5. River Mill Dam to Willamette River

The lower Clackamas River, from River Mill Dam in Estacada to its confluence with the Willamette River, offers a 23-mile stretch of calm, scenic water that’s well-suited for recreational boating. This section, part of the Clackamas Water Trail, is ideal for paddlers in canoes, kayaks, rafts, and inflatables. With mostly flatwater and a few forgiving rapids, it’s a favorite for both beginners and experienced paddlers looking for a relaxing river experience particularly during the summer. The sections from McIver Park to Carver Park can get very crowded on hot, summer days with folks in tubes and other craft floating the river. On the busiest days, Barton Park and Carver Park can be over-crowded or closed due to reaching capacity and the vibe can be less than family friendly. Most boaters select a section depending on the experience they are seeking with most of the rapids occuring upstream of Barton Park. McIver Park to Barton Boaters looking for more rapids and a more scenic trip choose to begin at the upper boat ramp in McIver Park. There is a fun Class 2 rapid that can be seen from the boat ramp. At high water several large waves form in this rapid but at regular flows it presents a fun challenge with multiple line options. After a long flat stretch and a right turn, boaters encounter Bombshelter rapid. This boulder garden gets very technical at lower water, particularly for rafts. The left side of the rapid is generally cleaner at low water. A few other small rapids and scenic stretches of river bring boaters to the lower boat ramp on the left. Just downstream of the lower boat ramp is one of the larger rapids on this section with the river plunging through a couple large waves before splitting around a mid-stream rock. It is shallow in spots if boaters are upside down or out of their boat. Below the rapid the river continues to offer scenic views, light current, and a few Class I–II riffles depending on flow. The river here winds through wooded surroundings with a few gravel islands and good opportunities to spot wildlife like herons, osprey, and mergansers. An intermediate access within this section at Feldheimer Boat Launch allows for a shorter run. Barton to Carver Park From Barton to Carver Park, approximately 5.5 miles, the river widens and slows, making it a favorite stretch for summer tubing and casual paddling. While mostly rural in character, this section can become very busy on weekends, with long wait times at access points. The current remains mellow, and the banks are a mix of farmland, forest, and occasional homes. Carver to Riverside Park Continuing from Carver to Riverside Park in Gladstone, approximately 5 miles, the river enters a more developed area, though still retains much of its natural feel. Paddlers pass under the 82nd Drive Bridge and alongside basalt cliffs and riparian vegetation. The current is mostly flat, with just a few riffles to navigate. The final segment from Riverside Park to Clackamette Park, where the Clackamas meets the Willamette River, is approximately 3 miles. This short stretch flows through an increasingly urban corridor, ending at a large, well-maintained take-out at Clackamette Park in Oregon City. This confluence area is a popular spot for local paddlers and offers restrooms, parking, and access to nearby restaurants and shops. For local whitewater boaters, a late summer highlight of Clackamette Park is the park-and-play feature that has emerged at the boat ramp on the Clackamas River where a surf wave forms at the right tide and flow conditions. It comes in at flows of 900-1200 cfs on a minus tide. Facilities and access points are available at all the major parks along the way—Milo McIver, Barton, Carver, Riverside, and Clackamette. Some locations require day-use permits (e.g., Milo McIver, Barton, and Carver), and it's important to check river conditions and weather before your trip. Water temperatures remain cold year-round—typically in the 40s and 50s—so wearing a life jacket is essential, and thermal gear is recommended in the cooler months. This 23-mile water trail offers a flexible and rewarding experience for paddlers, whether you're out for a float on a short segment or a full-day adventure to the Willamette.