Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site

Just got back from my first visit to the L&C Recreation Park. WOW! What A wonderful place. My Charlie ran all over and enjoyed playing with the other dogs and dog owners. Whenever I got to a place I needed directions people were very helpful. Never was I misguided.
Another reviewer mentioned the abundance of dog waste. During my two hours walking the park I only saw one little pooh mess. There are a few garbage cans on the property. They were filled with coffee cups and a few pooh bags.
The views of Mt Hood are beautiful from many places in the park. Being that the park is in the gorge the wind was chilling. Wish I’d layered my clothing and brought a cap that covered my ears.
Overall, the experience was very enjoyable, well worth the drive. Being in a large open area that is beautiful, with other nice dog people, in great weather, a great way to spend an early winter afternoon.

Looking around this park… I’m not sure what people *DO* here really. I guess tubing? Seriously, it’s a couple short trails and a bunch of grass as far as I can tell.
BUT, I recently started cragging (what the HELL is that you say? It’s rock climbing on small pitches, like at a rock gym, except without Monster Low Carb, Clif Bars, plastic «rock», and ladies to try and impress). I’m more of a mountaineer, but this is good exercise and feeling more comfy on a rope is always a good thing.
The climbing here is awesome. Maybe we’ve been lucky but there hasn’t been anyone but us there since we’ve been going. (Please pretend you never read this review). Unfortunately there is a fair amount of broken glass on the top of the rocks (pack it in, pack it out, assholes)
I’m not very good yet, so I still leave a fair amount of biomass on the rocks, but I sure have a damn good time!
If you’re not into rock climbing, this park looks like a snoooooze. Go further into the Columbia River Gorge, you LOSER.

In 1805, Lewis and Clark camped here during their search for land and adventure. Today inhabitants of Portland and the surrounding areas journey here on hot days to take a dip in the Sandy River. This park is popular with families, who cluster near the boat ramp, because of the shallow areas and mellow flow where kids can jump off rocks and float around safely. If you drive up the road a ways you’ll see groups of cars and trails down to the water where the big kids go (beers in hand, generally).
It’s common to see groups in inner tubes floating lazily by with a case of beer in its own tube. Families in rafts and canoes go by too, sometimes with dogs at the helm. It’s a free for all, and it’s a glorious escape from the city heat when the tar starts to bubble.
Pro Tip: Be careful where you park, they are not kidding about towing and the residents are sick of cars on their land.
Please be respectful of the river and pack your PBRs and other trash out with you, nothing sucks more than coming upon a trash heap at the river bank!
Vital stats from the website:
There is no fee to use this park. For information, call 1−800−551−6949.
Services
Picnicking Boating Boat ramp
Fishing Swimming Beach access
Hiking trail Waterways Rock formations
Mountains Beach Year-​round
Restrooms