Whitewater Forum: Oregon april 5-9
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Oregon april 5-9

Printed From: ProfessorPaddle.com
Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6432
Printed Date: 23 Jun 2025 at 8:48am


Topic: Oregon april 5-9
Posted By: justin
Subject: Oregon april 5-9
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2008 at 3:45pm

My good friend Carter and I are headed down to Oregon the second week of April and we are wondering what should be on our hit list.  Prefferably we would like some rivers that will be IN.  and prefferably in the III-IV range.  Also if anyone knows some locals down there we would love to have some of them around when we are boating down there.  Any help is appreciated.


Replies:
Posted By: James
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2008 at 4:02pm
Here are a few of the first that pop into my head. Remember like Washington, Oregon has lots of acreage and plenty of water so you might want to list the region your going to so you don't get suggestions at every edge of the state.
Clackamas
2. Collawash River to Sandstone Road (Killer Fang)
 IV (VI)  R  2770 cfs  03/13/2008 12:00
Clackamas
3. Indian Henry (Sandstone Rd.) to Memaloose Scale Station
 III-IV  R  2770 cfs  03/13/2008 12:00
Clackamas
4. Cazadero Diversion to Estacada Reservoir
 IV, IV+  U  2770   03/13/2008 12:00


Then if you want to head a bit more south you can get the Mckenzie with some good play.
McKenzie
2. Carmen Reservoir to Trail Bridge Reservoir
 III-IV      
McKenzie
3. Olallie Campground to Leaburg Dam  

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Posted By: JoesKayak
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2008 at 4:11pm
Not sure what part of Oregon... but there is certainly good stuff there, Plus from Portland area  there is alot of SW Wa stuff real close by.

On the coast range:
Wilson River has a few good runs with 3-4 rapids. More 3ish at lower flows

East of Salem, Quartzville Creek (lower run) has some great class 3 & 4 rapids at med. flows (1000-2000)  and full on 4 to 4+ at higher levels

Molalla River has a few good runs. I have just done the "3 Bears Run" which is 3-4 at medium levels. The 4s get HUGE at high water.

The Clackamas is one of those runs that you should hit if you've never been there. It's Portland's "Sky" or "Green".... The main 3-4 run is the one James lists above as run #3. That's where you'll find Carter rapids and Bob's Hole.

Any of these runs could be in shape depening on weather. Clackamas is almost a sure bet. Quartzville is at the other end of spectrum, it tends to rise and fall quickly. Other runs I listed are in the middle as far as predictability.

Posted By: JoesKayak
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2008 at 4:15pm
Oh, and one of the best things you can do, if you want to hook up with locals... Go on YahooGroups and join PDXKayaker.

It's one of if not THE biggest whitewater group on Yahoo. Lots of local folks on there to help you out.

Posted By: ashleygoesdisco
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2008 at 4:51pm
im a local.....

clackamas, mckenzie, north santiam. ill boat with you if ya want.... on the north sanitam and the mckenzie. i grew up on those rivers! you should check out the levels on lake creek (its a SICK rainfed playrun! III-IV) i grew up minutes from some of the best whitewater in the state, let me know if you have questions, ive got three oregon guidebooks too, more than any of the online sites have for info.




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Ashley Duffus
Well behaved women rarely make history.
www.naiyadays.blogspot.com

Posted By: ashleygoesdisco
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2008 at 4:55pm
ps. the wilson and the nehalem are just west of portland, i drive past them all the time, keep wishing i had someone to get down it with. i can hook you up with emails and phone numbers too if you want. im part of PDXkayaker, its sick.

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Ashley Duffus
Well behaved women rarely make history.
www.naiyadays.blogspot.com

Posted By: oukr9965
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2008 at 7:40am

Hood Drainage: Dee to Tucker (III/IV), West Fork (IV), Lake Branch of WF(IV/V) should be good.  Dee to Tucker is pretty much a class III run until the last mile or so, then some of the rapids earn a class IV rating.  West Fork, as said in Bennett's guide, is classic class IV Oregon whitewater.  It's a hoot!  The Lake Branch of the WF is fun as well, but you need higher flows.  There are a few wood portages, but it's a great run.

White Salmon: Middle WS good class III run which can be run almost at any flow.  Farmlands, great class IV/IV+ run.  Look for flows of atleast 2.5 if not 3' on the Husum Gauge. 
 
Upper Wind (at lower levels) is a good class IV/IV+ run.  I've only run this at low and medium/low flows.  It's fun in both a creekboat and a playboat.

Posted By: justin
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2008 at 1:55pm
We will most likely be in the Portland, Eugene, Coastal Area.  Maybe go hit the white salmon depending on time.


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