The Upper Clackamas River from Three Lynx to North Fork is a great 13 mile winter/spring run close to Portland, OR. You'll experience continuous class II/III whitewater with some class IV excitement thrown in. This is among the most popular rafting trips in northern Oregon due to it's proximity to Portland, great whitewater, camping opportunities, and classic Pacific Northwest scenery. Oregon 224 follows the river which makes it easy to scout rapids and to do a shorter run.
Featured Outfitter
River Drifters (800) 972-0430 offers half day, full day, and multi-day rafting trips throughout Oregon and Washington.
Definitely be careful at Hole in the Wall Rapid (IV) where a river left eddy/whirlpool has trapped many a boater. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to exit this without scrambling over wet rocks and using ropes to line the boat to safety.
In the third weekend of May the Clackamas River is the home of the Upper Clackamas River Festival. This is a weekend full of raft and kayak races, gear workshops, fantastic vendors, and spending time with awesome boaters.
Trip Highlights
Mile 0: River access at the Sandstone Bridge River Access Point.
Sandstone Bridge River Access Point
Mile 0.2: Pancake Rock (III) comes soon after Sandstone Bridge.
Mile 0.4: Powerhouse Rapid (III+) has a tricky entrance and a rock wall that should be avoided at the bottom. There is a strong eddy at the bottom on the right that can be hard to get out of - especially at higher flows. The Three Lynx power station is just downstream.
Mile 2.1: The Narrows is a beautiful narrow gorge with a Class II+ lead in rapid.
Rowing through the Narrows on the Upper Clackamas River
Mile 3.1: The Maze (III) is a tricky rapid with a few different challenging options.
A bird's eye view of The Maze on the Clackamas River
Mile 4.2: Roaring River Rapid (III) is a tricky rock garden.
Mile 4.5: The Roaring River enters the Clackamas River from river right. About a mile downstream of the rapid there's a sharp left bend before Hole in the Wall (IV).
Mile 5: Hole in the Wall River Access provides an alternate place to put-in or take-out before Hole in the Wall Rapid.
Mile 5.3: Hole in the Wall Rapid (IV) is typically scouted since it has a dangerous eddy/whirlpool on river left. If you get caught in the dangerous eddy on the left there is sometimes a ladder that can be used to climb out.
Mile 6.8: Fish Creek River Access is a great place to begin or end your journey to make a shorter trip. Wild and Scenic Fish Creek enters from the left just downstream.
Mile 6.9: Fish Creek Rapid (III-) begins with wave trains and ends with a dogleg to the right.
Mile 7.1: Armstrong (III) has some fun waves and strong eddy lines.
Mile 7.7: Carter Falls (IV-) is a famous rapid just above Carter Bridge. There is a hole in the center which many people miss by taking the left hand line. The hole is the location of the infamous Gate #3 in the annual Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival.
Inflatable Kayakers competing in Carter Falls during the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival
Mile 9: Big Eddy river access is a common take out with a long carry.
Mile 9.1: Rock and Roll (III) is a fun rapid just below Big Eddy.
Entering Rock and Roll Rapid on the Upper Clackamas River
Mile 9.4: Toilet Bowl (III+) is a series of powerful waves that regularly flip rafts and catarafts. There is mediocre road access (potential take-out) immediately following Toilet Bowl on the right.
Mile 9.9: Bob's Hole (III) is a great kayak playspot at certain flows.
Mile 11.3: Moore Creek Boat Access Site has steep trail from the river to the parking lot. You may continue floating down to Memaloose or North Fork Reservoir.
Mile 12.8: Float under Memaloose Bridge.
Mile 13.3: River access at Memaloose on the right.
