The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway passes through Sandy and follows the Sandy River of the same name. From Jonsrud Viewpoint, you can see Mount Hood and the Sandy River Valley. The information panels there cover the Barlow Road, which is part of the Oregon Trail.
Local History and Visitor Center
The Downtown Historical Walking Tour traces Sandy’s history, from its beginnings as a stop on the Barlow Road, through its time as a logging town, to today’s active community. The Sandy Historical Society Museum features numerous exhibits on the city’s history and artifacts from local businesses. It also serves as Sandy’s official visitor center. Exhibits and visitor services may change; check the latest information before your visit.
The Sandy Historical Society also hosts the monthly Wy’East Kids Art Class for children aged 7 to 13. As class schedules can change, check the latest dates if you’d like to plan your visit around one.
Trails and Cycling
The Tickle Creek Trail and Jim Slagle Loop Trail differ in length, surface and use. The Tickle Creek Trail is 1.8 miles long, has a compacted gravel surface and is suitable for leisurely family rides. The Jim Slagle Loop Trail is 1 mile long. This loop trail has a dirt surface, starts at the trailhead on Marcy Street and ends on the south bank of the Sandy River. Together, they offer a longer route for family rides and a shorter dirt trail that ends at the river.
The Cedar Creek Trail is 0.5 miles long and connects Sandy River Park and Trail with Cedar Park. From the Jim Slagle Loop Trail, there is a seasonal opportunity to watch salmon swim up Cedar Creek to spawn; timing varies. Trail conditions may change.
For a longer bike ride, the 10-mile Easy, Breezy, Sandy route starts and ends in downtown Sandy. Base Camp Action Sports offers paved areas for skating and cycling on more than one acre, year-round. The route and the paved areas are different ways to explore the city by bike.
Parks and Events
Cedar Park is located in central Sandy and is open. Amenities include a zipline, a climbing rock, a hillside slide, a spinning play structure, swings, public restrooms and a covered shelter. Centennial Plaza is a public amphitheater with seating, space for farmers market vendors, public restrooms and a splash pad.
Centennial Plaza is also the venue for the annual City of Sandy Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in winter. The Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce’s Music Fair and Feast takes place there every summer: a weekend outdoor music festival. If either event determines when you travel, check the specific event dates in advance.
Getting Around the Area
Nearby, the Sandy Ridge Trailhead has parking for nearly 50 vehicles, a restroom and visitor information. Facilities may change, so check the latest information before setting out on a hike.
Work is underway to make fixed-route transit accessible and user-friendly for commuters traveling to Gresham, Clackamas and Estacada. Routes and schedules may change; check them before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Oregon City, Rhododendron, Oak Grove, Canby, Wilsonville, Milwaukie, West Linn, Government Camp.
For the broader travel overview: Clackamas.
