Popular Floats

These six trips represent a wide range of river conditions and difficulty levels. Paddles times are estimated based on average river flows and may vary by type of craft and boater skill level. It’s important to select a trip that fits your skills. Current river levels and flow conditions can be found online at the Northwest River Forecast Center: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/rfc/

Beginner - I
Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site (RM 2) to the Sandy River Delta at the Columbia River (RM 0)

Once you leave the park toward the confluence, you enter the Sandy River Delta. It is not recommended to paddle into the Columbia, where open water conditions vary and high degree of skill is required. Estimated paddle time: 1 hour.

Beginner - I+
Lower Sandy from Dabney State Recreation Site (RM 6) to Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site (RM 2)

This popular float consists of four miles of Class I riffles and numerous access facilities. This section is lined by private property, so paddlers need to stay below the high water mark along the bank. This section is also commonly used for tubing during the summer months. Estimated Paddle time: 3 hours

Beginner - I+
Oxbow Regional Park (RM 13) to Dabney State Recreation Site (RM 6)

This 7-mile float goes through swift moving Class I rapids. This is a very popular and busy section of the Sandy used by people with a variety of skill levels including anglers. Estimated paddle time: 3.5 hours

Intermediate - II+
Dodge Park (RM 18.75) to Oxbow Regional Park (RM 12.5)

This scenic 6.25 mile float begins with the Class III “Pipeline” Rapid then eases into numerous pool drops. Class II rapids intertwine with sweeping vistas and abundant wildlife. This is the starting point for Oregon’s State Scenic Waterway and the federal Wild and Scenic river designation. Estimated paddle time: 4 hours

Intermediate - III
Sandy-Salmon River Confluence (RM 38) to the Former Marmot Dam Site (RM 30.5)

Scenic cliffs mark the confluence of the Salmon River and the Barlow Park trail system. Paddlers get constant whitewater action with continuous Class II+ boulder gardens. The Alder Creek Rapid (Class III - IV) is known for a dangerous hydraulic effect at higher river flows. Scout/portage on the river right bank. The former Marmot Dam site, the largest dam removal in Oregon, poses many hazards due to the dynamic nature of the newly-restored river. Use extreme caution in this area. Estimated paddle time: 3 hours

Advanced - IV, V
Former Marmot Dam Site (RM 30.5) to Dodge Park (RM 18.75)

A 6.5 mile portion of this segment is referred to as the “Sandy Gorge,” and is considered an advanced level run. This segment should be considered for experts only with numerous Class IV-V rapids due to the changing sediment conditions. Several professional guides offer trips through the Sandy River Gorge. Estimated paddle time: 4 hours River character