PLAN YOUR TRIP On The Clackamas River
Introducing the Clackamas Water Trail
The Clackamas River is a wonderful resource for people who live in the Portland Metro area or a far. The river itself flows some 83 miles from its headwaters in the Mt. Hood National Forest to its confluence with the Willamette River. Along its route, the Clackamas meanders through wild and scenic landscapes as well as rural and urban areas offering an array of recreational activities that include world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking, flatwater paddling, boating, floating, fishing, hiking, camping and cycling. Whatever the season, the sections of the Clackamas River provide something fun and exciting for all.
The Clackamas Water Trail encompasses the entire river up to the high-water line (always be mindful of private property, which is right beyond that high water line), and all adjacent public land (state, regional, county and local). Some of the parks charge fees for car entry and parking: please pay accordingly and know every penny goes to local park maintenance.
Upper River
Upper Clackamas is known for its steep terrain, wild and scenic beauty, and bigger more technically challenging whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing. For anyone not going on the river, there are numerous parking areas and pull-offs. The character of the run is mostly pool-drop class III rapids which can develop class IV hydraulics as the river rises during intense winter storms.
Good consistent flows are available throughout the winter with rain and into spring as snowmelt. The river drops low in the summer but can still be enjoyed as a technical boating experience and a wonderful escape into the National Forest just an hour from downtown Portland.
With Highway 224 running along the entire length of this run road scouting is easy and the road itself provides only a minimal intrusion to what is an incredible scenic journey along a forested river. Several Forest Service campgrounds make this a great weekend destination, and you can build your own adventure by exploring upstream.
Lower River
The lower 22 miles from Rivermill Dam (Milo McIver State Park) to the confluence with the Willamette (Clackamette and Dahl parks) is called the “Lower Clackamas” and has several sections of class I-II+ whitewater and in the summer is a great destination for floaters (tubing, etc.) and boaters alike.
Great scenery, wildlife, and some fun waves make the Lower Clackamas a wonderful introduction to Oregon rafting. 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.
To plan your perfect day on the river check out the itineraries for the Upper and Lower River or explore the interactive map to find locations of parks, boat ramps and more. Take a few minutes to review the information in this website and make sure you are totally prepared for a fantastic (and safe) journey down the Clackamas Water Trail.
Need more information on where to stay or where to eat check out Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory website https://www.mthoodterritory.com. The Mt. Hood Territory – Clackamas River page also has information for accessing the Upper Clackamas River.