If you’re a nature lover exploring Portland, Oregon, during the summer months, you likely seek cooler, more outdoor-oriented activities rather than staying inside a climate-controlled café.Portland offers exciting new swimming beaches and piers.However, if you’re looking for a more picturesque location, you’re fortunate. Shoreline areas are just 25 minutes from the city, making the Clackamas River a beloved spot for Portland residents who want to relax and spend time outdoors.
The Clackamas River is a standout destination for outdoor activities, perfect for those seeking excitement or a more laid-back experience. Before joining the Willamette River in Gladstone, the Lower Clackamas flows gently westward through farmland and woodlands, providing great chances for leisurely water-based pursuits such as floating, swimming, and stand-up paddling. Toward the east within the Mount Hood National Forest, the Upper Clackamas features steep drops, striking landscapes, and thrilling whitewater.
Find put-in locations for Lower River floating spots approximately 30 minutes from Portland. Upper River guides will be about an hour away. Whether you like the river’s twists and turns or prefer hiking and camping along its shores, the Clackamas offers a convenient natural getaway from the city.
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Discover Advice for Rafting the Clackamas River
Not every A city in the Pacific Northwest offers free spray parks and water play areas.. Instead, Portland offers the calm waters of the Lower Clackamas for relaxation on warm summer days. Before you go, keep in mind that many others may have the same plan. On weekends, places like Barton Park can experience long traffic delays. Since your car’s air conditioning isn’t providing the relief you hoped for, think about using different launch points or traveling with a rental or shuttle service.
Instead of taking the scenic but busy Barton Park-to-Carver Park route, consider these alternatives: Upper Milo McIver State Park to Lower Milo McIver State Park (2.29 miles, one and a half hours), Upper Milo McIver State Park to Feldheimer Park (3.75 miles, two to three hours), or Carver Park to Riverside Park (4.93 miles, two to three hours). If you plan to float without using a rental service, you’ll need two vehicles—one to leave at the drop-off point and another to drive to the starting point. You’ll also need several additional items. First, everyone under 12 must wear a personal flotation device (life jacket); those older than 12 must have one readily available. Whistles are also mandatory. Additional suggestions include bringing your preferred form of sun protection (such as sunscreen, sun shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and/or sunglasses) and plenty of water.
Discover Additional Journeys Along the Clackamas River
For those seeking more thrill than the calm waters of the Lower Clackamas provide, guided whitewater rafting journeys in the Upper Clackamas deliver an exhilarating experience within a breathtaking natural environment. Various companies, including River Drifters and Blue Sky Rafting, provide full- and half-day adventures, with most options costing less than $150 per person. These excursions feature Class III-IV rapids and occur on a part of the Clackamas River recognized as a Wild & Scenic River.
But you don’t have to be in the water to experience excitement on the Clackamas. Several of the same parks that are well-known for launching trips also feature extensive scenic hiking paths. Consider Milo McIver State Park, which offers 14 miles of trails that extend past the riverbank into floodplains, woodlands, and open fields. Another favored path is the 4.5-mile round-trip Hawk Mountain Trail, which provides excellent vistas of theThe Cascade Range, featuring picturesque cities and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Certainly, spending a few hours escaping the heat isn’t as effective as taking a weekend break from it. The Clackamas River has many peaceful camping spots, particularly along the Upper section. Promontory Park is a great option for families, featuring distinctive yomes (tent-like structures on raised platforms) and cabins located near the North Fork Reservoir. Near the city, along the Lower river, Barton Park and Milo McIver State Park provide camping opportunities that require reservations.
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