North Fork Clackamas River river run
North Fork Clackamas River
The river rapids and obstacles are numerous and exciting, including several class IV rapids such as Twisted Sister, Horseshoe Falls, and The Pinball. Paddlers will also encounter numerous boulder gardens, drops, and chutes along the way. It is important to note that the river can be dangerous during high water levels, and paddlers should exercise caution and proper safety measures.
There are specific regulations in place for the North Fork Clackamas River. Paddlers are required to have a permit to access the river, which can be obtained from the Clackamas River Ranger Station. Additionally, there are restrictions on the use of motorized watercraft, and the use of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited. Paddlers should also be aware of the Leave No Trace principles and should ensure that they are not damaging the surrounding environment.
Overall, the North Fork Clackamas River is a thrilling and challenging river run that offers beautiful scenery and exciting rapids. Paddlers should be experienced and prepared for the conditions of the river, and should comply with all regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around North Fork Clackamas River -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Clackamas River Above Three Lynx Creek | 961 cfs | → |
| Oak Grove Fork At Ripplebrook Campground | 109 cfs | → |
| Oak Grove Fork Above Powerplant Intake | 307 cfs | → |
| Sandy River Near Marmot | 652 cfs | → |
| Oak Grove Fork Near Government Camp | 80 cfs | → |
| Little Sandy River Near Bull Run | 35 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
- Hole In The Wall Boat Access Day Site
- Clackamas Highway Clackamas County
- Clackamas Raft Launch Access Clackamas County
- Moore Creek Boat Access Day Site
- Sandstone Bridge Boat Access Day Use
- Promontory Park
Other river runs
- Welches Run
- Salmon River Canyon (Split Falls To Road Access)
- Headwaters To North Section Line Of Sec 17, T4s, R5e
- Mt. Hood Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Sandy River
- North Section Line Of Sec 17, T4s, R5e To Slackwater North Fork Reservoir
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save North Fork Clackamas River as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About North Fork Clackamas River
What's the optimal flow for North Fork Clackamas River?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of North Fork Clackamas River.