I was initially going to treat both the viewpoint and the Sandy Historical Society together, but they were both so good, that felt like shortchanging them.
The Jonsrud Viewpoint was not even on the list of Heritage Trail sites when we first started visiting them. There were improvements made in 2020, and I think the addition to the list must have happened then.
When visiting Heritage Trail sites, there are frequent references to the Barlow Road.
The Barlow Road was an extension to the Oregon Trail allowing land passage from The Dalles, as alternative to expensive and dangerous river passage.
That is not to say there were not still dangers or frustrations -- one of the areas was referred to as "The Devil's Backbone" -- but it was another option, and more possible for many of the wagons heading Westward.
With its view of Mount Hood and the Sandy River, you can get a sweeping view of the terrain.
I will note that it was hazy that day, so even though it looked like we had a good view, I cannot prove it. I did see the mountain, I just couldn't really photograph it.
You are also situated across from the first house West of the Cascades.
There are well-done informational signs.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the water fountain worked. That is not always the case.
With bus parking, there are options for tour groups and school field trips.
COVID: The attraction is completely outside.
Accessibility: There is accessible parking and the paths are pretty navigable, but one of the coolest things about this is that one of the recent updates was to add a special scenic viewer adapted for color-blindness, a condition affecting 350 million people worldwide.
I don't know how many of them will make it to this spot, but it's a nice feature.
https://www.ci.sandy.or.us/parks-rec/page/jonsrud-viewpoint-park
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