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O.R.E. is happy to call the Wild & Scenic Clackamas River our “home” river. Rated as one of the best rafting adventures in Oregon, it is only a 45-minute drive from Portland’s East side. An unbeatable combination.
Nestled under Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson, the river courses its way down the cascades to drain into the Willamette River, just downstream from the thundering Willamette Falls. Thrilling Class III+ white water is perhaps the river’s primary attraction, but lush mountain scenery, and cool, clear water make for a great way to jump into one of Oregon’s best-kept secret rivers.
Seasonally, deer and elk are in the area, and spotted owls, osprey, and bald eagles also call the river home. The lush river banks are filled with Pacific Silver Fir, Douglas Fir, and Western Hemlock.
Spring’s high water offers thrilling rapids for those looking for maximum white water excitement. Early-season rapids are big and promise a wet ride. As the water level drops with the arrival of Summer, the river’s character changes. Summer’s rapids are less likely to drench a paddle crew, but the fun of negotiating the river’s rocky slalom course provides ample challenge while leaving time to bask in the sun.
For the best experience of the Upper Clackamas join us for a full day to get to explore rapids like The Narrows & Superman. This stretch offers a bit more time to enjoy the scenery and get quite a few more rapids in. We will stop along the riverside for a freshly prepared deli-style lunch amongst the trees. We then begin the exciting half-day section of the trip packed with many exciting class III–III+ rapids.
For a quicker option, there are two half-day trips. The action-packed Upper Clackamas excursion is our #1 trip and for good reason, with exciting Class III to III+ rapids and gorgeous mountain scenery, it has a bit of everything. This trip gives you enough time to also explore the nearby Mt Hood National forest trails and other beautiful Oregon scenery in the area.
The Lower Clackamas Adventure is our easiest rated river trip at Class II. It’s a great option for those who are brand new to whitewater and just want to try out a little bit of excitement. Though close to Portland, you wouldn’t guess it with the sightings of bald eagles and mink often found along the river searching for salmon.
For over 35 years we’ve run whitewater rafting trips on ten of the best rivers Oregon and Idaho have to offer. Our safety record is excellent. Our guides are friendly, skilled professionals. We use only the best, professional quality rafting equipment. And we offer an unsurpassed variety of boats from which to choose: oar rafts, paddle rafts, inflatable kayaks, and our unique, custom designed Row-Your-Own catarafts.
For more about who we are please click or touch more about O.R.E.
Almost anyone can go. No prior rafting experience is necessary, and no prior camping experience is needed for our multi-day trips. We welcome children ages 7 and up on most of our rivers (some options can be 5 years old), and adults of all ages. While we recommend that our guests know how to swim, non-swimmers are free to join us on most trips (with the exception of certain high-water spring trips).
No, even if it’s your first time we have a trip that can work for you.
O.R.E.’s safety record is excellent. That’s because your safety is our number one priority. Running rivers, like other outdoor activities, involves an element of risk. But we work hard to protect your safety and well being. Our guides are trained in river safety and first aid skills. Each trip begins with a thorough safety orientation. Coast Guard Approved life jackets are worn at all times while on the river, and complete first aid and emergency kits are carried on each trip.
Yes, we operate trips even if it is raining. After all, it is whitewater rafting and we enjoy the water. On the rare occasion that conditions warrant it because of safety concerns, O.R.E. will cancel a trip.
Yes, we are unable to accommodate walk-up businesses/customers due to trip planning etc. Day trips can fully book up for the weekends during the summer, so it is best to reserve early. Mid-week trips and spring/fall trips are not as busy.
We provide top-quality professional rafting equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets, helmets, and other safety gear.
In general, you will only need to bring your own river-appropriate clothing, footwear, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a water bottle for day trips. Full-day trips include a freshly prepared deli lunch.
Please note that our policies vary for day trips and multi-day trips.
Deposits and payments: Half-day and full-day trips require payment in full when the reservation is placed. (Exception: If more than seven days remain before the trip begins, groups of ten or more may call to reserve with a $25 per person deposit.)
Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds:
Please notify us as soon as possible if you find it necessary to cancel your reservation. Because we lose the ability to sell reserved spaces to other individuals or groups, we strictly adhere to the following policies:
Please note that cancellation fees may apply to cancellation of the entire reservation as well as to partial cancellations (for instance, a reduction in your party size from six to five).
Yes! We partner with a local guide and offer this as an option for those looking to fish along their trip. Click here for more details, and be sure to read below for information regarding fishing license requirements.
You will need to check the local fishing regulations as we operate in many different river locations. You will need a fishing license for the state that you are in. Both Idaho and Oregon offer daily passes and annual for in-state and out-of-state residents. Youth ages 12 and under in Oregon and 14 in Idaho do not require a license.
You will be able to fish from campsites and at lunchtime, but we cannot guarantee that you will be able to fish from the rafts while we are moving downriver. If you’re interested in having a fishing guide and an assigned raft for fishing let us know, we may be able to arrange on request.
Plan a perfect river excursion with all the right information at your fingertips. Learn about our stunning locales, explore our detailed gear book, or reach out with any other questions so we can make your trip as smooth as possible.
Oregon's #1 most popular one-day white water rafting trip. The Wild & Scenic Deschutes River rafting trip flows through high desert with consistent and exciting Class III-IV white water rapids. Suitable for beginners, your rafting trip also features world-class fishing and lots of wildlife. This river is only 2 hours from Portland and offers lots of sunshine and swimming even when Western Oregon is cloudy.
The beautiful McKenzie River is located just East of Eugene and is one of our favorite rafting runs in the Willamette Valley. Swift, crystal clear water moves along a tree-lined river bank and is full of fun Class II+ rapids. With half-day to two-day trips available, there is plenty of great camping, hiking, fishing and whitewater to enjoy.
The North Santiam River offers a great introduction to whitewater rafting. Conveniently located near Salem and Portland, it's a great river to raft year round. Our half-day and full-day options include lots of swimming opportunities, crystal clear water and mild, splashy rapids like Spencer's Hole, Carnivore and Mill City Falls. It's a river rafting trip suitable for everyone, whether they be novices or a veteran rafter.
Our office is open 7 days a week during the months of April–October from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are available for reservations and customer support during these hours. During the months of November-March are open Monday through Friday.
Oregon River Experiences offers trips launching from various points across Oregon. Detailed departure information for each river trip can be found on our individual trip pages.
1978-2024 Copyright © Oregon River Experiences. – All Rights Reserved. O.R.E. is an equal opportunity recreation service provider. O.R.E. operates under special-use permits granted by the U.S.F.S., B.L.M, O.S.M.B & I.O.G.L.B