I really like this park. I used to live nearby and visited a few times, then I moved farther away…read moreand now I find us here again. This visit was a starting point for our river adventure. I saw a bunch of people fishing for crayfish at the launch site. I will be back for that alone. I do have several crayfish traps.

This is a massive park, and my singular experience is limited to the two boat ramps, since I was…read moreinvited by a friend who wanted to paddleboard down the river, dragging my wife, my son and I behind them on inflatable tubes, so I can only comment on this limited experience. However, based on these two sections alone, this is a fantastic park for any and all water-based activities. For once, the $5 day use fee seems justified, considering all the things that it offers. Additionally, there are miles of hiking and horseback trails, picnic areas, camp sites, and plenty of open green spaces (shaded or otherwise) for parties and other outdoor activities. It's a little far from home for us, but worth the trek!

This park had so much potential! The scenery is beautiful located right along the Clackamas River…read morebut fell short of my expectations. We reserved campsite #4 in an attempt to get out of the city for a taste of Mother Nature's beauty and fresh air. Although the location is great the site was horrible. We arrived to a big open area for the "tent-only" spots where there were no trees or anything dividing the 3 spots from one another. Spots #5,4,and 3 are less than acceptable. Meanwhile, the entire rest of the campground was descent. So, If you are a tent camper and want a little privacy don't rent any of these 3 spots, but instead get a trailer spot so you can have some privacy where your neighboring campers cant see everything you have and watch you eat dinner and build a fire! We may return for the beautiful view and a cold river swim, but have learned our lesson. $17/night was a total ripoff.

Not sure why everyone has reviewed this place horribly, I can tell you from my experience here it's…read moresimply perfect. There isn't showers but who cares we are camping. The river runs right by the campsite, simply perfect! You don't have any cell service, which makes this place even better! This is our second year back.

I just went yesterday and almost had the place to myself. Beautiful trail getting up to there. 2…read moreout of 5 tubs needed some cleaning. Sometimes they will have a scrubber brush for you to scrub the bottom and sides of your tub before getting in. I recommend bringing a soft Brissle brush (pack in pack out) and then giving it a rinse before filling up you pool. Water was very hot n felt amazing. Use the cold hose to balance out desired temp.

Personally I had a great experience here. The hike was absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking, also…read morenot that difficult which was nice. The actual facility was a little confusing for us because we had never been but there are 4 tubs you can use together and then one big private tub on the other side of the property. We arrived early enough that there was only one person there already so we were able to fill our tub and get in pretty easily. I can see where people have issues with the privacy or nudity, it was a little uncomfortable but the people who were around us were very respectful. We had a great time soaking for an hour or two and then it started to get busy so we packed up and left feeling very relaxed. It wasn't gross or anything, and nothing happened. Overall a wonderful experience in such a foggy, rainy, mystical area!

This was a great little hike. Very easy. Well maintained. Great signage. Absolutely beautiful.read more

Barlow Wayside Park is located 11 miles east of Sandy. It is a short trail, adjacent to the Sandy…read moreRidge Trail biking system. So it's a good option for those on foot rather than bike! There's just about a mile and a half of walking trails that are very well-maintained with rustic bridges, stone paths, and wooden benches. The trail takes you through woodlands, wetlands, and beside a stream that shelters salmon and steelhead. There's also a self guided nature tour. Though there is a waterfall trail, the waterfall mentioned is quite small for Oregon. It is lovely nevertheless.

Trillium lake is such a special place to visit. I love being able to kayak somewhere without motor…read moreboats. If you're looking want to be able to actually have a decent parking spot and get some paddling in then go early.

Relaxing. Very good view of mt hood. Picnic areas clean. Public restroom available. You can go on…read morefishing here.

Excellent 8 mile in and out. A few water spots to cross, a little mud but absolutely worth it…read more Great hike!!! No bathrooms, limited parking. Not many bugs, still a bit of snow - end of May.

