A popular scenic overlook in Sandy will temporarily close this week as crews complete a minor construction project aimed at maintaining and improving the site.
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17, Jonsrud Viewpoint and its adjacent parking lot will be closed to the public. City officials anticipate reopening the site by Saturday, Feb. 21, barring weather delays or unforeseen setbacks. Updates will be shared if the construction schedule changes.
The 4.95-acre viewpoint, located at 15652 Bluff Rd., is widely regarded as one of the finest public vantage points for viewing Mount Hood. Its sweeping panorama of the mountain and the Sandy River draws visitors year-round, including photographers, hikers and travelers exploring Oregon’s scenic routes.
The site is a designated stop along the Oregon Scenic Byways program, highlighting its importance as both a recreational and cultural landmark. Visitors can enjoy brick walking pathways, mounted telescopes and interpretive displays detailing the historic Barlow Road and the Oregon Trail.
The viewpoint’s educational components offer insight into the region’s pioneer past, connecting modern-day visitors with the routes once traveled by settlers heading west. The site’s elevated bluff provides a clear line of sight that showcases the dramatic landscape that shaped Oregon’s early history.
In 2020, the city of Sandy partnered with Clackamas County Tourism to complete a restoration and enhancement project. Improvements included general upgrades and the installation of a color blind-adapted scenic viewer. That addition made Jonsrud Viewpoint the first location in the country outside the state of Tennessee to offer that specialized viewing experience.
Jonsrud Viewpoint is named after Phil Jonsrud, a veteran and local historian who spent most of his life in Sandy. His contributions to preserving local history and heritage remain an enduring part of the community’s identity.
City leaders have emphasized the importance of maintaining the viewpoint not only as a tourist destination but also as a gathering place for residents. Regular upkeep and small-scale infrastructure projects help ensure safety, accessibility and long-term preservation of the site’s amenities.
While the closure is expected to be brief, officials encourage visitors to plan accordingly and check for updates before traveling to the overlook this week. Once reopened, the site will continue to offer its iconic mountain views and educational features, reinforcing its status as one of the region’s most treasured public spaces.
Originally reported by Christopher Keizur in Your Oregon News.
