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BLM Camping

Sandy Wild and Scenic River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Sandy Wild and Scenic River

Left as natural as possible, BLM sites are excellent ways to truly get to know an area. These sites, which are made up of public lands, offer many recreational options, and they’re generally peaceful and secluded. To find a site with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

Located between Portland and Salem, Oregon, the Sandy Wild and Scenic River is a fantastic location to enjoy the landscape, spot wildlife, hike, fish, raft, mountain bike, or camp. The lower 12.5-mile section of the area is administered by the Bureau of Land Management, and the upper 12.4 miles are administered by the US Forest Service. There are many hiking trails along the river, and the Sandy Ridge Trail System, located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, was specifically designed for mountain bikers.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Sandy River Trail

This gentle trail is an excellent way to view the river, and it also offers great opportunities for birdwatching.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Oxbow Park Loop

Located in the nearby Oxbow Regional Park, this trail meanders along the river and is a good option for anyone interested in photography, birdwatching, or wildlife viewing.

Length: 7.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Alder Ridge Trail

This trail features a few steep areas and is uphill, but it offers gorgeous views of the surrounding scenery.

Length: 2.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Ancient Forest Loop

This looping trail is generally quiet and secluded, and it’s a great way to enjoy the river.

Length: 1.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Confluence Trail

Located in the Sandy River Delta Park, this trail offers stunning views of both the lake and the nearby mountains.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Anglers can fish right from almost any location along the Sandy River. Rainbow trout is a common catch, and chinook and coho salmon can be caught during salmon season. Visitors can also raft, canoe, or kayak down the river, and there are several locations for swimming. Motorized boats are prohibited.

Climbing

Some of the best climbing in the state can be found in the Mount Hood National Forest, which isn’t far from the Sandy Wild and Scenic River. The area offers locations such as the Giant’s Staircase, which has two sport pitches, and The Sphinx. Altogether, there are about 100 traditional routes, 160 sport routes, and 15 top-rope routes, plus several other practice locations and opportunities for bouldering.

Wildlife Viewing

The Sandy Wild and Scenic River and the nearby Oxbow Regional Park and Mount Hood National Forest are all fantastic places to spot wildlife. Native species include elk, bats, coyotes, falcons, owls, flying squirrels, otters, deer, kestrels, and hummingbirds. The area is also home to several reptile and amphibian species, including giant salamanders, garter snakes, painted turtles, and red-legged frogs.

Picnicking

Dodge Park, located near Portland in the town of Sandy, is a great spot to stop for a picnic. There are several picnic tables, barbecue pits, and access to the river. The Coho Picnic Area, which is nestled against the river, is also a picturesque spot to stop for lunch.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are many choices for regular and BLM RV camping in the area around the Sandy Wild and Scenic River. Sandy Riverfront RV Resort offers 60-foot concrete pads and full hookups, and both daily and monthly bookings are offered. Oxbow Regional Park offers a slightly more rugged camping experience, but there are 12 RV sites available. Restrooms and hot showers are also available.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available along the shores of the Sandy River. In most locations, visitors can set up a dispersed campsite and stay for as many as 14 days in a 28-day period.

RV Rentals Near Sandy Wild and Scenic River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Sandy Wild and Scenic River BLM trip

The Sandy Wild and Scenic River is relatively remote, so it’s best to carry any supplies you may need, such as first aid supplies and water, with you when you visit. It’s also a good idea to stay alert for wildlife. Large animals, such as elk, can sometimes be dangerous if they’re surprised, so keep an eye out, and watch these animals from a safe distance without disturbing them.

Swimming and rafting are popular activities along the river. Remember that the river is fed by glaciers, so it can be extremely cold, even during the summer. There are also many locations where the water moves rapidly, so stay alert, and enjoy the river with caution.

It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with an area and the policies of any BLM sites you intend to visit before you start out on your adventure. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

It’s crucial that all visitors protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, day-use sites, and wilderness areas such as the Sandy Wild and Scenic River. One of the best ways to do this is by gathering firewood at your camp or picnic site instead of importing wood. Imported wood can contain invasive species, which can be deadly to the native ecosystem. It’s also always important to pack out all of your trash and throw it away. If you see any trash at the site, it’s polite to pick it up as well. Observe animals from a distance, and stay on the trails as much as possible to minimize your impact on the environment.

Sandy Wild and Scenic River Location

From Salem, take the I-5 north for about 40 miles until you reach Oregon 212. At the US-26/Oregon 212 junction, head east for just less than a mile on OR-212 E/SE Compton Road. Continue southeast on Compton Road before turning left on Old Loop Road/SE Orient Drive. Make a quick right on SE Revenue Road, and continue for about two miles. The road becomes SE Pleasant Home Road. Continue for 1.1 miles, and then turn right on SE Lusted Road. Continue for another 1.3 miles. Turn left on SE Hosner Road, and continue for 1.9 miles. Turn right on SE Oxbow Park Road. After 0.3 miles, you’ll arrive at Oxbow Regional Park, which leads to the river.

Ready to visit Sandy Wild and Scenic River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.