Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park

Troutdale's historic water tower rises above a paved trail next to a tree that is just starting to change into fall colors

Address: 473 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy
Summer Hours: 8am - 9pm (April - Sept.)
Winter Hours: 8am - 6pm (Oct. - March)
Dogs: Allowed on-leash
Park Rules

A park as extraordinary as Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park doesn't come around often. Now open along the banks of the Sandy River, this new destination honors Troutdale's history while creating fresh opportunities for recreation and connection to the river.

At the heart of the park is a 12-foot-wide paved trail that stretches approximately a quarter mile from the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center to the Ch'ak Ch'ak Trail. This linear path seamlessly connects to the iconic 40-Mile Loop, opening up opportunities for walking, biking, and exploring the Sandy River corridor.

A raised walkway and river viewing platform showcase the park's natural beauty, while a small nature play space blends thoughtfully into the riverside setting. Visitors can take in breathtaking views and stunning perspectives of the Sandy River, Broughton Bluff, Beaver Creek, and the Sandy River Bridge.

Parking is conveniently available at both ends of the trail—at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center parking lot and behind the Gorge Outlets on NW 257th Way.

The park's name celebrates Sharon Nesbit, historian, journalist, and beloved community storyteller. As a founder of the Troutdale Historical Society and longtime columnist for The Outlook, Nesbit dedicated her life to preserving the stories that make Troutdale unique. Interpretive signs throughout the park share Troutdale's history, ensuring that Nesbit's legacy as a guardian of local heritage lives on.

As Sharon once said, history is about what happened—but heritage is about what we value and carry forward. Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park celebrates both, offering a beautiful hub for recreation, relaxation, and community connection in the City's urban renewal district.

The project was advertised for competitive sealed bids from construction contractors on June 11, with the bid opening held July 18. The construction contract has been awarded to the confirmed lowest bidder, Colf Construction of Vancouver, Washington. For more information on the bidding process, please visit the project RFP page.

paved path
scenic viewpoints
benches
playground (under construction)
benches
picnic area
shaded areas

2014 - Sandy River Access Plan

In 2014, the City in partnership with Metro developed the Sandy River Access Plan, which created the template for proposed waterfront park and trail to better connect Troutdale residents and visitors with one of our most iconic natural assets, the Sandy River. In doing so, park and trail investment would coincide with private development that works well with the surrounding area.

2019 & 2020 - 30% Design

In October 2019, an open house on trail and park design concepts was held, with about 50 attendees offering feedback. From that feedback, the City worked with MZLA and Firwood Design Group to establish a 30 percent design of the park and trail.

The design calls for a minimum 12 foot wide trail that connects with the existing trailhead to the I-84 bridge in the north with the currently improved trail in Depot Park to the south. The design calls for an elevated section that will go underneath the Union Pacific Railroad trestle. The path will need to be elevated in this area to accommodate for allowable slope ratings for ADA compliance and to have minimal interference with natural floodplains in this area.

The park that is envisioned will be linear in nature and would feature three main areas of congregation, including the possibilities of play equipment for kids and a gathering area for picnics and events. Efforts to maintain significant trees already on site and to introduce new trees were also addressed.

2020 - 2022 - 60% and 90% Design

The City has completed the design phases for the trail, with the 90 percent designs finalized in October 2022. A multi-year invasive species removal program, initiated as part of the project, has achieved remarkable success. Large areas previously overtaken by blackberry and English ivy have been restored to support native vegetation and improved ecosystem health along the trail and its embankments.

The City secured funding for the project, receiving grants from Metro and Oregon State Parks. This financial support has been instrumental in bringing the trail closer to completion, ensuring high-quality design and community value.

2024 - 2025 - Construction of the Trail

The City officially broke ground on the Sandy River Park & Trail on October 10, 2024 - the same days as the official ribbon cutting for the Ch’ak Ch’ak Trail. In May 2025, the park was officially named Sharon Nesbit Heritage Park after local historian, journalist, and longtime Troutdale resident Sharon Nesbit.

The trail is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.