Calling All Thrill Seekers: The Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival Returns!

After several years of hiatus due to the impacts from the 2020 Riverside Wildfire, the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival made its much-anticipated return last year! And this year is going to be even bigger, as the US National Rafting Championships will be occurring as part of the festival! The Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival is a gathering of enthusiasts from near and far who live to conquer the rapids. The mighty Clackamas River runs deep this time of year, fueled by spring rains and early snow melt, tantalizing thrill-seekers with its whitewater rapids. 

A Deep-Rooted Tradition
Celebrating its 38th anniversary, the festival is one of the oldest and largest whitewater events in all of the Pacific Northwest and is just a scenic, short drive upriver from the city of Estacada. The event started as a challenge between a group of friends to see who could win a race through the Carter Falls section of the river. Today the festival has grown into a large celebration of the sport, while focusing on bonding, fun and safety. The scope of the event has also grown over the years. In addition to events like the drift boat slalom and cartaraft slalom, kayakers have their own category as part of the larger festival as does a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) race.

More Than Just Races
Boat demos and safety clinics bring the festivities on land. Plus, spectators are always welcome, making the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival a great way to celebrate fun on the river whether you're an on-water adrenaline junkie or just looking to take in the river fun from shore. And don't forget to stop in downtown Estacada on your way to and from the festival for local dining and shopping.

Take the Plunge
Can't make the festival? Or maybe you did and were inspired by what you saw and want to conquer the rapids yourself? Local outfitters like Clackamas River Outfitters and Blue Sky Rafting can guide you on a thrilling whitewater adventure. View all our water guides here. Or if calmer water is more to your liking, eNRG Kayaking provides kayaking trips to historic Willamette Falls in Oregon City.

Get ready to experience the heart-pounding fun of the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival!