Oxbow Regional Park

Boat launch improvements

The boat launch at Oxbow is getting an upgrade to make river access easier.

The project will create two accessible parking spaces in a small lot at the bottom of the boat launch. A short walking path will lead to a bench where visitors can enjoy a view of the Sandy River.

Several trees will be removed as part of the project. Every year, Metro plants tens of thousands of trees across greater Portland.

The launch will be closed for at least a week in the spring of 2023. The closure dates will be posted here when they are set.

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).

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/parks 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

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