Check out the 22nd Annual Down the River Cleanup
How clean can a river get? Let’s find out!
Who
The Clackamas River Basin Council, We Love Clean Rivers, and volunteers – like you!
What
The Down the River Cleanup on the Clackamas is the largest and longest-running on-water cleanup event in Oregon. After we clean the river, we gather at Barton Park for a BBQ celebration.
When
Sunday September 7, 2025 from 9 am – 4 pm
Where
There are four sections to choose from (Milo McIver to Barton Park, Barton Park to Carver Park, Carver Park to Riverside Park, Riverside Park to Clackamette Park).
Why
More than two decades ago, an “explosion of trash” on the river was the impetus for the event. Trash on the river threatens not only the river’s scenic beauty, but it also harms fish and wildlife and impairs drinking water quality.
Pre-register below to get on the email list and first choice of stretch to clean!
Information about the 2025 Down the River Cleanup
This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy floating down the Clackamas River while also joining your community in removing litter and debris that accumulate over the busy summer season. Consider these achievements:
- An entire 22-mile stretch of the Clackamas River from Estacada to the confluence with the Willamette River in Oregon City has been cleaned up annually for over 20 years.
- Each year an average of 200 volunteers rally in canoes, rafts, kayaks, SUPs, SCUBA gear, drift boats and other safe vessels to scour the stream bed and banks for trash, collecting an average of 2 tons each year.
- Since 2003, over 42 tons of garbage, equal to the weight of the largest gray whales — has been removed from the Clackamas River by more than 4,500 volunteers.
- Each cleanup provides a free BBQ for all volunteers, complete with music, a raffle, and a silent auction.
Thank you to ALL River Stewards!
Thanks so much to the hundreds of volunteers who keep the Clackamas Water Trail as pristine as possible. Special thanks to the regular cleanups done by River Ambassadors and other anonymous volunteers who cleanup popular beaches and remove flotsom weekly throughout the summer.
Thanks also to the core sponsor (Clackamas River Water Providers) and organizers of the event (Clackamas River Basin Council and We Love Clean Rivers)!
