Early Morning Muster for a Sandy River Float

Submitted by Scott Harvey

There are certain physical activities in life that can complement well with specific outdoor environments. Such as alpine skiing on a bluebird day, hiking through a peaceful old-growth forest, snorkeling in the Caribbean or boating the Lower Sandy River Gorge on New Year’s Day.

Eager boaters and their passengers were greeted with cloudy skies and mild temperatures on a Wednesday morning, the first day of 2025. Folks started showing up at Dodge Park a little after 9 am to rig and stage boats for the annual “Sandy River New Year’s Day Float”. After the shuttling of vehicles to Oxbow Park was completed, a short safety prep talk was shared before the final adjustment of life jackets, helmets and the zipping up of the dry suits that signaled the start of the New Year’s Day float.

The colorful flotilla of rafts, catboats and kayaks was striking at best, against the drab grey winter colors of the river bank scenery and leafless alder trees. Along with the mild Winter temps, we were also greeted with decent river flows of around (5,300 cfs).

The gathering of participants this year was slightly less compared to previous New Year’s Day float trips. Mainly because of two reasons… First, the NCAA Rose Bowl was being telecast mid day between the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes.

We all know how that game turned out! Secondly, most of the local rivers where all running strong and high after several days of rain. So other boaters took the opportunity to get out and experience another wintertime river. 

The Sandy River can range between a class 2 at low flows to a class 3+ river during
extreme high flows. At today’s flow of 5,300 I would rate this section of the Lower
Sandy River Canyon a class 2+(3). The distance from Dodge Park to the Oxbow
Regional Park boat ramp is roughly seven to eight miles in length. It only took us
1-1/2 hours float time to reach Oxbow Park.

Enjoyment on the river was had by all because of the splashy whitewater nature of the river, mild temps, good company and also, most likely the longing need to get outside during our bleak winter months. On this beautiful winter day, we passed several fishermen and hikers who just happened to find their way into the Lower Sandy River Gorge to enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of the river canyon this time of year. Several eagles were also spotted in the tree branches, high above the river.

At the takeout, everyone organized quickly to retrieve vehicles and get boats loaded up. After securing boats and exchanging our river apparel for some warm, dry clothing, everyone made their way to the covered shelter #A that was reserved for the OWA. Where a fire was roaring, pulled pork was being served, hot drinks 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 providing the propane stove. Will and Meredith Brezinski for providing the BBQ pulled pork sandwiches after the run. Tom Riggs for bringing the fire wood and everyone else that brought food and yummy desserts to the potluck at Oxbow Park after the float. Enjoy seeing some old familiar faces along with some new faces who appeared to be on board for this traditional January 1st run! An enjoyable time was had by all who came out!