CLACKAMAS RIVER RAFTING
Lots of rapids & incredible scenery
RIVER BETA
Rapids: 
Scenery:
Wilderness:
Swimming: 
Hiking: 
Campsites:
Wildlife:
WHO CAN GO
The age minimum for this trip is 8 years old. The physical and mental criteria for eligibility to participate on any River Drifters river trip can be found on our Eligibility Criteria page.
WILDLIFE EXAMPLE
Northern Spotted Owl
(Strix occidentalis) – is dark brown with white spots that give the owl its name. Dense, mature coniferous forests are this nocturnal, woodland owl’s habitat of choice. Although the spotted owl has been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1990, its fight for ecological stability is ongoing. Persistent logging in Western Oregon is steadily destroying the spotted owl’s habitat, causing the species’ numbers to decline.
Similar Trips
OVERVIEW
About the Clackamas River
The Clackamas River offers spectacular world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking, breathtaking scenery, and fun and exciting rapids, making it one of the best day trips from Portland for both locals and visitors.
Douglas fir trees tower above the clear blue water and deep pools of this designated ‘Wild and Scenic River’ which originates at Olallie Lake deep in the Cascade Mountains. Among the whitewater crowd, this river has long been loved for its numerous, tumbling class III-IV rapids and year-round accessibility.
The 12-15 miles of the full day trip offers continuous class III-IV whitewater, starting with Powerhouse rapid (III) just downstream from the put-in. From there rafters will paddle through back-to-back class III rapids, including Hole in the Wall, Fish Creek, Armstrong, Carter Bridge, Sling Shot, Big Eddy, Toilet Bowl, and Bob’s Hole before reaching the take-out.
Water Levels
From March-June, the spring and early summer snow melts create high flows, thrilling rapids, and giant wave trains that are exciting for beginning and advanced rafters alike. As the water levels drop through the later summer months (July-August), the run becomes tighter and more technical.
Our Guides
Our guides are experienced and accomplished in outdoor skills and trained in first aid, CPR, and river rescue. They are environmental stewards of the outdoor areas where we work and play and are knowledgeable about the natural & cultural history of the river. They are fun, interesting people who have a passion for rivers and guiding. If you have questions about rafting or the unique features of the Clackamas River ask and they will be happy to share what they know.
Fishing
The Clackamas River is home to the last significant run of wild late-winter coho salmon in the Columbia Basin, which generally spawn on the main stem of the Clackamas above the North Fork Reservoir. The watershed also has one of only two remaining runs of spring chinook in the Willamette basin and supports a significant population of winter steelhead, cutthroat trout, and native lamprey.
Wildlife Viewing
The Clackamas River provides habitat for the bald eagle, the threatened northern spotted owl, and it is a potential habitat for the peregrine falcon.
Clackamas River Frequently Asked Questions
Clackamas River Rafting Trips ….
Clackamas River Half-Day
Season: April - Labor Day
Duration: Half Day
Length: 6 miles
Price: $70-77 (not including 3% land use fee)
Rapids: III-IV
Skill Level: Continuous paddling
Age Minimum: 8
Trip Itinerary
Clackamas River Full-Day
Season: April - June
Duration: One Day
Length: 16 miles
Price: $99-120 (not including 3% land use fee)
Rapids: III-IV
Skill Level: Continuous paddling
Age Minimum: 8
Trip Itinerary