The Clackamas River is located approximately only 1 hour away from the downtown Portland area. The town of Estacada makes for the entry into the Clackamas River Canyon and has many attractions in the area.
This makes it a unique river in that you can enjoy all the things of a big city and still get to have a true outdoor experience all in the same weekend. The Clackamas River area is full of beautiful hikes and even more destinations in the rest of the Mt Hood National Forest.
Discover more to see and do in the vicinity of the Clackamas River. From iconic landmarks to outdoor adventures, the area offers a variety of attractions to suit every interest.
Interested in exploring further? Our partner company, NW Discoveries, offers private hiking experiences in both the Mt Hood area and the Columbia River Gorge. Whether you’re seeking a challenging summit trek or a leisurely nature stroll, their knowledgeable guides will ensure an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
For those traveling from out of town to experience the thrill of rafting on the Clackamas River with us, there are various lodging options available within convenient reach of our launch sites. While staying in Portland, particularly on the Eastside, provides easy access to the city’s amenities, you’re never too far from the adventure awaiting you on the river.
Portland Lodging Recommendations:
Estacada Lodging Recommendations:
For those inclined towards camping, the region offers numerous scenic spots to pitch a tent and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Milo McIver State Park, Barton County Park, and various locations within the Mt Hood National Forest beckon with their natural splendor, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to indulge in hiking, fishing, and stargazing beneath the pristine night sky.
Camping Options:
For those seeking delicious dining options near our river location, the town of Estacada boasts the nearest culinary delights. However, there are numerous other choices in the surrounding area to satisfy your appetite before or after your rafting adventure. Here are some of our top recommendations:
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.
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 Wild & Scenic Sandy River is an early season delight, as the water generally starts to drop by early June. It courses its way down the slopes of Mt Hood and drops into the Cascade foothills before joining the Columbia River. A great option to see the lesser known portion of this surprising scenic trip that is still close to town.
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 Wild & Scenic Clackamas River is rated as one of the best rafting adventures in Oregon and is only a 45 minute drive from Portland's East side. An unbeatable combination. Three thrilling Class II or Class III+ white water rafting trips are available to choose from. Our half-day trips on the Lower Clackamas are perfect for those new to rafting or with smaller kids. The Upper Clackamas offers a more thrilling rafting adventure. The full-day Upper Clackamas Experience is the most thrilling white water rafting trip we offer. This river has it all.
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.
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