Take the Sandy Area Metro (SAM) from Sandy to Estacada. There's pioneer history to be discovered along the way before arriving in downtown Estacada, where you can explore local art, craft beer and food as well as access outdoor recreation opportunities. Bring your bike (there's room on the SAM) to pedal the Clackamas River Scenic Bikeway, or plan your trip in advance with Clackamas River Outfitters for a car-free paddle on the Clackamas River. Read more about our favorite car-free activities in Estacada below.
Step back in time and explore a historic stop along the Oregon Trail. Originally a place of respite for weary pioneers, visitors can immerse themselves in what it was like on a working farm back in the 1850s with interactive exhibits and workers dressed in period-piece clothing.
Around the corner from City Hall is Clackamas River Outfitters, Estacada’s local rental shop and guided service company. Start here and talk with one of their knowledgeable staff on how to rent from their station at Timber Park - no car needed!* Rent a single or tandem kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or choose from one of their many guided tours on Estacada Lake and the Clackamas River.
*Check website or call ahead for information/operating hours
Bring your bike with you on the SAM and enjoy one of only three scenic bikeways in the greater Portland area. While the entire route is a challenging 144 mile out and back to Detroit Lake, the more casual rider can enjoy 7 miles of car-free paths on Faraday Road, less than 2 miles from City Hall. Follow this out and back as it winds you through wooded areas along the Clackamas River and during spawning season, watch as returning salmon climb the fish ladder! Route details can be found here.
The Artback Artists Cooperative is dedicated to decorating the city of Estacada with murals depicting the region’s culture and history. Keep an eye out for their colorful masterpieces as you wander downtown, or get their map brochure for self-guided tour (Pick one up at the Chamber of Commerce or Spiral Artist Gallery). Each year at the end of July artists gather to create a new mural in a single weekend, a collaborative celebration of creativity that coincides with the Estacada Summer Celebration festival. Also downtown, the Spiral Artist Gallery is a co-op gallery featuring area artisans’ work including ceramics, painting, fiber arts, jewelry, sculpture, photography and more and is an excellent place to pick up a locally made souvenir.
If you like your lunch with a side of nostalgia, head to Lew’s Drive-In. The business began in 1952 and has kept its 50s charm. In addition to their extensive burger menu they also serve fish and chips, salad, all-day American breakfast and of course old-fashioned ice cream sundaes.
Hitchin’ Post Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser. Classic appetizers and a salad bar are the perfect pizza partners, pard’ner.
Time for dessert? Check out Yo Treats self-serve frozen yogurt, complete with all the toppings.
The tap room at Clackamas River Growlers features an ever-changing list of local beers in a friendly laid-back atmosphere. The owners are hearing impaired and orders are made using hand symbols above the taps or a handy white board. Outside food is welcome, so bring a bite from the list above to enjoy on their patio. Just around the corner is Time Travelers Brewery which strives to support their community and wow their guests by sourcing many of their kitchen & brewery ingredients from local farms in the area Bonus: Time Travelers Brewery is a stop on the Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail! Download the free mobile passport to get discounts and earn prizes at breweries in the region.
On your return to Sandy, walk 0.8 miles north up Main Street to 6th Avenue. Reward your uphill climb with a stop at Granny’s Drive-Thru for a made-to-order milkshake with over 20 flavors to choose from! Around the corner is the Estacada Farmers Market, where you can support local farms by stocking up on everything from fresh produce to goat’s milk soap and handcrafted artwork. Walk about 2 minutes north to the “800 Block NW Wade Northbound” stop to catch the return bus back to Sandy.
