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"We took the Clackamas trip
last week and had the BEST time. Our guide, Steel, was incredible. He made
the trip worth the drive up from L.A. Thank you for a very memorable
day!"
--S. Waters, Clackamas River Whitewater Trip, 2004
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 - Clackamas River Rafting Trip
Overview
The Clackamas River is one of the most popular and
easily accessible whitewater rafting rivers to Portland, Oregon. Our Trips take
place in the pine-covered mountains just south of Estacada. Clackamas River
rafting trips are offered from March through early September. The Clackamas
River is a Class IV roller coaster ride in the spring and early summer when
flows are at their peak. In the summer you can enjoy friendly and inviting
rapids intermingled with mellow ponds. A Clackamas River trip is ideal for
those seeking fun and excitement without an overwhelming experience.
As the Clackamas River flows down from the headwaters
of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson, we are greeted with a mix of frolicking rapids,
sections of roadless solitude, lush foliage, transparent sea-green water and
tortured geologic features (such as the Narrows, a short stretch of river where
bizarre lava rocks squeeze the river down to less than 20 feet wide). The
river's tempo is ideal for first-timers and seasoned veterans alike; whitewater
is regularly encountered and the calm sections allow time to reflect and
prepare for the next rapid! If you're looking for a first-class Oregon
whitewater rafting trip near Portland OR, then a Clackamas River rafting trip
is perfect for your Pacific Northwest adventure travel needs!
| Additional Clackamas River Information |
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We offer Half and Full-Day Clackamas River
Trips all season long from March through early September. Regardless
of which trip you're on, you'll encounter some of the most infamous rapids of
the Clackamas River -- rapids like, Hole-in-the-Wall, Carter Bridge Rapid,
Toilet Bowl, Bob's Hole, and more. Whether you're looking for a spring
whitewater rafting adrenaline rush or a fun, summertime splash Oregon style,
then we invite you to join us on the Clackamas River for an unforgettable
experience!
Start Planning Your
Trip
More About Clackamas River Rafting Trips
- Location: Oregon River Rafting 1 Hour East
of Portland
Fun rapids, beautiful scenery and more! The Clackamas
river is located less than an hour east of Downtown Portland off Highway 224.
The convenience, fun and adventure makes this river the most enjoyable for
those living in or visiting the Portland, Oregon area.
- River Difficulty: Class III
In the spring the Clackamas River is a solid Class IV.
In the summer it is a playful Class
III-III+ river. The river is primarily pool and drop, which means it has
rapids that are followed by calms. This classic Portland, Oregon rafting trip
is suitable for all levels of experience. We recommend first-timers and
families with small children enjoy the Clackamas River in the summer months.
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River Difficulty
Scale:
- Class I: Flat water
- Class II: Current with small
waves and few obstacles.
- Class III: Rapids with
medium sized waves and few obstacles. Trips are fun and thrilling, ideal for
first-time and experienced rafters.
- Class IV: Rapids with medium
to large sized waves and hydraulics and increased obstacles to avoid.
- Class V: Rapids with large
waves and boat stopping hydraulics. These rapids require several maneuvers to
safely navigate. Class V is very difficult and recommended for experienced
rafters only.
- Class VI: Virtually
unrunnable... for highly skilled experts only!
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 - Season: March through
early-September
 Spring Rafting. In the spring and early summer
months, the Clackamas River generally runs at higher levels, becoming a rockin'
and rollin' Class III-IV river with "the biggest waves in the Cascades." You'll
find more than just big waves. Stopper hydraulics and rock-dodge drops will
quench the thirst of even the most discriminating whitewater enthusiasts. Each
trip features rapid after classic rapid. During the spring season wetsuits are
required and the minimum age is 12 years old.
Summer Rafting. In the summer months, the Clackamas River
flows drop to a slightly lower level, the character of the river changes to
refreshingly cool and inviting waters.
For those with children as young as four or those
seeking a quiet and scenic river tour, we offer our Dine and Drift Trip on a
less challenging stretch of the Clackamas River, to groups of six or more.
Please contact our office for
details.
The majestic scenery, solitude and warm mountain air
combined with energizing rapids create the perfect adventure setting; one that
is incredibly accessible to Oregon's major metropolitan areas but is a world
away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life! Families, mature travelers,
first-timers and many others find the Clackamas River to be enjoyable in the
summer months. The minimum age for summer trips is 6 years old.
