"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.
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 more than
15 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 rafts
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.
Each and every year Destination Wilderness is ranked the #1
guide service. 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
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. |
LENGTH |
ADULT |
YOUTH |
DATES |
Half-Day Trip |
$65 |
$55 |
7 Days a Week March - early-September |
One-Day Trip |
$85 |
$70 |
7 Days a Week March - early-September |
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.
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