RIVER AMBASSADORS PROMOTE STEWARDSHIP AND LOW-IMPACT RECREATION.
GOALS
- Improving visitor experiences
- Communicating river conditions and hazards
- Reducing river congestion
- Encouraging river stewardship and safety
- Connecting visitors to the abundance of recreation services in the Clackamas River region

THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO EFFECTIVE RIVER DIPLOMACY:
After two seasons of refining River Ambassador work around a land shift (information tent, similar to Trailhead Ambassadors) and getting direct feedback from volunteers and land managers, we are shifting to a three-pronged approach to increase our direct messaging and actions around stewardship. We have added two new options that allow experienced boaters to volunteer on the water.
- Land Shift – staff a pristine riverside information station at McIver, Barton, Carver, Riverside, or Clackamette Park. Conduct water quality monitoring, watch for wildlife, share info!
- Water Shift – set out on your own craft and fly the River Ambassador and We Love Clean Rivers flags. Post up on a beach, set up the canopy tent, watch for more wildlife, share info!
- DIY Cleanup mission – organise your own cleanup on a section of the Clackamas and report your findings. See example trip report and photo below.
OTHER DETAILS
- NEW Clackamas Water Trail map and information website – thanks to River Ambassador stakeholder and sponsor, Clackamas River Water Providers, a new online map and information website has been created. Much of the information that is conveyed by River Ambassadors will now be available 24-7, and with a beautiful interactive map.
- Sign up for yourself or a group! Select land or water shifts (note: water shifts require you to be a proficient paddler or with one and all of your own gear).
- Make the timing work for you with DIY cleanups (you organize on your own time and at your own risk). We are simply asking people to sign up through a google map (like true DIY, this is a scrappy way to organize), with simple upload instructions for a trip report and/or photos.
- Land and Water shifts will be scheduled for targeted peak-use Saturdays between the 4th of July and Labor Day (explore Eventbrite registration page for volunteer opportunities).
- A celebration for all River Ambassadors will be held at the Cookout following the Down The River Cleanup on September 11th, 2022.
- Feel free to email info@welovecleanrivers.org with questions, or sing up now and we will keep you posted on training sessions, sign-up schedule, etc.
ENJOY THE SPLENDOR OF THE CLACKAMAS RIVER!
We Love Clean Rivers DIY Cleanup Trip Report DRAFT |
Clackamas River, Barton to Carver section |
1:00 PM |
3:00 PM |
2 hours |
Avg. 4519 cubic feet per second (cfs) from 1:00-3pm, rising from 4370 to 4610 cfs during the trip |
56 degrees fahrenheit |
Clear to 3 feet |
65 degrees fahrenheit |
Dynamic clouds (cumulous), big swaths of blue, small shower at end of trip |
Clean (see photo album) |
Zero! |
We saw a piece of vegetation or a ribbon/webbing of some sort, but could not ID or stop (in middle of swift channel rapid); teen raft identified a tire buried in mud near where they pulled out (putting on map) |
Swift water, cold, numerous trees (strainers) in popular rapids along outer shore (outside of bends generally). |
Osprey |
Scotch Brome, Blackberry galore, knotweed? |
Perfect trip! |



River Ambassador Qualifications
- Friendly, professional, outgoing individual
- Enjoys informing and helping others
- Enjoys learning about and sharing knowledge of the Clackamas River and surrounding region
- Transportation to and from the River Ambassador station (at a park on the Clackamas)
- Boating gear, including life jacket with whistle (for on-water volunteers)
River Ambassador Benefits
- Connect with other people who love the Clackamas River and surrounding region
- Spend a day in one of your favorite local parks for free, with designated parking and front row seats.
- Be an advocate for the Clackamas River by helping others be safe and thoughtful river stewards
- Great schwag: River Ambassador t-shirt, hat, and other treasures.

Keeping volunteers safe is our first priority - if you have questions about our COVID-19 safety precautions, feel free to contact us at info@welovecleanrivers.org.