Just outside Portland’s urban growth boundary to the east, at the confluence of the Sandy and Columbia rivers near the Gorge’s west end, is 1000 Acres, aka the Sandy River Delta, aka “Doggie Disneyland”—though that moniker is perhaps unfair to 1000 Acres, which is, in actual fact, around 1,400 acres. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is a paltry 500 acres.
Between the whoosh of Interstate 84 and the whir of the Sandy River, a vast trail network links up ample waterfront and spacious meadows amid dense groves of cottonwood, ash and willow. Technically a varied-use nature area managed since 1991 by the U.S. Forest Service, it’s home to hikers, cyclists, herons, eagles, coyotes, horses and their riders. But the park has become a destination for Portland-area dog owners looking for an expansive alternative to Portland dog parks—and even for dogless hikers looking for a flat, expansive place to stretch their legs.
Perhaps they’re guided by Seaman, Capt. Meriwether Lewis’ Newfoundland dog, the only animal to survive the three-year Lewis and Clark expedition. Seaman—“active, strong and docile,” per Lewis’ journal—would have camped here twice on the trek from Missouri to the Pacific and back, which really puts that 20-minute car ride in perspective…