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INTRODUCTION TO THE SANDY WATERSHED

Known as the “Quicksand River” by Lewis and Clark, the Sandy River has glacial headwaters on the slopes of Mount Hood.  Draining approximately 516 square miles, the river runs about 56 miles through forested areas to the City of Troutdale where it merges with the Columbia River. 
Since the headwaters run through largely untouched forested areas, the Sandy River remains relatively clean and pristine - especially considering its proximity to the Portland metropolitan area. The Sandy River is considered one of the regions best rivers for fishing, and is renowned for it’s clean, cool waters. 
A major tributary of the Sandy River is the Bull Run River. The Bull Run watershed is a protected area, as it is the primary water source for the City of Portland and many surrounding areas. Other preserves in the watershed include the Nature Conservancy’s 391 acre Sandy River Gorge Preserve, and Metro's 1200 acre Oxbow Regional Park.
This graph shows the gradient (change in elevation as the river runs downstream) of the Sandy River. 

Compare the gradient to the other Portland area watersheds.
Watersheds

CLACKAMAS

 COLUMBIA LOWER WILLAMETTE MIDDLE WILLAMETTE SANDY TUALATIN
 

Columbia Slough 

Johnson Creek      
         
       
       
       

       

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The Student Watershed Research Project is a 
self funded program of Portland State University's
Environmental Sciences and Resources
Last updated February 21, 2003

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