2025-12-20T04:00:00-08:00
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Oregon, including the following areas, Benton County Lowlands, Cascade Foothills of Marion and Linn Counties, Cascades of Lane County, Cascades of Marion and Linn Counties, Central Coast of Oregon, Central Columbia River Gorge I-84 Corridor, Central Oregon Coast Range, Central Oregon Coast Range Lowlands, Clackamas County Cascade Foothills, Clatsop County Coast, East Central Willamette Valley, East Portland Metro, Inner Portland Metro, Lane County Cascade Foothills, Lane County Lowlands, Linn County Lowlands, Lower Columbia River, North Oregon Cascades, North Oregon Coast Range, North Oregon Coast Range Lowlands, Outer Southeast Portland Metro, Portland West Hills and Chehalem Mountain, Tillamook County Coast, Tualatin Valley, Upper Hood River Valley, West Central Willamette Valley, West Columbia River Gorge I-84 Corridor and West Columbia River Gorge of Oregon above 500 ft and southwest Washington, including the following areas, Central Columbia River Gorge SR 14 Corridor, Cowlitz County Lowlands, East Clark County Lowlands, Inner Vancouver Metro, North Clark County Lowlands, South Washington Cascade Foothills, South Washington Cascades, South Washington Coast, West Columbia River Gorge SR 14 Corridor, Willapa Hills and Willapa and Wahkiakum Lowlands. * WHEN...From late Wednesday night through late Friday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. Landslides and debris flows are possible during this flood event. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes, in canyons, and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk from rapidly moving landslides. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - An atmospheric river is forecast to bring periods of heavy rain to northwestern Oregon and southwestern Washington at a time when area rivers continue to run high and soils remain saturated following heavy rain earlier in the month. During initial heavy rainfall on Thursday, the urban and small stream flooding threat will be most urgent, although the details of precise timing and location of the highest risk remains uncertain at this time. As runoff works its way downstream, the river flooding threat will increase Thursday night into Friday, with numerous area rivers now forecast to reach at least Minor flood stage. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Summary
The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 800-2000 cfs. The river has a class III-IV rating, which makes it suitable for intermediate to advanced paddlers. The segment mileage for the river run is approximately 10 miles, starting at the Fish Creek Campground and ending at the North Fork Reservoir.
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.
River Run Details
| Last Updated | 2025-06-28 |
| River Levels | 1110 cfs (1.31 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 81% |
| Status | |
| Class Level | iii-iv |
| Elevation | ft |
| Streamflow Discharge | cfs |
| Gauge Height | ft |
| Reporting Streamgage | USGS 14209500 |
Weather Forecast
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Roaring River Campground
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Sunstrip Campground
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Sunstrip Campground Loop
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Pup Creek Trail camp site
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Green Canyon Campground
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Green Canyon
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Hole in the Wall Boat Access Day Site
North Fork Clackamas River
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
Wilderness Salmon-Huckleberry
Wildwood Recreation Site
Wilderness Roaring River