- Gourmet Meals
On all full-day trips we stop around midday for a
gourmet, deli-style style lunch which includes: sandwiches with all the
fixin's, fruit, beverages, cookies and more. After the break we get back on the
river for more whitewater! We reach our take-out around 4 p.m. where beverages
and snacks will be served. Our half-day trips include beverages and snacks at
the end of the trip.
Why Choose Destination
Wilderness For Your Clackamas River Trip?
 Destination
Wilderness offers the most complete Clackamas River trips available. We are
the only outfitter with a store and office near the river and a full-time guide
crew that lives in the Clackamas area. We are proud to be a member of the
Clackamas River community and the Estacada Chamber of Commerce.
Consider and compare all that we provide on this great river.
- Your Choice:
It's Your Trip. We have been guiding guests on the Clackamas
River for eight years and believe that the best trip is the trip you desire. We
provide a foundation of safety and seamless logistics along with guides who
possess a wealth of knowledge about the Clackamas River's characteristics. From
there, we create the trip you want, adjusting to your style and needs rather
than asking you to fit our agenda.
Appropriate Sized Rafts
and Number of Guests per Raft. This is an important aspect to all rafting
trips. Destination Wilderness does not use rafts that are too big which can
reduce the amount of fun you experience on the river. We have a higher guide to
guest ratio than you'll find with most other outfitters which means your raft
won't be loaded with too many people, making your trip more enjoyable. Our
fleet of 12-foot to 16-foot long rafts allows us to adjust the raft size to the
water level in order to make sure we are maximizing your fun and safety. We
offer paddle rafts and upon request, oar powered rafts.
- Your Safety:
Minimum of Two Rafts and Two Guides per Trip. On all of our
Oregon whitewater rafting trips we always have at least two licensed
guides on the water. We
believe that the safest possible trip starts with appropriate staffing and two
or more guides is more effective than one. Therefore, we always have at least
two boats and two guides on each trip.
Safety Orientation and
Gear. We provide a thorough safety orientation and presentation before each
Clackamas River trip. As part of our full safety gear ensemble, each guest
is provided with a specially designed rafting life jacket, helmet, and when
needed, wetsuits and paddle jackets. We have four different sizes of
adjustable rafting life jackets, ranging from children's sizes to XXL.
Experienced Crew.
Since 1999, Destination Wilderness has consistently been ranked the #1 guide
service on the Clackamas. We run trips virtually every day in the summer
months. We have a guide house and base of operations in Estacada, resulting in
a crew that knows the Clackamas River very well.
 - Your Comfort:
Secure Parking Areas. We meet in Downtown Estacada
at our store and office which means your vehicle won't be left vulnerable on
the side of a lightly used highway. For your convenience, valuables may be
stored in our office.
Indoor Changing Room and Bathroom. Our store provides space
for you to change into and out of your river gear. In addition, you'll have
full access to a clean bathroom area.
- Your Convenience:
Photograph Viewing Area. While you are on the river we snap
digital photos of your raft as you head down through the rapids. You'll be able
to view these photos when we return to our store after the rafting trip. You'll
have the option to purchase photos and have lasting memories of your Clackamas
River trip.
Shuttle Options from Portland, Oregon and Nearby Resorts. Our
base in Estacada allows us to conveniently provide transportation from the
Portland area and other nearby resorts and communities to your whitewater
rafting trip. Please contact our office for details.
- Your Satisfaction:
We
are confident you will find your experience with Destination Wilderness to be
exceptionally exciting and rewarding!
Trip Dates and Prices
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We offer Half-day
and Full-day trips on the Clackamas River. Minimum age is six in
the summer and 12 in the spring**. Please add 6% land/government use fee to the
below prices. Please Note: Youth is under 16 years of
age. |
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LENGTH |
ADULT |
YOUTH |
DATES |
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Half-Day Trip
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$55 |
$45 |
7 Days a Week March - early-September
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One-Day Trip
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$85 |
$65 |
7 Days a Week March - early-September
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Space is limited: RESERVE YOUR CLACKAMAS RIVER RAFTING
TRIP
NOTE: Discounts are available for groups
of ten or more on all Clackamas River trips. Check with us for availability of
transportation for your group from nearby hotels or resorts to our meet
location. Other dates may be available. Please contact our office for more
information. Prices include all river equipment, food, guides and
transportation between the rendezvous and the river.
**For those with
children as young as four or those seeking a quiet and scenic river tour, we
offer our Dine and Drift trip on a less challenging stretch of the Clackamas
River. Please contact our office for details.
Destination Wilderness
proudly and appreciatively operates trips on the Clackamas River under special
use permit from Mt. Hood National Forest. We are an equal opportunity
recreation service provider. Return
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Start Planning Your
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