Located on the north bank of the Columbia River, in sight of snowy mountain
peaks and a vibrant urban landscape, this park has a rich cultural past. From
a frontier fur trading post, to a powerful military legacy, the magic of
flight, and the origin of the American Pacific Northwest, history is shared at
four unique sites. Discover stories of transition, settlement, conflict, and
community.

Located on the north bank of the Columbia River, in sight of snowy mountain peaks and a vibrant urban landscape, this park has a rich cultural past. From a frontier fur trading post, to a powerful military legacy, the magic of flight, and the origin of the American Pacific Northwest, history is shared at four unique sites. Discover stories of transition, settlement, conflict, and community.

Bird's eye view of the park

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Ridgefield NWR was established in 1965 to provide wintering habitat for the
dusky subspecies of the Canada goose whose habitat is extremely limited. Since
then, smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Ridgefield
National Wildlife Refuge.

Staff and partners strive to work with the community to restore and conserve
Oregon oak woodlands, pastures and wetland habitats. These lands provide the
perfect environment for state and federally protected species such as
Columbian white-tailed deer, Sandhill cranes and other wildlife.

<p>Ridgefield NWR was established in 1965 to provide wintering habitat for the dusky subspecies of the Canada goose whose habitat is extremely limited. Since then, smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  </p><p>Staff and partners strive to work with the community to restore and conserve Oregon oak woodlands, pastures and wetland habitats. These lands provide the perfect environment for state and federally protected species such as Columbian white-tailed deer, Sandhill cranes and other wildlife.</p>

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Steigerwald Lake NWR was established in 1987 to offset lowland habitat loss
caused by construction at the Bonneville dam. These lands were established to
reduce the impact of this loss and provide more habitat for migrating and
resident wildlife. Since then smaller pieces of land have been added to create
what is now Steigerwald Lake NWR.

Staff and partners strive to work with the community to restore and conserve
Oregon oak woodlands, pastures and wetland habitats. These lands support
salmonids, wintering geese, ducks and other wildlife that thrive in tandem
with the River and the communities that surround them.

<p>Steigerwald Lake NWR was established in 1987 to offset lowland habitat loss caused by construction at the Bonneville dam. These lands were established to reduce the impact of this loss and provide more habitat for migrating and resident wildlife. Since then smaller pieces of land have been added to create what is now Steigerwald Lake NWR. </p><p>Staff and partners strive to work with the community to restore and conserve Oregon oak woodlands, pastures and wetland habitats. These lands support salmonids, wintering geese, ducks and other wildlife that thrive in tandem with the River and the communities that surround them. </p>

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

After increased agricultural development in the Tualatin River valley, many
local residents in the late 1980s recognized the importance of conserving
green space for future generations. A small group of citizens and local
leaders approached the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to have the land set
aside as a national wildlife refuge. The Service recognized the need to
protect the space that offered an abundance of habitat for a variety of
wildlife and enjoyment of people, especially as it is adjacent to multiple
urban areas. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge was officially
designated and established in 1992.

Visitors can enjoy a year-round trail that meanders through a variety of
habitats, including wetland views and oak savanna. With over 200 species of
birds, the refuge is a fantastic bird-watching destination. Visitors can also
keep their eyes peeled for a variety of other wildlife, including numerous
mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and insects. In addition to our walking
trails and wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities, visitors can engage with
our refuge through a variety of public programs and events, as well as our
environmental education for local school groups.

<p><span>After increased agricultural development in the Tualatin River valley, many local residents in the late 1980s recognized the importance of conserving green space for future generations. A small group of citizens and local leaders approached the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to have the land set aside as a national wildlife refuge. The Service recognized the need to protect the space that offered an abundance of habitat for a variety of wildlife and enjoyment of people, especially as it is adjacent to multiple urban areas. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge was officially designated and established in 1992.</span></p><p>Visitors can enjoy a year-round trail that meanders through a variety of habitats, including wetland views and oak savanna. With over 200 species of birds, the refuge is a fantastic bird-watching destination. Visitors can also keep their eyes peeled for a variety of other wildlife, including numerous mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and insects. In addition to our walking trails and wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities, visitors can engage with our refuge through a variety of public programs and events, as well as our environmental education for local school groups. </p>

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

## Overview:

The Sandy River originates in the high glaciers of Mt. Hood, the most
prominent peak in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Riverside trails offer
spectacular scenery, easily observed geologic features, unique plant
communities and a variety of recreational opportunities. Just outside
Portland, the lower reaches of the Sandy River flows through a deep, winding,
forested gorge known for its anadromous fish runs, botanical diversity,
recreational boating and beautiful parks.  
The U.S. Forest Service administers the initial 12.4-mile segment, and the
Bureau of Land Management manages the lower 12.5-mile section between Dodge
Park and Dabney Park.

## Know Before You Go:

  * See the Wild and Scenic Sandy River from Oxbow Park near Gresham, Oregon. On land leased from the Bureau of Land Management, the park offers a wide array of water and land-based recreation opportunities. 
  * The Sandy Ridge Trail System provides new trail opportunities specifically designed for mountain bikers in the foothills of the Cascade Range. Located on a ridge just west of Mount Hood and above the Sandy River, the trail system winds through a typical Western Oregon forest of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, and various hardwood species. 
  * Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. 

## Point of Interest:

The lower Sandy River provides an outstanding sport fishery and exceptional
recreation opportunities for nature study, day-use activities and non-
motorized boating or floating. Its proximity to Portland and its near-pristine
condition combine to make it a unique recreational resource within the region.

<h2>Overview:</h2>The Sandy River originates in the high glaciers of Mt. Hood, the most prominent peak in Oregon's Cascade Mountains. Riverside trails offer spectacular scenery, easily observed geologic features, unique plant communities and a variety of recreational opportunities. Just outside Portland, the lower reaches of the Sandy River flows through a deep, winding, forested gorge known for its anadromous fish runs, botanical diversity, recreational boating and beautiful parks.<br>
The U.S. Forest Service administers the initial 12.4-mile segment, and the Bureau of Land Management manages the lower 12.5-mile section between Dodge Park and Dabney Park.



<h2>Know Before You Go:</h2>
<ul><li> 
See the Wild and Scenic Sandy River from Oxbow Park near Gresham, Oregon. On land leased from the Bureau of Land Management, the park offers a wide array of water and land-based recreation opportunities.


</li><li>
The Sandy Ridge Trail System provides new trail opportunities specifically designed for mountain bikers in the foothills of the Cascade Range. Located on a ridge just west of Mount Hood and above the Sandy River, the trail system winds through a typical Western Oregon forest of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, and various hardwood species.
</li><li>
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination.
</li></ul>

<h2>Point of Interest:</h2>
The lower Sandy River provides an outstanding sport fishery and exceptional recreation opportunities for nature study, day-use activities and non-motorized boating or floating. Its proximity to Portland and its near-pristine condition combine to make it a unique recreational resource within the region.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Sandy Wild and Scenic River