Sandy River
The Sandy River is perfect for chilling out on a hot summer day, but you have to know where to go
Sandy River in the Mount Hood National Forest
OVERVIEW
From the two trails in our neighborhood to a nearby park, there are many options for accessing the Sandy River for a day on the water. We share all our spots below, so pack up and dive into the details below.
ADDRESS
Multiple locations
5 minute walk from Mt. Hood Alpine Chalet
FIELD NOTES + INSIDER TIPS
Sometimes our window of time to enjoy the outdoors is small. Other days we might be looking for a day to recover from a leg-crushing hike. Either way, there are plenty of quick trips to get your daily dose of nature in the Mount Hood National Forest. From our place in Rhododendron, a swim in the Sandy River is a relaxing option.
In fact, the Mt. Hood Alpine Chalet is steps away from two amazing river access points. These trails are available to our community, so all you have to do is gear up for a river day and hit the beautiful banks of the Sandy River. But choosing the right spot is crucial, so let’s dive in.
Guest Tip:
If you’re staying with us, we provide a cooler, camp chairs and beach towels in the main floor closet.
Finding the Best Swimming Holes
First, let us set the scene. The Sandy River is a unique watershed, especially in its upper stretches. The flow through the warm months is largely created by melting glaciers and snowpack on the slopes of Mount Hood. This means, even in the height of summer, temperatures struggle to push above 60° farenheit. But, cold plunges are all the rage these days. Seriously, you can read all about the practice!
These conditions also make for a striking scene. "Glacial flour" is formed as rocks grind beneath the tremendous weight of the ice, which travels downriver and gives the Sandy a milky, pale green color. Check out the photos below! The runoff also creates large flows that leave the riverbed and banks scoured and rocky in most places.
While we can’t do anything about the temperature, we can help direct you toward the softest, sandy stretches. So, here are the best spots for swimming we’ve discovered so far.
Timberline Rim Access
Three blocks away from our front door, the East Sandy Trail #2 takes visitors from street to sand in a few minutes. You can reference the map on the side of the Mt. Hood Alpine Chalet fridge to find your way. From the trailhead, you’ll pass through a stand of small trees and shrubs that mark the path in dappled sunlight. Follow along down a slope and over a creek bed to step out onto a sandy section of flood plain. Walk out into the opening and let your feet follow the sound of rushing water. Just beyond the last rows of young shrubs, the Sandy River will come into clear view. Head right downriver to access the sandiest shoreline where visitors have been known to stack rocks into calming wading pools. Between the upper and lower turns where shallow water rushes over the rocks, you can find a deeper, sandy section that is perfect for swimming. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can cross the river to access a side channel where shallow pools make a happy home for juvenile fish and other aquatic life.
