Some adventures begin the moment you step into the water. Ours began with a van ride, a chance reunion, and the decision to leave behind everything that usually distracts us.
We met the eNRG crew at Moore Landing on a warm summer morning, where our group gathered with several other rafters excited for the day ahead. As we organized our gear, it quickly became clear that we really didn’t need much. Cell phones stayed tucked away, cameras weren’t necessary, and water bottles remained in the van. For the next few hours, our only job was to be present, enjoy the river, and connect with the people around us.
As the rafts arrived from an earlier trip, one of the guides looked up and called, “Kirsten!”
To my surprise, it was Ashwin, a good friend from my college days. We had ski raced together years ago, and now, in the middle of the Clackamas River canyon, he was our rafting guide. It’s amazing how small the world can feel when two old friends unexpectedly reconnect in one of Oregon’s most beautiful places.
The guides quickly loaded the rafts and equipment onto the trailer, and our group of nine climbed into the van for the drive to the launch site. During the ride, excitement grew as everyone anticipated what was waiting around the next bend in the river.
Before launching, the guides carefully walked us through everything we needed to know. We fitted our personal flotation devices, helmets, and, for those who wanted them, wetsuits. Since it was a hot summer day, many of us skipped the wetsuits, knowing the refreshing river water would be enough to cool us down.
The safety briefing was thorough without being intimidating. The guides explained how to paddle together as a team, what commands we would hear on the river, what to do if someone fell overboard, and how they communicate constantly to keep every raft safe throughout the trip. Their professionalism immediately put everyone at ease.
Soon we climbed into our raft.
My son and son-in-law settled into the front, eager to provide the power, while a friend and I took seats near the back with Ashwin guiding us downriver. It didn’t take long before we were navigating our first rapids, and I could immediately feel the strength of the paddling team up front as we worked together through each wave and turn.
Although the Upper Clackamas was running at relatively low summer flows, the river still kept us engaged. Occasionally we’d scrape a rock, shift our weight, or quickly adjust our paddling direction, but every twist and turn added to the adventure rather than taking away from it.
Between the rapids, the river slowed just enough to appreciate the incredible scenery surrounding us. Crystal-clear water reflected towering evergreens while colorful wildflowers lined the banks. Overhead, a bald eagle soared through the canyon, and we watched an osprey dive successfully into the river to catch a fish right in front of us. Families of ducks and tiny goslings paddled quietly along the shoreline, reminding us that this stretch of river is just as much their home as it is our playground.
Whenever we reached a calm pool, my son-in-law couldn’t resist launching himself into the water— sometimes with an impressive flip before disappearing beneath the cool, refreshing surface. Those quiet stretches gave everyone a chance to swim, laugh, and enjoy the warm summer day before climbing back into the raft for the next series of rapids.
Then came our favorite moments.
The Toilet Bowl.
Carver Bridge rapids.
Each rapid had its own personality, and our guide skillfully chose lines that sent us directly through the biggest waves. Every paddle stroke brought another splash until we were completely soaked, laughing, and ready for whatever came next.
Ironically, the only person to fall out all day wasn’t tossed from one of the big rapids.
My son was unexpectedly bumped from the raft while we were floating through a calm section after hitting a hidden rock. Caught completely off guard, he surfaced laughing before climbing right back into the boat. It served as a great reminder that the river always deserves your attention—there’s really no opportunity to doze off on this adventure!
By the time we reached the takeout roughly two hours later, none of us wanted the trip to end.
What stood out most wasn’t just the excitement of the rapids or the beauty of the canyon. It was how completely present everyone became. Without phones buzzing, notifications interrupting conversations, or schedules demanding our attention, we simply enjoyed being together. We paddled as a team, encouraged one another through the rapids, laughed often, and shared an experience that will be remembered far longer than another afternoon spent looking at a screen.
The Upper Clackamas River is one of Oregon’s true treasures, and eNRG’s experienced guides make it easy to relax, trust the process, and fully enjoy every mile of the journey.
I already know I’ll be back—and next time, I plan to bring even more friends and family along to experience it with me.