Oxbow Regional Park

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Oxbow Regional Park provides a perfect launch point for water-based activities in the majestic Sandy River Gorge.

illustration of a person wearing a life jacket

Stay safe in the water

Life jackets are for everyone.

Stay safe in the water

Man and boy hiking in the ancient forest at Oxbow

Children playing by the river at Oxbow Park

New seasonal hours

Oxbow is open 7 days per week.

May 1 through Sept. 14
6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sept. 15 through Oct. 31
6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Nov. 1 through March 14
6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 15 through April 30
6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

View all facility hours and free parking days at Oxbow

See and do

See the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Sandy River. This undammed river carves cliffs and creates beaches in the park as it carries snowmelt and glacial till from its source on Mount Hood.
Hike 12 miles of trails: gentle grades along the river's terraces or steeper trails up a ridge between the river's bends.
Explore one of the closest old-growth forests to Portland.
Float the river in a tube, boat or kayak. (Please see below for additional tips.)
Watch salmon spawn.
Camp in the woods.
Track animals on the river's sandy beaches, where mink, beavers, black bears and other wildlife come to drink.
Learn in an outdoor classroom about tracking, mushrooms and other topics.
Dine al fresco in a reserved group shelter, perfect for a family reunion, church outing or company picnic.
Bring environmental education to life on a field trip led by a Metro nature educator.

Know when you go

Parking fee is $5 per car or $7 per bus (free with annual parking pass).
The nature playground is closed indefinitely.
Accessible picnic areas, campground restroom/shower buildings and some campsites.
Alcohol and other intoxicants are not allowed.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed, because they can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife.
Hunting is not allowed.
Drones, model planes, model boats and other remote-controlled vehicles are not allowed.
Geocaching is allowed with guidelines.
During inclement weather, please check oregonmetro.gov/alerts for information about any closures.

Sandy River Safety

Planning to float or paddle the Wild and Scenic Sandy River? You'll enjoy stunning scenery and perhaps even spot elk and other wildlife. To ensure your trip is both fun and safe, please plan ahead.

Two of the most popular floats are from Dodge Park to Oxbow or from Oxbow to Dabney State Recreation Area.

Different parks are open different hours. Plan ahead to ensure all shuttle vehicles can be accessed at the end of a trip.

The City of Sandy provides detailed information about the Sandy River Water Trail, including maps, paddle summaries, safety guidelines and more.

The Sandy River Water Trail Paddle Guide includes estimated paddle times and difficulty ratings for various sections of the river. Please keep in mind that estimated times are for paddling, not floating, and do not include time spent shuttling between sites. Floating can take hours longer than paddling, especially during the summer, when water levels can be significantly lower.

Wear flotation safety devices, such as life jackets. If your boat, canoe or kayak capsizes, float with your feet in front, pointing downstream. Don't fight the current. Use your arms like oars and "steer" toward the bank. Let the current carry you.

Watch out for underwater hazards, such as logs and large rocks. Observe posted hazard signs.

Visit

If you're biking, travel east on bike lanes on Stark or Division streets or Powell Boulevard. Continue east on Division and follow signs to the park. Or ride the Springwater Corridor Trail and then head north on the Hogan Road bike lane to Division. Bikes are welcome inside the park on paved roads and some marked trails.

Travel alert

In September 2024, Multnomah County announced that the Stark Street Bridge, which is part of one route to Oxbow Regional Park, would be closed for several months due to a partially collapsed supporting wall. Visitors are urged to use alternative travel routes when visiting the park. The bridge closure does not affect visitors arriving via Division Street, Powell Boulevard, or other points west of the park.

Learn more on our alerts page

Directions

Address:: Oxbow Regional Park; 3010 SE Oxbow Parkway, Gresham

Facility hours

Hours of operation for facilities at Oxbow

In addition to seasonal hours for Oxbow Regional Park, the following facilities within the park have their own operating hours.

Welcome center

The welcome center is closed daily between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 to March 14
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 1:30 to 5 p.m.

March 15 to Oct. 31
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The welcome center is closed on Nov. 24, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1.

Hours are subject to change. Please call the park office 503-663-4708 to confirm hours.

Free Metro Parking Days 2024

Enjoy free parking at Oxbow Regional Park on Jan. 1, 15 and 18; Feb. 15 and 19; March 21; April 18; May 16; June 19 and 20; July 18; Aug. 15; Sept. 19; Oct. 14 and 17; Nov. 11, 21 and 29; and Dec. 19.

Facility hours

Maps and guides

Events

Parks and nature funding

Nature in Neighborhoods grants

Regional trails system

Contact

Feedback

Facility hours

Maps and guides

Events

Related work

Parks and nature funding

Nature in Neighborhoods grants

Regional trails system

Contact

Feedback