Another great PNW hike. Soft pine needle floor, lush ferns and abundant fungi. And the canopy!…read moreGorgeous. The mountain never really got out of bed today, but Wy'east did pull the covers back a couple of times. The hike up was strenuous buy not terrible, with many creek crossings. The lake itself was still and green, disturbed only by a hawk that flew low over it. I got a late start and by the time I got to the lake I was the only one there. The quiet was incomplete - many bees were still hard at work. I stayed there for a while, then dark clouds rolled in and the wind picked up. I realized I had 3.5 miles to go and was completely alone with night falling. I hurried back with looks over my shoulder the whole way. It was beautiful, but also kinda unsettling. I won't lie, I loved it. Great hike. Next time I'll go up to Zig Zag point.

Great quick small spot to view Mount Hood. If you're in the area stop here for the view. Theres a…read morestone wall with benches where you can rest your legs and have a snack while admiring the views. I like that it wasn't crowded. There were a few small groups when we got there. But they didn't stay long, neither did we. You can come here for the view but probably won't spend too long, no more than 30 minutes.

Small viewpoint with a west facing view that is absolutely spectacular! With wide, panoramic views…read moreof the Sandy River Valley and majestic Mt. Hood standing proudly in the west, this is an Oregon calendar shot! Just a short distance off Hwy 26, it is definitely worth stopping here on your way up to Mt. Hood. A designated stop on the Oregon Scenic Byways Program, there are telescopes you can use. Named after the Jonsrud family who lived in Sandy in 1877, one of the original pioneer families Who built and lived in a prairie style home that is still visible across the street. So that everyone could enjoy this magnificent and expansive views, their son donated the viewpoint property to the city of Sandy in 1984. What a gift! There is a small parking area but there are typically not a lot of cars so I've never had any issues parking here. Go! The view is incredible in every season! Especially in the fall and always at sunset.

This is a long, meandering river offering you a ton of recreationally minded activities. Much to…read moresee, much you can do and enjoy - worth your time to top in at one of the points you have access to stop in at along the river. The water is typically a perfect temp in the summer and the current is ideal for tubing - especially in the Clackamas area. Safe enough for the family, pretty enough you want to go alone and soak it in....

The Confession: I'm a masochist. Despite being clumsy and lacking any visual depth perception…read more(seriously, it's clinically proven), I can't really use those excuses when it comes to my persistent ability to get injured. If you see me, chances are I have band-aids on. So, I'm pretty sure it's just that I actually LIKE getting hurt. This is a case in point: The Prelude: Since I was about 3 years old, I have enjoyed exploring the depths of the woods, especially near some giant, rushing body of water that drowns out all the mundane commotion in my head. I like being surrounded by towering trees, waist-high ferns, and little, precious wildflowers. I've run into grizzly bears while huckleberry picking, yet never, ever have I been afraid in the woods. Not even at night when I have to go pee. I actually want to get lost and find my way home. This is my idea of fun, especially if I have a cold beer in hand. Problem is, I usually get hurt while I'm out there. In fact, I judge my excursions as such: the more I get hurt, the more fun I had. The Rub: This is where the Clackamas River is GOD to me. Yeah, I love to come here to swim, hike, camp, float down the river, picnic, etc. But I always leave with excessive scrapes, bruises, scratches, and bloodied body parts. Could be I just play hard. But I think it's more than that. It's as though the river gives me so much pleasure, it demands a little sacrifice from me. Not all rivers have this affect on me, mind you. Yesterday, it took a few pieces of skin from my arm when I fell down a hill, clambering to get to the water on a hot day. Last weekend, it took a chunk out of my leg when I foolishly attempted to mount a log in the river. Painful, yes. But these are battle scars of love, people. This is my idea of heaven. No other river has loved me this much and, I must say, vice versa. The 411: If you want to kayak, raft, camp, hike, lay on the rocks, float in an inner tube, or whatever...check out the Clackamas. Drive straight through Estacada and follow Hwy 224. Or take the fork at the Ranger Station and head down Forest Road 46. There are tons of campsites, both official and just off the road. The water is cold, but refreshing on a hot day. Or, you can head south on 46 to it up Bagby Hot Springs. But please be careful out there, kiddos. People do die on this river every year (in fact, a young woman just drowned 2 weeks ago), so treat it with respect and be aware of the dangers. And if you like getting (safely) beat up by nature, like me, take your neosporin and head out. You're going to get your ass kicked and you'll keep coming back for more.