Page 119 - Clackamas County Watertourism Strategic Plan. Final.v3

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR WATER-BASED TOURISM IN CLACKAMAS COUNTY, OREGON THE OPPORTUNITIES
6-16
Sandy River Corridor Physical
Improvements

Previous chapters in this report describe the excellent recreational and tourism opportunities and values that the Sandy River has to offer. The Sandy is poised to be
a world class fishing destination. A recent and detailed study on the recreational capacity of the river concluded that visitation varies by season and that “Social
capacity issues, therefore, do not seem to be problematic in most cases on this river.” Since the river receives visitation in all four seasons for a range of purposes, it
presents great opportunities for year-round tourism. The major impediment to elevating this river to renowned status is access. Significant physical barriers prevent
this river from being enjoyed by the public. The following recommendations address this issue:

Recommendation 23: Provide Access at RM38 (Salmon River)
The Sandy River Trail recommends that visitors park at the Sandy Ridge Trailhead and walk about ½ mile through a wooded trail to access the river. This is a formidable task for
any boaters seeking to float the 8 miles of fun intermediate level rapids to Marmot. It also prevents any mobility challenged visitor to enjoy this section river. Since private
property prevents access from here to the Marmot Day Use area, public access at this location is critical in expanding water-based tourism opportunities on the Sandy.

Recommendation 24: Improve day Use Area & Access at Marmot
The BLM does an excellent job at maintaining a day use park at this location with the limited resources at their disposal. This report encourages the BLM to continue to make
modest annual improvements at this site as currently proposed including road maintenance, trail maintenance, picnic areas, parking, and the like. Over the longer term, leave-
no-trace tent camping should be considered.
Recommendation 25: Access Upgrades and Camping Ed LaTourette Park
Clackamas County owns approximately 30 acres of flat land with gentle sloping access to the Sandy River. Considering that most of the corridor is bounded by steep cliffs or
private property, this parcel presents a rare and valuable opportunity on which a private sector entrepreneur would capitalize. The County should do the same. Camping is in
high demand from water-based tourists and so is access to this river. A campground here would likely generate net positive revenue.
Recommendation 26: Improvements, Parking and Access at Sandy River Park
Like the County, the City of Sandy also has a rare opportunity that it is not capitalizing on. The city’s only access to their namesake river involves parking on residential streets
and walking one mile down steep terrain. Providing access to the river’s edge would most likely increase tourism visitation.
Recommendation 27: Upgrade Camping Facilities at Dodge Park
Dodge Park is an excellent location within amazing natural beauty. However, there are only 5 RV sites and no site includes water or electricity. Camping services and facilities at
Dodge Park need upgrades to meet current demand.