Half Day Lower Clackamas River Rafting Trip
Private Trip
Rafting
Threehour guided rafting adventure on Lower Clackamas RiverProfessional guide with complete gear and wetsuit includedStable rafts accommodate up to six guests each
The Lower Clackamas River delivers some of Oregon's most accessible whitewater fun, and this three-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of it. Captain Garett Swigart knows every eddy, wave train, and rapid on this stretch like the back of his paddle. You'll launch from stable 12-foot High Sides NRS rafts that handle beautifully in Clackamas conditions – these aren't your basic rental rafts. With room for six paddlers per boat and 15 rafts in the fleet, this operation runs smooth whether you're flying solo or part of a bigger group. The water here stays fishable and raftable most of the season, cutting through old-growth forests and basalt canyon walls that make you forget you're just 45 minutes from Portland.
The Lower Clackamas runs clean and cold year-round, fed by Mount Hood snowmelt and spring systems that keep flows consistent even in dry summers. This section offers perfect intermediate whitewater – enough punch to get your heart rate up without requiring years of paddling experience. You'll navigate through boulder gardens, surf standing waves, and punch through some honest Class II-III rapids that'll have you whooping by the first big drop. Captain Garett keeps groups tight and communication clear, calling out paddle commands well ahead of each feature so everyone stays in sync. The river corridor stays wild through most of this run, with Douglas fir and western red cedar creating a natural tunnel effect. Wildlife sightings happen regularly – osprey, great blue herons, and river otters all call this drainage home. Water temperatures hover in the 50s most of the year, which is why the included wet suits aren't optional gear here. Oregon rivers don't mess around with hypothermia risks.
Those 12-foot High Sides NRS rafts are the real deal – self-bailing floors, multiple grab lines, and D-rings positioned for serious rapid running. The high sidewalls give nervous paddlers extra confidence while still allowing experienced rafters to lean into aggressive maneuvers. You'll get fitted with full wet suits and neoprene booties before launch, plus all the standard river gear including properly sized paddles and Coast Guard approved PFDs. Captain Garett runs a thorough safety briefing covering paddle commands, swimming positions, and rapid-specific strategies before pushing off. The technique focus stays on forward paddle power, draw strokes for quick direction changes, and reading water flow patterns ahead of the raft. This isn't a lazy float trip – you'll be actively paddling through most rapids, working as a crew to hit clean lines through technical sections. Transportation between put-in and take-out gets handled by the outfitter, so you can focus entirely on river time instead of shuttle logistics. The 15-minute early arrival window gives everyone time for gear fitting and safety discussions without feeling rushed.
The Lower Clackamas supports incredible biodiversity that makes every trip feel like a nature documentary. Chinook salmon and steelhead use this system as a major migration corridor, with fish visible during spring and fall runs when they're moving between the ocean and spawning grounds upstream. These ocean-bright salmon can reach 30-plus pounds and create surface disturbances that'll stop conversation mid-sentence when they roll near the rafts. Peak viewing happens during September and October when mature chinooks are staging in deeper pools before their final upstream push. River otters are year-round residents here, often seen playing in calm stretches or sliding down muddy banks. They're curious about rafts and will sometimes follow groups for hundreds of yards, popping up unexpectedly with fish in their mouths. Great blue herons work the shallows throughout the warmer months, standing motionless until striking at juvenile salmon, lamprey, or crawfish. Their prehistoric calls echo off canyon walls during early morning launches. Osprey nest on tall snags and power poles along the river corridor, diving for trout and salmon from impressive heights. Summer months offer the best osprey action when adults are feeding hungry chicks and making constant fishing runs.
This half-day Clackamas trip hits the sweet spot between accessibility and authentic whitewater challenge. Captain Garett's local knowledge and professional approach mean you'll experience the river safely while still getting legitimate rapid excitement. The gear quality, safety standards, and scenic value make this a top-rated choice for anyone wanting to sample Oregon's renowned whitewater scene. Whether you're testing the waters before committing to longer expeditions or just want three solid hours of river action, this trip delivers. The Clackamas runs year-round with seasonal variation that keeps every outing unique – spring snowmelt brings higher flows and bigger waves, while summer conditions offer warmer air temps and crystal-clear water visibility. Don't forget that guide gratuity isn't included in the trip cost, and these river guides work hard to earn those tips through expert boat handling and memorable experiences on the water.
These 12-foot NRS rafts are built specifically for Oregon's dynamic rivers, featuring high sides that keep you secure while navigating rapids and calm stretches alike. With room for six paddlers, each raft delivers stability and responsiveness that makes every stroke count. The sturdy construction handles the Clackamas River's personality perfectly - from gentle float sections to more spirited whitewater runs. Your experienced guide sits at the stern, reading the water and calling out paddle commands while you and your crew work together up front. The high-sided design means less water in the boat and more confidence as you punch through waves and maneuver around rocks. These rafts have logged countless miles on Pacific Northwest rivers, proving their reliability trip after trip.
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