Troutdale previews 'Trout Route' Sandy River shuttle pilot to ease park congestion
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Summary
Troutdale staff announced a summer weekend 'Trout Route' shuttle pilot, partnering with Sasquatch Shuttle to provide day passes and river‑float rentals, aiming to reduce parking pressure at Glen Otto, Dabney State Park and other river access points.
Marley, the tourism presenter, outlined a Sandy River shuttle pilot for summer weekends called the "Trout Route," to be operated in partnership with Sasquatch Shuttle and designed to reduce parking pressure at river trailheads and parks.
"It picks up at the Outlet Mall. It has a flag stop at the visitor center downtown. It also stops at Glen Otto Park and Dabney State Park," Marley said, explaining the proposed routing and day‑pass pricing model that would allow unlimited rides within a single day.
The pilot will offer river‑grade float and life‑jacket rentals through the shuttle partner so visitors who lack equipment can participate without bringing their own floats. Marley said the shuttle will include group and family pass options and will coordinate with local lifeguard services.
Marley noted regulatory and safety details under consideration: recent changes to watercraft legislation exclude tied inner‑tube configurations, and staff plan educational materials and safety messaging. The presenter pointed to the Glen Otto lifeguard presence (described as one of two lifeguarded river sites in the state) as an important safety asset for the pilot.
Board members asked about permit interaction and parking impacts. Marley said same‑day Multnomah Falls permits are currently distributed at the visitor center and that Sasquatch Shuttle’s relocation to Troutdale has already increased demand for transit and permit services. The board discussed the Outlet Mall as an emergent overflow parking area and the potential for shuttle stops there to relieve shoulder parking and unsafe roadside behavior along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
No formal approvals were required at the advisory‑board level; staff said feasibility work and safety planning will continue and that the pilot is planned for implementation in summer 2026.
