Itinerary Inspirations
Lower Clackamas (22 miles)
The “Lower Clackamas” starts just downstream of the PGE Dam/Timber Park in Estacada. It flows 22 miles east to west from McIver State Park to the confluence with the Willamette, with public boat access available at seven points.
Great scenery, wildlife, and fun riffles and rapids make the Lower Clackamas a wonderful introduction to Oregon river floating. The Lower Clackamas River is great for beginner rafting trips, perfect for families with smaller kids or groups just wanting a scenic, mellow day on the river. Because of the Lower Clackamas’ proximity to Portland, recreation sites along this section of the River are extremely popular when the weather turns hot during the summer.
There are five sections of the Clackamas Water Trail. Explore the Itinerary Inspirations for each section.
Section 1: McIver Park Upper to Lower (2.29 miles)
Section 2: McIver Park to Barton Park (6.40 miles)
Section 3: Barton Park to Carver Park (5.30 miles)
Section 4: Carver Park to Riverside Park (4.83 miles)
Section 5: Riverside Park to Clackamette Park (3.2 miles)
Other key information
- The entire run is free flowing (no dams). The river is public up to the high water line throughout its course, and numerous county, regional, state and other public lands border the river, making for unparalleled access to a world class river.
- Please respect private property and only access land known to be public (i.e. at the boat ramps and corresponding parks, and other public lands as designated on the Map).
- Public boat ramps are part of parks and public lands, and all have limited parking. Please pay appropriate fees posted at each park (they differ, and can differ annually, seasonally).
- Before planning a trip down any section of the Clackamas, please be sure to review the other “Plan Your Trip” webpages.