The annual cleanup of the headwaters of the Salmon River on Mount Hood will be followed by an on-the-water cleanup of the lower Sandy River, a week later and 50 miles downstream, so if you miss any plastic trash on the first day you still might be able to snag it before it reaches the ocean.

Each of the past three years, volunteers led by the Snowrider Project have gathered to collect about two tons of trash in a single day from the headwaters of the Salmon River on the mountain, east of Timberline and the Salmon/climber’s parking lot.

That annual cleanup will be expanded this year with a collaboration with Corinne Handelman and the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council, which is leading a floating cleanup on the Lower Sandy River September 19.

Volunteers interested in helping out now have two efforts to choose from, and are welcome to join both.

The Mt. Hood Cleanup takes place Saturday, September 12 starting at 10 am at  the Salmon/climber’s parking lot.

The Sandy River Cleanup is set for 10 am on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Lewis & Clark State Park downstream from the main bridge over the Sandy in Troutdale.

Organizers suggest that volunteers bring their own lunches, water and foul weather gear to the mountain portion of the cleanup. Doughnuts and coffee will be provided at the parking lot staging area.

Standard paddling equipment is suggested for the Sandy River cleanup Sept. 19, including life jackets.

Questions? Contact Michael at the Snowrider Project with any Timberline cleanup questions, or Corrine at the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council  for any Sandy River questions.

Last modified: August 19, 2015