Sandy, Oregon

Sandy was named for the nearby Sandy River which was originally identified as the "Quicksand River" by Lewis and Clark; however, the name "Quicksand" gradually evolved into "Sandy."
 

Currently in Sandy 51° P/CLOUDY Humidity: 71 Visibility: 10 Wind: S 10-day forecast

View Attractions Columbia Gorge in a larger map

Area Attractions Fruit Loop in the Hood River Valley Take a 35-mile scenic meander through the fruit orchards, small towns, and back roads of the Hood River Valley. Experience Oregon's largest fruit growing region. International Museum of Carousel Art Experience the largest and most comprehensive collection of carousel horses in the world. This collection of antique and one-of-a-kind carousel animals is something you absolutely should not miss. Columbia Gorge Discover Center With more than 18,000 square feet dedicated to exhibits interpreting the cultural and natural history of the area there is plenty to learn, see and read when visiting. Timberline Lodge Timberline Lodge stands at 6,000 feet on the slope of Mt. Hood. Built in the 1930s, the historic landmark remains a favorite spot for Oregonians year-round and a summer ski destination for the world.

Nearby Lodging Located just west of downtown Sandy, the Best Western Sandy Inn provides a quiet and comfortable place to sleep after a full day of fun. We are only 25 miles from Mt. Hood's various ski resorts for skiing year round and night skiing during the winter. Best Western Columbia River Inn, in the heart of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, is conveniently located only 35 miles from Portland.

Sandy is a small community on Highway 26 with stunning views of Mt. Hood and the Sandy River. The surrounding area is home to some of the largest nursery growers in the state. The city's industrial base is expanding at the west end of town. Major employers include Oregon Trail School District , US Metal Works Inc., Safeway Stores, Surburban Ford and Regency at Scenic Point. The town is located only 10 miles from Gresham and a few minutes more to the large urban population of east Multnomah County. Sandy is also within one half hour of year-round downhill skiing at Timberline Ski Resort and other recreational activities in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

History: In 1845, Samuel K. Barlow, a pioneer emigrant from Kentucky, blazed a road (known as the Barlow Road) from The Dalles, Oregon around the south side of Mt. Hood to Eagle Creek (a settlement east of Oregon City) thus completing the last leg of the famous Oregon Trail that began in Independence, Missouri.

Sandy's first settlers, the Francis Revenue family, arrived in 1853 and soon opened a trading post here on the Barlow Road and served many of the thousands of pioneers who traveled through on their way to the Willamette Valley.

Sandy's first Post Office was established in 1873 and the village became an incorporated city in 1913.