Our Blog

Clackamas River Rafting

Book Now

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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.

Details

  • Season: April–Labor Day
  • Meeting Location:
    Experience & Excursion Trip Options: Moore Creek Boat Ramp
    Adventure Trip Option: Milo McIver State Park
  • Meeting Times:
    Experience Trip Option: 10:00 AM
    Excursion Trip Option: 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM
    Adventure Trip Option: 9:15 AM
  • Nearest City: Estacada, OR
  • Trip Length: Half and Full day
  • Level/Difficulty: Class II or Class III–III+ (Novice or Intermediate)
  • Age Minimum: 5 for Lower River, 7 for Upper River
  • Minimum Total Trip Size: If your group (combined with other groups who have requested the same trip) together total less than the minimum then your reservation will be on hold until the minimum trip size is met.
    – 4 guest minimum for Clackamas River Half Day Trips
    – 5 guest minimum for the Full Day Experience
  • Your credit card will not be charged until the trip is confirmed.

Highlights

  • Nearest white water rafting trip to Portland.
  • Take advantage of a true local’s secret; avoid the crowds on the Deschutes and enjoy the backyard of Mt. Hood
  • Family friendly, class II river float on the Lower Clackamas.
  • Exciting class III-III+ rapids; great for everyone on the Upper Clackamas.
  • Big water Spring time moves into warm fun Summer rapids.
  • Beautiful wooded canyon scenery with great swimming opportunities and fun rapids year round.

OPTIONS

Upper Clackamas River Experience - Full Day

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.

Book Now

Upper Clackamas River Excursion - Half Day

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.

Book Now

Lower Clackamas River Adventure

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.

Book Now

Intinerary

Customer Stories

What's Included

Included

Not Included

Additional Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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:

 

  • 7 Days or More Advanced Notice: Choose to receive a refund of your deposit or transfer your reservation to another trip, less a $25 per person cancellation fee.
  • 6 Days or Less: No credits or refunds will be issued if you cancel 6 or fewer days prior to a day trip.

 

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 YOUR TRIP

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.

RELATED TOURS