With quotes from Jared Linkhart.
River Rat Sunday, my dad Jared Linkhart's open-invitation community trip on the Upper Clackamas, kicks off its new season on December 20. It runs on the third Sunday of every month through the winter and spring high-water season.
2026–27 dates: Dec 20 · Jan 17 · Feb 21 · Mar 21 · Apr 18 · May 16 (likely Clackfest weekend).
It's for local paddlers and for those who travel to what Jared calls "our home town river." Lots of people get their first Upper Clackamas run on these trips. Jared calls the river a "gem." Oar rafts, paddle rafts, IKs, packrafts, hardshells and SUPs all show up. In Jared's words, "You will find instant friends out here."
From past trips
One high-water day included a four-kid youth paddle crew running a SOTAR SL for the first time, who "absolutely handled that boat all day." That day saw two raft flips and plenty of IK and packraft swims. Swimmers were pulled into other boats, the oar raft was flipped back on the water, and everyone helped carry gear up the hill at the takeout. "Everyone was kept safe," Jared said.
Another day, at about 6,500 cfs, was simply "BIG." I swam at Toilet Bowl (caught on two cameras), a 14-foot raft flipped right after, and every swimmer was rescued fast. There was no wood, just big clean waves and "absolutely viscous eddies." Watch the 6,500 cfs video.
River note: Toilet Bowl has changed, with an exposed gravel bar and a new hole mid-channel.
In 2026, Jared also led a River Rat trip on May 17 during Clackfest to help people feel at home at the festival beyond the racing. "I am always humbled and grateful for everyone who comes out and fosters a sense of community."
