Things To Do: Sandy

The Sandy River Park trail is a nearly two-mile out and back hike that leads visitors to a gorgeous view of the – you guessed it – Sandy River. The trail is open year-round, but know that it tends to get quite muddy during the wetter months, so proper footwear is advised. It's an easier hike, but some may consider it moderate during those muddy times. 

The Tickle Creek Trail is another easy little hike in Sandy along the humorously named little waterway. This one is a little over three miles in length and follows the creek, providing beautiful views. It's popular with families with small children and joggers looking to get off the roads for their runs. 

Wippersnappers is as much a spot for parents as it is for kids. The children can run around and explore the play structure as much as their little hearts desire, while parents can sit for a while and relax knowing their kids are safe. Plus Wippersnappers has a great food and drinks menu (including adult beverages!) and TVs. 

The Sandy Actors Theatre traces its roots back to 1976. It's gone by a few different names, and they've performed in a few different places since then before settling on the current name with performances at their home in Heritage Square. They have a year-round calendar of performances featuring comedies, dramas and children's productions. 

You know there's a lot of history in a town when their historical society is almost 100 years old. While the Sandy Historical Society was formed in 1926, the museum was built much more recently in 2007. More than just a museum showcasing the story of Sandy and the surrounding area, it's also a gift shop with art and other treasures from local makers and a visitor center. They even offer genealogy and photo/film scanning and restoration services. 

Sandy Ridge Trail System is a world class mountain biking area that's been developed over the years thanks to partnerships between the Bureau of Land Management and local agencies, as well as enthusiasts in the sport. The end result is 17 miles of trails with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to double black diamond. You'll find people trying out mountain biking for the first time right next to veteran pros, all loving the park. 

Known as the "Crown Jewell" of Sandy's park system, Meinig Memorial Park's permanent stage and concession stands make it the perfect home for the free summer concert series known as Summer Sounds. Outside of the concerts, it's also a popular spot for families to enjoy outdoor time while kids play in the Fantasy Forest play area. It's also commonly used for weddings and other events. 

Axis Range is one of the newest attractions in Sandy. It's also the only axe throwing and shooting simulator in town, and possibly the only combination of the two in the state. Add in a kids zone and plenty of snacks and drinks, ad you've got the makings of a great day out. 

No trip to Sandy is complete without a visit to Jonsrud Viewpoint. The bluff overlooks the Sandy River below and Mt. Hood behind in a dramatic vista that is one of the most iconic photos in all of Oregon. Any day the mountain is out makes for a good photo op, but some of the most stunning images are of the sunrises captured here. Be sure to take a moment to learn about the history of Jonsrud Viewpoint and the Barlow Road via interpretive signs through the Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail app. 

Just a bit outside of Sandy is the Rainbow Trout Farm. This is the perfect place to bring the kids for their first fishing experience. You're all but guaranteed to catch some trout here. There are numerous ponds with different sized fish. You can get a lot of fun for a small amount of money by focusing efforts on the ponds with smaller fish. They even provide the bait and tackle.