A shore-side photo montage of the Lower Clackamas River at higher water, taken from the bank instead of the boat.
Video: higher water photos on the lower Clackamas by Jacob Linkhart on the SOLWYRX Paddlesports YouTube channel.
The Lower Clackamas is one of the Portland area's go-to rivers, a mostly Class II run that's popular for floating and learning (American Whitewater). When the water comes up, though, it changes character: rapids wash out or get pushier, eddies shrink, and wood moves around. What's mellow in summer can be a different river in a storm cycle.
That's why I like checking a river from shore when it's high. You learn where the water goes, where the hazards are, and how fast it's moving, all without any risk. Then when you do run it at that level, you already have a picture in your head.
For the same river from the water, watch Lower Clackamas chills and spills and I paddled R1 on the lower Clackamas. My own photography lives on the Photography tab of Articles & Media.
Source: American Whitewater, Clackamas River
Personal trip report: flows, wood and hazards change, and what worked for me that day isn't a rule for your boat or group. Check current conditions, scout, and boat within your training.
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Updated October 28, 2026 · By Jacob Linkhart, owner of SOLWYRX Paddle Gear · Spot a mistake? Email me and I'll fix it.
