One good return deserves another. The 18th annual Salmon Festival celebrates the return of the fall chinook salmon to the Sandy River and inspires protection of native salmon and their habitat. The two-day event takes place at Metro's Oxbow Regional Park located in the scenic Sandy River Gorge eight miles east of Gresham. Native salmon have migrated for thousands of years from the Pacific Ocean to the Sandy River and may be viewed spawning at Oxbow Regional Park during the festival and throughout October. Salmon watching is made easier with special polarizing fish glasses.
Guided salmon viewing walks are a highlight of the festival.
Experienced naturalists and biologists lead the walks and explain the migration and spawning story. The Salmon Festival provides activities and exhibits that help us better understand the challenges of protecting the region's fish, wildlife and water resources while balancing the needs of a growing metropolitan region. Arts, craft demonstrations and exhibits show Salmon Festival visitors the importance of salmon in nature and our culture. The festival also features great entertainment, children's activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, a salmon bake, arts and crafts, environmental exhibits and a food court. Please help us protect resident wildlife by leaving your pets at home.