Frank Wade Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Frank Wade Park is a beautiful outdoor destination located in the state of Oregon.


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Summary

There are several reasons to visit the park, including its stunning natural beauty and the range of activities available to visitors. The park boasts a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and various water activities.

One of the main points of interest within the park is the Sandy River. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating in the river, which is known for its clear waters and scenic views. The park also includes a large playground area for children and several picnic areas with grills and tables.

Interesting facts about Frank Wade Park include its history as a former farmland that was later transformed into a recreational area. The park was named after a local businessman who donated the land to the city of Gresham. Additionally, the park is home to several species of wildlife, including deer and a variety of bird species.

The best time of year to visit Frank Wade Park depends on personal preferences, as the park is open year-round. However, many visitors prefer to visit during the summer months when the weather is warmer and the river is ideal for swimming and boating.

Overall, Frank Wade Park is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Oregon. With its stunning natural beauty and range of activities, it is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the area.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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