Oregon Rafting

Clackamas River

Close to Portland, great intermediate whitewater, and a long season...the Clackamas River has it all!

The Clackamas River is one of the premier whitewater rivers in Oregon and is our 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.

We offer full-day rafting trips on the Clackamas as well as morning and afternoon 1/2-day rafting trips. Full-day trips include our great steak and chicken bar-b-que lunch.

Our unique 2 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.

(More Info)

N. Santiam River

Close to both Portland and Salem, the North Santiam River offers plenty of beginner/intermediate rapids and consistent water flows. Some of our warmest weather trips are on the North Santiam because of its year-round season. Late summer trips are characterized by lots of water fights, rock jumping and surfing separated by relaxing floating.

We offer beginner and intermediate full day trips. Our full-day North Santiam trips include our great all-you-can-eat lunch. We can also schedule half-day trips for groups of 4 or more.

(more North Santiam River info)

Hood River

Big waves and exciting rapids provide exceptional paddling thrills while the scenery, wildlife and warm weather make the Hood River trip even more satisfying.

We offer full-day rafting trips on the Hood as well as morning and afternoon 1/2-day rafting trips. Full-day trips include our great deli buffet lunch.

(more Hood River info)

West Fork of Hood River

The West Fork of Hood River is simply one of the best Class 4 rivers in Oregon. A small narrow river at the put-in, the West Fork rushes downstream through almost non-stop rapids which build in size throughout the trip. The scenery is excellent as the river passes through several gorges with sheer walls rising high above the river. Because of the small size of the river in many places, good teamwork is required to negotiate the raft through many of the rapids. Come prepared to paddle!

After lunch, the trip continues downstream on the main Hood River with fun class 3-4 rapids all the way to the take-out.

The West Fork of Hood River is a small, free-flowing river which only has enough water to raft during Oregon's rainy season and for a short time in the spring. If you want to experience this special trip, the West Fork is at it's best Nov.-April. Years with a large snowpack and a wet spring, the West Fork may be runnable through May but you can expect lower water and manuevering to avoid large boulders.

(more West Fork of Hood River info)

Molalla River

The Molalla River is one of the classic intermediate rafting trips in Oregon. Tucked away in the mountains southwest of Portland, the Molalla contains lots of exciting rapids and fascinating scenery and geology. Blue Sky Rafting is proud to be the only company with a Bureau of Land Management permit allowing us to offer rafting trips on the Molalla River.

The Molalla River is a great river for a winter or early spring rafting trip. At low flows the river has many technical rapids but when the water rises, watch out! This run contains some big waves and holes at high water that can easily flip rafts. The scenery is spectacular throughout with dramatic volcanic geolgy and beautiful forests.

Full-day trips begin on the upper section of the river which contains Horse Creek Rapid; a turbulant rapid where the river squeezes through a gorge only 15 ft. wide. More fun rapids continue down to Turner Bridge and lunch. Below Turner Bridge lies the most popular rapids on the river. Beginning with Papa Bear, the rapids get longer and more powerful as the river carves it's way between beautiful basalt canyon walls. The next major rapid is Mama Bear which can be very difficult at high water. Several more fun rapids are found between Mama Bear and the take-out.

(more Molalla River info)

PO Box 1671 Estacada, OR 97023

Toll Free: 800.898.6398
Local: 503.630.3163
email: info@blueskyrafting.com

Home | River Trips | About Us | Photo Gallery | Trip Planning | FAQs | Contact Us | Other Resources