Oxbow Regional Park

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.

Due to ongoing erosion issues, some parking spots have been removed from the lot near the boat launch. Be prepared to park elsewhere when visiting the boat launch area. Two ADA-accessible parking spots are available at the bottom of the road leading down to the boat launch.

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.

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 Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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

Free Metro Parking Days 2025

Enjoy free parking at Oxbow Regional Park on Jan. 1, 16 and 20; Feb. 17 and 20; March 20; April 17; May 15; June 19; July 17; Aug. 21; Sept. 18; Oct. 13 and 16; Nov. 11, 20 and 28; and Dec. 18.

Parks and nature funding

Parks and nature funding

Six times during the last two decades, voters across greater Portland have approved funding measures to support a network of regional parks, trails and natural areas. Learn how Metro uses the money to protect water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and improve access to nature.

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Facility hours

Maps and guides

Events

Parks and nature funding

Nature in Neighborhoods grants

Regional trails system

Contact

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Facility hours

Maps and guides

Events

Related work

Parks and nature funding

Nature in Neighborhoods grants

Regional trails system

Contact

Feedback