WHITEWATER RAFTING

Clackamas River

The Clackamas River is one of the premier whitewater rivers in Oregon and is Blue Sky's most popular summer rafting trip. Lush old-growth forests line the bank of this steep canyon and reflect off the crystal clear water. Rapids like Powerhouse, Roaring River, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Rock 'n Roll are guaranteed to get your blood pumping while the waves in The Narrows, Carter Bridge, Toilet Bowl and Bob's Hole will have you screaming for more.

Spring trips offer the biggest whitewater with large waves and powerful currents. Pools between each rapid provide a chance to regroup before powering through the middle of the next rapid. As the weather gets warmer in the summer, the rapids require more maneuvering but still provide plenty of opportunities to get wet. There are plenty of places to stop and take a dip and if you are lucky you might learn how to "surf" your raft.

Blue Sky Whitewater Rafting offers full-day rafting trips on the Clackamas as well as morning and afternoon half-day rafting trips. Full-day trips include a great steak and chicken bar-b-que lunch.

The unique two-day trip includes rafting on the first day, riverside camping, and inflatable kayaking on the second day. All food is provided beginning with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the second day.

The Clackamas River begins in the Olallie Lake Scenic Area south of Mt. Hood and north of Mt. Jefferson. From its headwaters, the Clackamas River carves its way through an impressive, heavily forested river canyon. Trees along the river reach ages of 300+ years old and 36' around! Because of its high quality scenery, geology, fishery, and water quality, the Clackamas River was designated as a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1968. The river is home to chinook and coho salmon, steelhead, cutthroat, rainbow, brook and the endangered bull trout. The surrounding forest is home to elk, deer, bear, cougars, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, endangered spotted owls, ospreys and a host of other birds and animals.

The Clackams River receives over 600 inches of rain and snow every year. In the spring and summer, numerous springs and lakes release water into the river, providing ample water for rafting all summer long. The water clarity is amazing. In some spots you can see 20' below the water surface. In addition to rafting, the Upper Clackamas is a popular area for hiking, camping, biking, fishing and swimming.

All Clackamas River trips meet near where guests finish the river trip. Look for a Blue Sky Rafting van. Everyone will change here and leave dry clothes in their vehicle. Once done changing, everyone will travel upstream in a Blue Sky Rafting van to the launch area.

At the launch area, everyone will be outfitted with a life jacket and guides will provide a safety talk as well as explain how to ride and paddle in the raft. Blue Sky generally starts down the river 30-45 minutes after meeting.

Half-Day Trips
The half-day trip starts with a bang as Hole in the Wall rapid is about a 1/4 mile from the launch. There are many fun rapids below Hole in the Wall as well as some great swimming spots and places to surf the raft. Trips generally take 2-2.5 hours depending on water level and guest preferences. At the take-out, guests are very close to their cars where they can change clothes and view pictures from the day.

Full-Day Trips
The morning portion of the trip includes many fun rapids, some great swimming areas, and some of the best scenery on the whole river. Blue Sky generally stops for lunch sometime between 12:00 and 1:00. All Clackamas River trips include a great sirloin steak and chicken bar-b-que that is served alongside the river. Lunch generally lasts a half hour to an hour.

After lunch, board the rafts again and continue running fun rapids and playing your way down the river. Guests usually reach the take-out between 3:00 and 4:00 depending on water levels and guest preferences. At the take-out, guests are very close to their cars where they can change clothes and view pictures from the day.

Inflatable Kayak Trips
Inflatable kayak trips have the same itinerary as rafting trips. The difference is each person will command their own kayak. Before launching, guides will give everyone a chance to get used to their kayak and give instruction about paddling and manuevering the kayak. Whether kayakers are following a guide in a kayak or raft, they will receive a verbal description of the major rapids and options for safely negotiating each rapid.

Trip Details

What to Wear

Spring Trips
Because weather is quite variable in the spring and water is generally cold, Blue Sky recommends wearing a wetsuit. Wetsuits are available for rent from Blue Sky Rafting for $5. They fit comfortably over a swimsuit. It is recommended you wear something on your feet in order to give some protection while walking on shore. Options include sneakers, aqua-socks, river sandals or wetsuit booties. Wetsuit booties provide extra insulation and can be rented directly from Blue Sky Rafting for $3. They also have drytops available for rent for $5. These tops keep your upper body dry and can be worn over a wetsuit or other clothing. Blue Sky also provides splash jackets that can be worn over a wetsuit for a little extra insulation. These won't keep your upper body dry but can cut down on some wetness. These jackets are free of charge. A wool or synthetic fleece sweater can be layered underneath the splash jacket to provide even more insulation.

Summer Trips
Generally the weather is warm and sunny during summer trips. Most people choose to wear shorts or a bathing suit. A t-shirt is a good choice for sun protection.

Gear List

• Swimsuit, shorts and/or a t-shirt.
• Shoes (wetsuit booties, river sandals, aqua socks, etc.).
• Hat for sun protection.
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Strap or string for prescription glasses or expensive sunglasses.