CLACKAMAS RIVER RAFTING
Lots of rapids & incredible scenery
DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Continuous paddling
BEST TIME TO GO

April-August (1/2 day)
April-June (Full day)
DRIVE TIME

Portland = 1 hr
Bend = 3 hr 10 mins
Seattle = 3 hr 30 mins
The Clackamas River is famous for its numerous big rapids and easy access with close proximity to the Portland/Vancouver area! It’s perfect for those who are on a time budget. Since the Clackamas River drainage only has a peak of 3500’, the optimal time to run the Clackamas River is in the spring and early summer months for larger rapids (from March through June). As the water levels begin to drop, the Clackamas River begins to change character and in the Summer months (July and August), the river becomes a tighter, more technical and very fun run! During the Summer months we run half-day trips on the Clackamas River, which is essentially an excerpt of the rivers’ best rapids!
The Clackamas River provides numerous rapids, incredible scenery, Rocky Mountain Elk, pine martens, osprey, bald eagles or even the northern spotted owl! The thick and lush riverside riparian vegetation, make this river a forested gem! The section of the Clackamas River that we run commercially, is known as the ‘Upper Clackamas’. This portion of the river is filled with class III+ and class IV rapids like; Powerhouse, Carter’s Bridge Falls, Hole in the Wall, Toilet Bowl and Bob’s Hole.
*Keep in mind that every trip is different, as the weather, water flow and group dynamics all influence the trip pace.
Half-day trips are 3.5 hours, April through August
Morning Half Day Trip 9:30am to 1:00pm
-
- 9:00am Arrive at Moore Creek, OR. Change into river clothes, get outfitted with a wetsuit and PDF (River Drifters to provide), use the restroom, etc.
- 9:30am Shuttle departs for the river put-in at Hole In The Wall.
- 9:45am Your guides will give a safety talk and provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes you will need for a fun trip. Then, the group will put-in and start rafting!
- 1:00pm Arrive at take-out Moore Creek, OR.
Afternoon Half Day Trip 2:30pm to 6:00pm
-
- 2:00pm Arrive at Moore Creek, OR. Change into river clothes, get outfitted with a wetsuit and PDF (River Drifters to provide), use the restroom, etc.
- 2:30pm Shuttle departs for the river put-in at Hole In The Wall.
- 2:45pm Your guides will give a safety talk and provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes you will need for a fun trip. Then, the group will put-in and start rafting!
- 6:00pm Arrive at take-out Moore Creek, OR.
Full-Day Trips are 5 hours, April through June
- 10:00am– Arrive at Moore Creek, OR. Change into river clothes, get outfitted with a wetsuit and PDF (River Drifters to provide), use the restroom, etc.
- 10:30am– Shuttle departs for the river put-in at Indian Henry Campground.
- 10:45am– Unload gear. Guides will give a safety talk and provide instructions for the basic paddle strokes you will need for a safe and fun trip. Then, the group will put-in and start rafting!
- 1:00pm– Stop for a hardy riverside lunch.
- 3:30pm– Arrive at take-out Moore Creek, OR.
One of the great advantages of the full-day trip (besides the higher water and larger waves), is the beautiful six-mile uppermost section of the run. This section includes remote water, more chances for seeing wildlife and many big and challenging rapids!
If your time is in a pinch and you would love to have a great river trip without spending the whole day on the river, then our half-day trips are perfect. We travel 8 miles through some of the rivers’ more famous rapids. The rivers’ lower water levels turns the river into an exciting and technical class III+ run. For almost the entire half-day portion of the trip, the river is filled with back-to-back rapids and beautiful calm pools.
The weather in Oregon in the Spring can be extreme and change quickly. Be prepared for sun, rain, wind and even snow.
Prior to packing for your trip, we recommend that you check the forecast.
View the trip itinerary for a chart of average temperatures and rainfall in the Estacada, OR area during the rafting season.
- A pair of quick-drying shorts and t-shirt (wool or synthetic are best. Do NOT wear cotton), or a bathing suit to wear under a wetsuit.
- Long-sleeved synthetic shirt or fleece (NO cotton) for extra warmth when outdoor temperatures are colder than 80°F.
- Waterproof sunscreen and chapstick
- Hat for sun protection
- Old pair of tennis shoes, neoprene booties with soles or sandals (closed-toed, such as Keen, are recommended).
- Sunglasses and/or prescription eyeglasses or contacts.
- Sunglass strap for both sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses (we sell these in our shop).
- Change of clothes for drive home.
- OPTIONAL Items
- Bike gloves to protect hands while paddling.
- Waterproof camera
- Small daypack
- Personal snacks
- Personal medications
- Personal water bottle
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Clackamas River trips are appropriate for kids age 8 and older. A child’s maturity level and weight would be a greater factor than their age. Please call us to discuss your situation.
Lodging:
- The Resort at the Mountain, Welches, OR, 800-669-7666
- Sandy Inn Best Western, Sandy, OR, 503-668-7100
- Red Fox Motel, Estacada, OR, 503-630-4243
- Timberline Lodge, Government Camp, OR, (503) 272-3311
Camping:
As you drive along the Clackamas River along HWY 224 you will pass a number of great camping areas: Memaloose, Lazy Bend, Carter Bridge, Armstrong, Fish Creek, Roaring River, Sunstrip, Indian Henry & many more. Most of these campsites are within 15 minutes of our meeting site and most camp areas have drinking water, fire pits & restrooms available.
We recommend the following lunch and dinner spots in Estacada:
- Harmony Baking Company, Estacada, OR, (503) 630-6857
- Fearless Brewing Co., Estacada, OR, (503) 630-2337
- Sparky’s Pizza, Estacada, OR, (503) 630-5522
Please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-972-0430. Once on the river, our experienced and knowledgeable guides will be happy to answer any questions you have. We welcome suggestions about how we can make your next experience on the river an even better one!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Big water class III-IV paddling in the Spring and family-friendly river flows in the Summer.
Proximity to the ‘Great Outdoors’, camping, and outdoorsy activities to add to your half-day or full-day adventure.
Short, beautiful, scenic drive only 45 to 60 minutes from Portland, Oregon.
Clackamas River Rafting Trips ….
Clackamas River Full-Day
Season: April - June
Duration: One Day
Length: 16 miles
Price: $76-89
Rapids: III-IV
Skill Level: Continuous paddling
Age Minimum: 8
Download Trip Itinerary