Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site — Attraction in Oregon

We visited the Sandy River at the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site in Troutdale, Oregon (location here), and I have to say—it’s one of the most beautiful river spots I’ve seen so close to Portland. The views are stunning, with peaceful trees, a wide stretch of river, soft sand, and rocky edges where you can sit and take in the scenery. It should feel like a hidden gem.

But instead, it felt like a place that has been neglected for too long.

There was trash everywhere. Beer cans, glass bottles, food wrappers—even piles of garbage tossed into bushes, stuck in the water plants, and half-buried in the sand. It was heartbreaking to see such a naturally gorgeous space treated this way. The river deserves so much more respect.

What made me feel even more uneasy was seeing someone who seemed like they were helping—pretending to pick up trash—but it turns out he was actually going through people’s stuff and stealing belongings. That completely changed the mood for me. It’s scary when you’re just trying to enjoy a day at the river and suddenly you don’t feel safe leaving your towel or bag even for a second.

At one point, we found an actual lockbox—like a safe—wedged between the rocks. That’s not something you expect to see at a peaceful river spot, and it just added to the feeling that this area is being used for all the wrong reasons.

Yes, there were a few people who seemed to be living in the area. I know that’s a bigger issue, and I’m not here to judge. But the lack of care and oversight is what really stood out to me. It’s clear that no one is regularly cleaning, patrolling, or watching over this beautiful public space.

I truly believe this area could be so much more. It has all the natural beauty to be a relaxing, family-friendly destination. It could be a place where people connect with nature, take their kids, bring a picnic, or just float peacefully in the river. But right now, it feels abandoned—and it’s sad to say that I’d be hesitant to return unless something changes.

I hope local and state officials start paying more attention to this area—not just for the safety of visitors, but to honor and protect the land itself. The Sandy River is a treasure, and we should be doing everything we can to take care of it. A little maintenance, more presence, and better trash management could go a long way.

We want to return, but next time, I hope it feels safe, clean, and...

You pull into the main parking lot and it seems like a great park, many signs around it explaining Lewis & Clark's voyage, however the trails behind it up in the woods seemed a little hinky. People seem to come in waves today, but just to urgently run to the restrooms.. it definitely is a pit stop. The grass is dead but it's the middle of Summer.

We saw a handful of homeless walk by and some day camping in their cars. Most of the homeless we saw left us alone, threw away their trash.... except for this one man having a mental crisis... he stayed away from us but did get close enough.. was yelling about the elites and cursing God and stood there for a good 10 to 15 minutes between us and our vehicle saying no one communicates these days and got mad as we read the signs around the park calling it a lie, etc. He pretty much ruined that visit for us.

If you come to this park don't stick around. Cross the road that you used to turn into the parking lot.. and enjoy the Sandy River.. you're safer with people.. when we were near the bathrooms it was just us.

Didn't bother calling the police because I hear on the news they dont respond.

Nice park and managed by the state but it doesn't seem to...

I have been going here for the last 20 years. Every year it looks worse. I have no idea the last time this park invested any money into this park? The grass is dead and never gets watered. Great for picnics right? There are signs for poison oak bye the trail that leads up the mountain where kid groups hike. Yet it is never removed? Homeless people are always hanging out. I like to go here because the water is not deep and you can walk across the river or down street. It is a great place for my dog to swim. The people drinking alcohol and being loud are somewhere else. There is life jackets for the kids. And bags to put garbage in. It is not a long walk from the parking lot to the river. And there is bathrooms. There us a hiking trail that goes like 8 miles. Great views from this trail. Though the trail gets steep and dangerous. Roots patrude along the trail. There is picnic tables surrounded by the dead grass. There is apple trees and signs telling you about the plants. And signs talking about...