Sandy River, Lower: Marmot Dam to the Columbia River

The upper river below Marmot Dam courses through an almost inaccessible canyon with moss, ferns, and vertical basalt walls. House-sized boulders restrict the flow, gather debris, and create respectable drops in the lower half of the gorge. From Revenue Bridge just outside the town of Sandy to Dodge Park outside Portland, the river widens and takes on a Class III character. Below Dodge Park, several other parks are separated by larger water flow, lower gradient, and easier rapids. The Bull Run River joins the Sandy River below Pipeline rapid, returning water that was diverted above Marmot Dam to the powerhouse on the Bull Run. Here the Sandy flattens out before merging with the Columbia, allowing some Class II rapids or a peaceful float through the parks.