Sandy, Oregon, located next to the scenic river of the same name, is considered the base camp for year-round Mt. Hood-area recreational activities, and spring is no exception.

Book a half-day guided whitewater adventure on the Upper Sandy River with Blue Sky Rafting. Barlow Wayside Park, the meeting place about 11 miles east of Sandy, also has a beautiful 1.5-mile trail with forested views of wetlands and streams.

Next to Barlow Wayside Park, Sandy Ridge Trail System offers nearly 20 miles of world-famous mountain biking trails ranging from machine-built, beginner-level to double black diamond expert-level opportunities.

When fueling up or refueling, Sandy boasts a variety of food spots with heated and covered patios that are perfect even in spring showers. Grab a scratch-made cinnamon roll at Tollgate Inn. Le Happy Creperie serves masterful savory and sweet crepes, while Smoky Hearth has quickly become known for smoked brisket. Bonus: stop at Nya’s Cakes next door to Smoky Hearth for divine desserts. If no one in your group can agree on where to eat, Sandlandia’s global food carts will satiate everyone.

Check out family-friendly tasting rooms Just Rum and Boring Brewing for liquid fuel in the form of delicious craft spirits and brews.

Expect the unexpected in the Sandy area. DropShot offers tons of fun in one place, from ax throwing to a shooting simulator and even a golf simulator. The North American Bigfoot Center in nearby Boring is a must-visit museum for Bigfoot hunters. Find it all in Sandy!