Sandy River Beach provides access to the Sandy River near its confluence with the Columbia River in Troutdale, Oregon, offering a popular swimming and recreation destination where Portland-area residents escape summer heat in this major tributary's refreshing waters. The Sandy River flows from Mount Hood through the Columbia River Gorge carrying glacial meltwater that creates cold clear conditions attracting swimmers, tubers, and paddlers seeking mountain river experiences within the Portland metropolitan area. The beach sits within Sandy River Delta, a significant natural area where the river meets the Columbia creating wetlands, forests, and riparian habitat supporting diverse wildlife. Access from Troutdale provides convenient recreation for east Portland and Gresham residents, with the beach serving as a popular summer destination particularly during heat waves when families seek river swimming and shoreline relaxation.
Swimming in the Sandy River provides refreshing cold water experiences during summer months though the river's glacial source creates temperatures colder than most swimmers expect requiring acclimatization. Tubing down river stretches attracts groups floating and playing in the current. Paddleboarding and kayaking explore the river and its confluence with the Columbia. Fishing targets salmon and steelhead during run times plus resident trout. Picnicking along the shore serves riverside diners. Sunbathing on sandbars and beaches provides relaxation. Birdwatching in the delta habitat reveals waterfowl, herons, eagles, ospreys, and diverse species. Hiking trails through the Sandy River Delta explore wetlands and forests. Wildlife includes deer, coyotes, beavers, and river otters.
Troutdale and nearby Gresham offer dining options including Sugarpine Drive-In serving burgers and shakes, McMenamins Edgefield providing pub fare and beer at a historic property, Tad's Chicken n Dumplings offering comfort food, and Portland's extensive restaurant scene just minutes west.
Sandy River Beach offers no lifeguards and the Sandy River presents hazards including cold water, currents, slippery rocks, varying depths, and debris requiring appropriate caution particularly during high water from snowmelt or rain. Children require constant supervision. The cold glacial water causes rapid hypothermia risk. River levels fluctuate with weather and snowmelt. Tubing requires life jackets and awareness of hazards. The confluence with the Columbia creates complex currents. Salmon and steelhead fishing requires licenses and knowledge of regulations. Poison oak grows in riverside vegetation. Weather brings wet winters and hot summers. Cell phone coverage is generally reliable. Sandy River Beach provides Portland-area residents with mountain river swimming, tubing, paddling, and fishing opportunities where the Sandy River meets the Columbia in Troutdale's natural delta habitat.
