Clackamas River Rafting Trips
The Clackamas River originates from Olallie Lake and flows northwesterly through the Cascade Mountains before flowing into the Willamette River. The river carves a very impressive gorge through basalt rock and the river dances beneath old growth Douglas-fir. This river was added to the Federal Wild and Scenic River System in 1988. The Clackamas River received its name from the Clackamas Indian tribe that once lived on the river.
The Clackamas River is the closest whitewater river to Portland and is 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). However, 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!