Trip Report: 2024 New Year's Day Sandy River Float
New Year’s “2024” on the Sandy River
Written by: Scott Harvey
Our annual “Sandy River New Year’s Day Float” started at Dodge Park with a gathering of roughly 40 hardy participants who showed up with smiling faces this morning for the start to the “2024” boating season. Similar weather conditions greeted eager boaters this year on the Sandy River, much like last year with bright sunny skies and mild temperatures for January 1st. The only exception was the lower than normal river levels that made some of the maneuvering in rapids a bit tricky in spots. But even that wasn’t much of a hassle with this group of determined die-hart boaters.
As in years past, donning a drysuit and wearing warm thermals with neoprene gloves and a helmet or stocking cap is a bare minimal requirement for Northwest boating during this time of year. The usual colorful flotilla of rafts, cat-boats and kayakers set sail on a 1-1/2 to 2 hour float that took boaters through the peaceful and serenity of the Lower Sandy River. There is the occasional fisherman or hiker that can be spotted in this lower section of the Sandy River Canyon, but you still feel like you have the whole river canyon to yourselves. Quite surprising, considering how close to the Portland metropolitan area the river is located.
The Sandy River this morning was reading a level of 9.5 feet on the Sandy River gauge near Bull Run. This particular section of river with this lower level reading, is a good class 2 float with one class 3 rapid. The distance from Dodge Park to the Oxbow Regional Park boat ramp is roughly seven to eight miles in length.
Enjoyment on the river was had by all because of the splashy whitewater nature of the river, pleasantly mild weather and the good camaraderie of mutual boaters. It’s always good to see a mixture of new faces and some familiar faces joining together to be part of this traditional January 1st float! Some folk’s pull off on the right sandy beach, just below Indian John Island to stretch their legs and catch up on the gossip of the day.
At the takeout in Oxbow Park, everyone organized quickly to retrieve vehicles and get boats loaded up. After securing boats and exchanging our wet river apparel for some warm dry clothing, mostly everyone made their way to the Alder Covered Shelter within the park. Where a warm, roaring fire greeted those who needed to warm up. BBQ Pulled Pork was being served, along with hot drinks that including coffee, cider and cocoa was to be had and some yummy treats and desserts that accompanied the potluck.
A thanks to Val Shaull for organizing this event and for reserving the covered shelter. A special thanks to Will Brezinski (OWA Training Director) for providing the delicious BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw after the run. Also a shout out to those that helped with the shuttles, those who brought firewood and everyone else that brought the yummy food and desserts to the potluck at Oxbow Park after the float. Good times was had by all who came out!
