Lower Clackamas River Conditions - beta

River Condition Information for Floaters, Boaters, Swimmers and Waders on the Clackamas Water Trail (22 mile Lower Clackamas River).

Google earth rendering of lower Clackamas River, aka 'Clackamas Water Trail'
  • 1. Bring a Stash the Trash bag and leave the river better than you found it.
  • 2. Know your abilities - be prepared for sun, cold water, wind, tree snags in the water, and other conditions.
  • 3. Every boater/floater must have a Personal Floatation Device (PFD); every boat must have a whistle
  • 4. Bring Water Bottles and fill up before your trip! Stay hydrated.
  • 5. Have a great time - enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience!
LOWER CLACKAMAS RIVER CONDITIONS
Composed from forecasts & data at Barton Park (weather) and Estacada (river)
 Sat 8-27Sun 8-28Mon 8-29Tue 8-30Wed 8-31Thu 9-1Fri 9-2Sat 9-3Sun 9-4
Air Temp Forecast Range HIGH/LOW (Farenheit)71°/55°78°/53°90°/59°96°/63°91°/57°83°/58°78°/55°84°/58°81°/58°
WeatherSunny, hot, and low chance of rain (< 8%)
Water Temperature (Farenheit)Average of 66°
Note: For swimming this is considered relatively cool but enjoyed by many if outside temperatures are high (above 90° F)
Water Level (Cubic feet per second = CFS)Dam Release: fluctuates between 865 CFS (at Estacada) and 1040 CFS (at Oregon City)
Water Conditions (apparent)Clear and unseasonably cold (but now above 60 degrees, which is much better than the 50 degree water at the start of June)

SWIMMING AND WATER TEMPERATURE RANGE SUMMARY

Clackamas River water temperature range between 55 and 70 degrees (F) in the summer (highlighted below)
Always check local conditions and plan accordingly.

RANGE
FahrenheitCelsius
Below 32°FBelow 0°CFor swimming this is considered extremely cold. It’s possible you would need to clear surface ice to gain access to the water and unless suitably protected with insulated waterproof clothing hypothermia would very quickly occur.
32 to 46°F0 to 8°CThe river doesn’t freeze, but it can get down to 37 degrees (F) in the dead of winter. For swimming this is considered very cold and is a risk of hypothermia if exposed for any more than a few minutes.
46 to 55°F8 to 13°CThis is the range of temperature in the Spring and Fall. Take note: for swimming this is considered cold and any more than a few minutes in the water will be uncomfortable. Low outside temperatures can quickly get a person into hypothermia danger.
55 to 61°F13 to 16°C

This is the range at the start of summer on the Clackamas.

For swimming this is considered cool and for most would feel bracing.

61 to 66°F16 to 19°C

This is the range for most of July and August on the Clackamas.

For swimming this is considered relatively cool but enjoyed by many if outside temperatures are high (above 90 degrees (F))

66 to 72°F19 to 22°CSavor these days in August (and sometimes in July) for the most favorable conditions for swimming.
72 to 79°F22 to 26°CFor swimming this is considered warm and would be enjoyed by all, even those who would normally suggest the water was ‘to cold’ for a swim.
Above 79°FAbove 26°CFor swimming in this is considered very warm and would be enjoyed be all. With this temperature you can stay active in the water for extended periods of time without feeling uncomfortable.