Clackamas River Rafting Western Oregon   Half Day & 1 Day April - August Class III-IV (Spring)Class III (Summer)       Book a Clackamas River Rafting Trip Clackamas Rafting Trip Schedule & Prices

Clackamas river rafting adventures are our most popular Oregon whitewater day trip. Just a few years ago the U.S. Forest Service invited O.R.E. and a few other outfitters to begin conducting guided tours on the Clackamas, and in short time this has become our favorite day trip. With good reason! Our half and full day Clackamas excursions (on the Three Lynx section of the upper river) are some of our best rafting adventures, and are suitable for first-timers and experienced river runners alike.

Portland residents and visitors familiar with the placid lower Clackamas may be unaware that a short distance upstream await some of the region's best rapids. Powerhouse, The Narrows, Headwall, Slingshot, and Carter Bridge are a few of the many lively class III and IV rapids we encounter, as is Bob's Hole, site of a well-known kayak competition held each May.

Rapids are perhaps the primary attraction, but lush mountain scenery, solitude, and crystal clear water add to the trip's charm. Plus all of this is practically in Portland's back yard - roughly an hour from downtown, and about 30 minutes from the east side of town. This is one of our best and most accessible adventures. 

Spring is the best time to join us if you are looking for maximum excitement. Early-season high-water rapids are powerful and promise a wet ride. With the arrival of summer the water level drops, and the trip's character changes. Summer's rapids are less intense, but offer a delightful combination of good waves and rocky slalom-course drops. Plus summer's slower pace leaves us more time to bask in the sun between rapids. 

Summer trips are perfect for families. Spring trips are often fine for families as well, depending on water levels. If in doubt give us a call.

Low water inflatable kayak adventures. Summer's lower water levels are great for inflatable kayaking. We offer all-kayak custom trips as well as inflatable kayak additions to our regular paddleboat trips. Prior experience is highly recommended: please contact our office for further details.  

Logistical notes:  Our high water half day and 1 day trips both begin at Sandstone Bridge. High flow 1 day trips take out at Memaloose, while high flow half day trips take out at one of several upstream access points (such as Carter Bridge). Low flow half day and 1 day trips begin and end at alternate access points in order to create an enjoyable trip of appropriate length. Typical launch points for our low water trips include whitewater bridge and milepost 41. Typical take out points include milepost 41, Fish Creek, and mileposts 37 and 35.

A Note for Groups: O.R.E. offers round-trip transportation from the Portland region and from Mount Hood resorts to groups by special arrangement. Please contact our office for more information. 

O.R.E. operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service for the Mount Hood National Forest. O.R.E. is an equal opportunity service provider.     (Click here for non-discrimination statement.)