Hikers headed for Ramona Falls Trail #797 or the Pacific Crest Trail can get there on Sandy River Trail #770, a mostly gentle path off Lolo Pass Road that ends at the junction of the two.
Two trailheads give you a choice. Start on Forest Road 1825-380 for a 3.3-mile one-way walk, or begin near the large parking area at Old Maid Sand Pit for 1.9 miles. Beyond the sand pit, the trail runs beside the Sandy River for a bit, climbs into the trees, follows an abandoned road for a short way, and crosses the river on a bridge before reaching the junction.
Trail map & elevation
- Trail class
- Class 3 of 5
- Typical grade
- 5-8%
- Surface
- Native material
- Tread width
- 18-24 inches
- Ranger district
- Zigzag
Connects to: Horseshoe Ridge Trail #774
Line, length and trail class: U.S. Forest Service trail data. Elevation: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Difficulty is our estimate for hiking it out and back (once around for a loop), from distance and total climb. Lines can be off by a few hundred feet; carry a real map and check the official page for closures.
Getting there
From Portland, OR
- to the trailhead at Forest Road 1825-380, follow U.S. Hwy 26 17.5 miles east of Sandy to Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18).
- Turn left on Lolo Pass Road and travel 4 miles to Forest Road 1825.
- Turn right (east) onto Forest Road 1825 and travel 1.2 miles to Forest Road 1825-380.
- Turn Right (south) onto Forest Road 1825-380 and travel 200’ to the parking area and trailhead on the east side of the road.
From Portland, OR
- to the trailhead at Old Maid Sandpit, follow the above directions to Forest Road 1825-380.
- Continue east on Forest Road 1825 1.2 miles to Forest Road 1825-100.
- Turn left (east) onto Forest Road 1825-100 and travel 0.3 mile to Forest Road 1825-024.
- Turn left (north) onto Forest Road 1825-024 and travel 0.2 mile to Cast Creek, Horseshoe Ridge, Sandy River Trailhead at Riley Horse Camp.
From the Forest Service
All fees
A $5 day use fee is required to park at Cast Creek, Horseshoe Ridge, Sandy River trailhead from May 1 through Oct. 31.
Passes and permits
A valid Recreation Pass is required at Cast Creek, Horseshoe Ridge, Sandy River trailhead from May 1 through Oct. 31.
Ranger office
Zigzag Ranger District
Address: 70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Phone: 503-622-3191
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)
Trails nearby
Horseshoe Ridge Trail #774
9.2 mi round trip
3,259 ft
Very hard
Cast Creek Trail #773
10.4 mi round trip
3,138 ft
Very hard
Pacific Crest Trail (Zigzag RD)
85.4 mi round trip
16,324 ft
Very hard
Lost Creek Nature Trail #776
0.6 mi round trip
31 ft
Easy
French’s Dome Trail #776
0.6 mi round trip
31 ft
Easy
Ramona Falls Trail #797
3.4 mi round trip
589 ft
Moderate
Burnt Lake Trail #772
9 mi round trip
1,984 ft
Hard
Yocum Ridge Trail #771
7.8 mi round trip
2,129 ft
Hard
Timberline Trail #600
39.2 mi loop
11,267 ft
Very hard
Top Spur Trail #785
1 mi round trip
348 ft
Easy
Cast Lake Trail #796
1 mi round trip
218 ft
Easy
McGee Creek Trail #627
3.2 mi round trip
895 ft
Moderate
