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>

Bird's eye view of the park

Steigerwald Lake 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.

Sandy Wild and Scenic River

Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the largest and most intact wapato and
rush marsh remaining on the lower Columbia River and was established in 1990
to preserve biodiversity. Franz and Arthur lakes provide critical habitat for
wintering tundra swans and other waterfowl. Several springs and seeps on the
refuge have been identified as important brood and rearing areas for juvenile
salmon.

Staff and partners work to maintain and monitor these rare wetland and
forested habitats. Knowledge gained through this research will contribute to
the understanding to how the lower Columbia River floodplain can be managed.
In keeping with this research and monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is
kept to a minimum.

<p>Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge is the largest and most intact wapato and rush marsh remaining on the lower Columbia River and was established in 1990 to preserve biodiversity. Franz and Arthur lakes provide critical habitat for wintering tundra swans and other waterfowl. Several springs and seeps on the refuge have been identified as important brood and rearing areas for juvenile salmon. </p><p>Staff and partners work to maintain and monitor these rare wetland and forested habitats. Knowledge gained through this research will contribute to the understanding to how the lower Columbia River floodplain can be managed. In keeping with this research and monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is kept to a minimum. </p>

Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Pierce NWR was established in 1983 to provide habitat for waterfowl,
particularly Canada geese. The habitats of the Refuge include wetlands,
grasslands, forests and streams.

Staff and partners strive to study, restore and monitor these habitats and
species to ensure their long term success. In keeping with this research and
monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is kept to a minimum.

<p>Pierce NWR was established in 1983 to provide habitat for waterfowl, particularly Canada geese. The habitats of the Refuge include wetlands, grasslands, forests and streams.</p><p>Staff and partners strive to study, restore and monitor these habitats and species to ensure their long term success. In keeping with this research and monitoring emphasis, human disturbance is kept to a minimum. </p>

Pierce National Wildlife Refuge

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.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Located in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area 40 miles east of Portland,
Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, Bonneville Lock and Dam spans the Columbia
and links the two states. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and
maintains Bonneville Lock and Dam for hydropower production, fish and wildlife
protection, recreation and navigation. Since 1938, Bonneville Dam has supplied
the region with inexpensive electrical power. Visitors can experience first-
hand the operation of two hydroelectric powerhouses and watch migrating fish
traveling upstream at the underwater viewing rooms next to the fish ladders.

Located in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, Bonneville Lock and Dam spans the Columbia and links the two states.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains Bonneville Lock and Dam for hydropower production, fish and wildlife protection, recreation and navigation. Since 1938, Bonneville Dam has supplied the region with inexpensive electrical power. Visitors can experience first-hand the operation of two hydroelectric powerhouses and watch migrating fish traveling upstream at the underwater viewing rooms next to the fish ladders.

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Sandy Wild and Scenic River

Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Pierce National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Bonneville Lock and Dam