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New Map and Website Update empower visitors to explore the wild beauty of the upper Clackamas River.

Clackamas-River-Narrows-3

Explore the lakes and wild rapids of the Upper Clackamas River!

Thought of heading out to the Clackamas River to beat the summer heat? You are not alone. Thousands of Portland residents and visitors head to the river every hot day in the summer, making it by far the most popular floating area in the metropolitan area (the lower Sandy River peak days notwithstanding). 

While there is over 50 miles of river to explore and find solace, the majority seek a float down the Barton to Carver section. It is true it is one of the most gentle and scenic sections. But there are both other floating options and other options to floating. 

Waterfall on Estacada Lake. Paddle a canoe or kayak to explore!
Waterfall on Estacada Lake. Paddle a canoe or kayak to explore!

Learn about the Upper Clack: New Map and updated website

A new Upper Clackamas Water Trail Map and updates to the interactive website (www.clackamaswatertrail.org) were completed earlier this summer, and the first map sign has already been installed at McIver State Park. While the Lower Clackamas Water Trail is a contiguous 22 mile section with relatively gentle riffles, rapids and long flat stretches, the Upper Clackamas Water Trail combines a 13 mile whitewater stretch and both the 4 mile North Fork Reservoir and the smaller Estacada Lake (which is the last reservoir on the Clackamas River before it flows freely to the Willamette and out to the sea). 

New Map design by Dave Imus with Imus Geographics. Look closely at the compass in the upper right corner of the map: what does it resemble?
New Map design by Dave Imus with Imus Geographics. Look closely at the compass in the upper right corner of the map: what does it resemble?
Freshly installed map sign at Milo McIver State Park's Estacada Lake area. Thanks to Clackamas River Outfitters (CRO)for grabbing the quick selfy!
Freshly installed map sign at Milo McIver State Park’s Estacada Lake area. Thanks to Clackamas River Outfitters (CRO)for grabbing the quick selfy!

Following the success of the Clackamas Water Trail website and map project completed in 2023, this latest effort compiled similar river information for the ‘Upper’ Clackamas River, adding it to the existing www.clackamaswatertrail.org website and creating a new map sign for the upper that also complements the lower Clackamas Water Trail map sign. 

Both the Upper and Lower map signs were designed by award-winning cartographer, Dave Imus at Imus Geographics, and the website was built by local Estacada business, Winthrop Web Services. The webpage and sign project is managed by the Clackamas River Water Providers and supported by a grant from Mt. Hood Territory (Clackamas County Tourism agency). 

The Upper Clackamas Water Trail map signs will be installed at access points along the river and reservoirs by the respective land managers that include Oregon State Parks, City of Estacada, Portland Gas & Electric (PGE), and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). 

Clear waters of the Clackamas River as it flows under the Sandstone Bridge of OR Hwy 224
Clear waters of the Clackamas River as it flows under the Sandstone Bridge of OR Hwy 224

Website Updates

The Upper Clackamas Water Trail starts at Sandstone Bridge access point and finishes at the Rivermill Dam that makes Estacada Lake. The website is organized around five sections, with the interactive River Map and Itinerary Inspirations separated out based on Upper and Lower sections. Visitors can explore real-time weather and river conditions, plan day trips, or learn more about the wildlife and landscapes that make the Upper Clackamas a destination for adventure and reflection alike.

River Map – Explore

These pages feature interactive maps, one showing the full river and two focused on the Upper and Lower river sections, respectively. The maps feature boat launch locations, rapids (with ratings), campgrounds, and other amenities and landmarks. 

Full River

Upper River

Lower River

Plan Your Trip

Explore eight pages which provide important safety, logistics, tips and travel information.

Running a River

River Safety & Etiquette

Gear Checklist

Stewardship & Drinking Water

Guides and Outfitters

Overnight Stays & Camping

Supplies & Places to Eat

FAQs

Itinerary Inspirations 

The Upper Clackamas Water Trail itineraries include the most popular whitewater section, Sandstone Bridge to Moore Creek, as well as the two large reservoirs, Estacada Lake and North Fork Reservoir. 

Upper River Flatwater (Class 0)

Beginner Float (Class II)

Private Boating trips (Class II-IV)

Classic Guided Rafting (Class II-IV)

Discover

Learn more about this amazing river and watershed.  See who gets their drinking water from the Clackamas River, what plants, animals and native fish share this resource with us. Or learn about ongoing restoration and volunteer efforts that are working to keep our watershed healthy and resilient.

About the Clackamas

Drinking Water Source

Plants & Wildlife

Events

Partnerships

News & Updates

One stop blog for news and updates.

Dock and launch into Estacada Lake at McIver State Park
Dock and launch into Estacada Lake at McIver State Park