The Clackamas River is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved whitewater rivers—renowned for its clear water, lush forests, and a mix of Class III runs ideal for intermediate paddlers along with tributaries that offer challenging Class V whitewater. The river is also part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, recognized for its outstanding fish, wildlife, recreation, and scenic values. Protecting and managing this Wild and Scenic River corridor continues to be a central priority for American Whitewater.
Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project License Implementation
As a stakeholder in the relicensing of Portland General Electric’s (PGE) Clackamas River Hydroelectric Project, American Whitewater worked closely with the local paddling community to ensure that recreation, fisheries restoration, and river protection were front and center in the new license. Our advocacy led to tangible improvements in river access, real-time flow information, and opportunities to restore and enhance the boating experience.
Key license conditions that we helped secure in the 2010 hydropower settlement agreement include:
- Improved boater safety measures and public warnings at the Oak Grove Powerhouse.
- Support for the Bob’s Hole Rodeo kayaking event through optimized flow management and annual financial contributions.
- Upgrades and maintenance for real-time USGS gages at Oak Grove Powerhouse, ensuring accurate flow data for paddlers.
- Construction of new and improved access sites, staging areas, and restrooms to serve both commercial outfitters and the public.
- Equal access for boaters to project lands available to other recreationists.
- Coordination with the boating community during project maintenance events and support for law enforcement on U.S. Forest Service lands.
Since the license was issued, American Whitewater has continued to meet regularly with PGE, river managers, and representatives of the local boating community to oversee implementation of these commitments and to maintain open communication around river operations, safety, and recreation management.
River Protection Through the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
American Whitewater played a leadership role in expanding long-term river protection for the Clackamas watershed. We were instrumental in the successful campaign to designate four major tributaries as Wild and Scenic Rivers in 2009:
- North Fork Clackamas River (14.0 miles)
- South Fork Clackamas River (4.3 miles)
- Oak Grove Fork Clackamas River (10.1 miles)
- Fish Creek (13.6 miles)
These designations, now part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, safeguard the free-flowing character and outstanding natural values of the entire Clackamas River network.
Wildfire Recovery and Public Access
In 2020, the Riverside Fire burned much of the lower Clackamas watershed, resulting in long-term closures and significant impacts to the recreation corridor. In the aftermath, American Whitewater led efforts to advocate for reopening the river and to reimagine how recreation could return in ways that support both public safety and ecological recovery. Working with PGE, the Forest Service, Clackamas County, and local paddlers, we have advanced a shared vision to rebuild sustainable access and restore the Clackamas as a place where people can once again connect with this remarkable river landscape.