Navigability

Your River Access Rights

This water trail guide is for the Sandy River from river mile (RM) 0.0, the confluence of the Sandy River with the Columbia River, to RM 37.5, the confluence of the Salmon River from the Sandy River.

The State of Oregon owns the bed and banks below the ordinary high water line because the Sandy River has been defined by the state as “navigable.” This means the public has the right to use the land for any legal activity allowed on other public lands, including hiking, camping, picnicking and boating. Going above the ordinary high water line onto private land is considered trespassing, unless it is necessary for portage (to go around) a navigation obstruction or you have permission from the land owner. If you are found to be trespassing on private land for any other purpose, you can be cited.

In addition, the following restrictions apply on public use of the bed and banks of the Sandy River (RM 0.0 to RM 37.5):

• Public lands are closed to all uses between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. year-round.
• No open fires are allowed at any time from May 1 to November 1 each year.

For additional information about your navigability rights, visit: http://www.oregonstatelands.us/DSL
Department of State Lands 775 Summer St. NE Suite 100 Salem, OR 97301-1279 Phone: 503-986-5200