sandy River Gorge page on Jason Rackley's Oregon Kayaking site.