The Ivy Bear

Ivy Bear
54735 East Hwy 26
Sandy, Oregon 97055
(503) 622-0395
Fax: (503) 622-1564
email: ivy_bear@peoplepc.com
Ed & Jackie Riley, Innkeepers

Halfway between Sandy and Welches on U.S. 26, a small community of cabins hides in the woods.

Some may remember the old days when there was an actual bridge at Alder Creek, bear cages and the Ivy Bear Restaurant, whose icon -- a huge bear sculpture covered in ivy -- is still a presence off the highway.

Located on Hwy 26, The Ivy Bear is easy to find. The Ivy Bear sculpture hovers over a chain-saw artist's enterprise, the Gallery at Alder Creek, featuring carved moose, salmon and yes, bears. Alder Creek feels like the true gateway to the Mt. Hood National Forest, where city life is finally left behind. You're so close to Portland but convenient to a huge range of outdoor recreation, including snow sports on Mount Hood and family fun at the nearby Rainbow Trout Pond, which opens for the season March 1 (www.rainbowtroutfarm.com). Its 30 parklike acres with fishing holes are guaranteed to keep everyone happy.