Page Index

• Lewis and Clark S. R. Trails

• Broughton Bluff

May 7, 2022

This park started as little more than a "a widened parking space beside the Sandy River," barely receiving a mention in Langille's expansive 1946 report to Superintendent Boardman, but it has since grown to 54 acres, with it's current boundaries seen in the map above, and maybe even a little larger at one point.

The 1963 report mentions that the park boundaries extended across the river, but from current maps I've seen, the boundaries now appear only on the east bank of the Sandy.

Other changes over the years include the addition of a 13-site tent campground in 1961 which has been removed at some point over the years. Since moving to the area in 2002, I do not remember any campground in this park.

1946 State Parks Report: Introduction

Ranging from Portland eastward to The Dalles, the first state owned park area along the Columbia River Highway is a tract of one acre, situated just above the lower Sandy River bridge; the last one the Lewis and Clark Plaza, just within the west limits of The Dalles. The Sandy tract is only a widened parking space beside the Sandy River, recognized as an excellent location for dipping eulnchons (smelt) when they come to the Sandy River spawning grounds. It is described as being in Section 25, Township 1 North of Range 3 East, W.M., Multnomah County, the deed dated July 20, 1936.

W. A. Langille

State Parks Historian

December 5, 1945

Chester H. Armstrong, History of the Oregon State Parks: 1917-1963

Lewis and Clark State Park is located on both sides of Sandy River at the east edge of the community of Troutdale in Multnomah County. It is bisected by the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and adjoins the right of way of Interstate Highway 80N.

The first land obtained for this 56.03-acre park was a gift of one acre from Multnomah County in 1936. Another gift of 0.4 of an acre was received from S. H. and Ellen B. Martin in 1961. There were seven purchases, three of which totaling 3.94 acres were from the State Land Board and the remainder was excess right of way land acquisitions with the costs proportioned.

Preservation of a popular smelt fishing site of long-time use and the interesting picnic and camping area prompted acquisition of this land.

The area was named in honor of the long-used camping place at the mouth of the Sandy River where the early 19th Century Explorers, Lewis and Clark, camped on November 3, 1805, for several days while examining the Sandy River. They called the stream Quicksand River. According to Oregon Geographic Names, it appears that the name was shortened about 1850 to Sandy River. The river, however, was originally named Barings River by Lt. W. R. Broughton of Vancouver's Expedition on October 30, 1792.

The area is generally open ground. Native trees grow along the river, on the steep banks above the use area and south of the railroad tracks.

During the spawning season of the tiny smelt in early spring, the park is overrun with visitors. This, however, is of short duration. During the short period when the smelt leave the Columbia River and enter the Sandy on their way to spawning grounds, thousands of people flock to this area to net a fair supply of these tiny fish. Nets fastened to the end of long poles are used to dip the finny denizens from the water. Buckets, kettles and such articles are sometimes used successfully when the run of fish is heavy.

Improvements at the park include a road through the use area on the east side of Sandy River, car parking space, tables, stoves and sanitary facilities. Many trees were planted in the area and a small overnight camp to accommodate 13 tents was facilitated.

Day visitors during 1963 totaled 233,454. Overnight camping was provided in 1961 and the total campers during 1963 was 5,540.

Permits as follows affect this park:

Number: RR 378

Date: 8-3-51

Name: Union Pacific RR Co.—Road under bridge

Expiration: Indefinite

Oregon State Parks: Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site

Located at the western gateway of the Columbia River Gorge, Lewis & Clark State Park is situated near the mouth of the Sandy River where it spills into the mighty Columbia River and at the west end of the Historic Columbia River Highway (Highway 30). A flat, grassy, tree-dotted park invites blankets and sun-lovers to come spend a leisurely day.

The park includes a public boat launch and is adjacent to a popular swim hole. A trail climbs the cliffs to Broughton's Bluff, which serves as a geologic boundary between the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range and the neighboring Willamette Valley to the west. This 160' high series of cliffs provides excellent year-round rock climbing.

HISTORY

Located at the western gateway of the Columbia River Gorge, Lewis & Clark State Park appropriately honors its legendary namesakes who camped and explored here in November, 1805. The park is situated near the mouth of the Sandy River where it spills into the mighty Columbia River and at one of the entrances to the Historic Columbia River Highway. A flat, grassy, tree-dotted park invites blankets and sun-lovers to come spend a leisurely day.

One of the most popular swimming spots on the Sandy River is adjacent to the park, as well as a public boat launch. A trail climbs the cliffs to Broughton's Bluff, which serves as a geologic boundary between the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range and the neighboring Willamette Valley to the west.

The original land for this park was given to the state by Multnomah County in 1936. Later tracts were purchased from the State Land Board and private owners up to 1951. In 1961, S. H. and Ellen B. Martin gave an additional small portion. The park is named for the explorers Lewis and Clark, who on November 3, 1805, examined the Sandy River and noted the treacherous sand bar at the channel entrance. Their name, "Quicksand River," was shortened in common usage to Sandy River.

Acreage: 54

Annual day use attendance: 23,200

Links

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