Oregon’s Highway 224 cuts deep into the piney woodlands and river country southeast of Portland in the Mt. Hood National Forest, but recreation opportunities along the route have changed a lot over the past few years. The U.S. Forest Service has been busy working to restore access to many of the trails, campgrounds and roads in the surrounding forest after a wildfire left much of the area closed. Now visitors have plenty to see and do, from paddling and hiking to soaking up art. Here’s how to find some summer fun along the Clackamas River.
Rafting, Hot Springs and Camping
Highway 224 itself, also known as the Clackamas Highway, is best traveled as an out-and-back day drive to Ripplebrook, a campground and store at the confluence with Oak Grove Fork about 25 miles southeast of Estacada. Forest Service Road 46 — which continues to the Breitenbush Hot Springs and south to Detroit Lake from that junction — has reopened as of June 2024 after being closed for quite some time. Be sure to check for possibly lengthy, scheduled delays as construction crews continue their work.
Everything upstream from Ripplebrook is also open once again, while the Ripplebrook Campground remains closed until sometime in summer 2025, the Forest Service says. Campgrounds like Kingfisher (temporarily closed due to wildfires — check before you go), Raab and Shellrock Creek are all open, too, as are all of the trails in that area. This is one of Oregon’s premier places for casting flies for gorgeous trout so don’t forget your fly rod.
Other recreational sites along the Upper Clackamas River and Highway 224 are also worth visiting, like Promontory Park, Big Eddy Day-Use Area and the Carter Bridge Day-Use Area, where you can picnic or access the river. For the best in splashy summer thrills, book a rafting adventure on this section of the river with Blue Sky Rafting, which offers three-hour trips down from Hole in the Wall, a ramp just downstream of the confluence with the Roaring River. Along the way, expect to encounter Class III to Class IV rapids — think splashy waves and thrilling drops — on this American whitewater classic.
If you’re looking for something calmer and more intimate, Clackamas River Outfitters runs trips on the lower Clackamas below Estacada Lake for people interested in using inflatable kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or even pack rafts to bounce through Class II rapids with names like Paradise and the Minefield. It also rents tubes for DIY floating fun. Remember: Rivers carry inherent dangers that you can’t always see. Quick-release leashes attached to your life-jacket are highly recommended when using a standup paddle board on any moving water with obstructions like fallen trees.
Art, Shops and Eats in Estacada
Consider making a home base in Estacada, a small town set in the foothills of Mt. Hood and known as the Christmas tree capital of the world. To stretch your legs after the drive, head to Timber Park on Estacada Lake near the River Mill Dam. There you’ll find a 21-hole disc-golf course as well as a kiosk offering maps and information on the public land that’s open for enjoying.
In town you’ll find more than 20 murals that celebrate everything from the early trains of Estacada to pastoral scenes and pioneer life, as well as one that pays homage to the local Latino community. The Artback, a local arts booster group, has an online map of the murals; otherwise, you can swing by The Spiral Gallery artists’ co-op to get a brochure. Look for QR codes on the murals that will take you to sites explaining the stories behind each work.
For a hearty meal on the go, try Timber Town Grub, which serves up green chicken bowls (that’s chicken with green salsa) and sloppy Joes. Co-owner Lynn Thompson, a former private chef, adds keto- and diet-friendly meals to the menu, too, such as a faux mac and cheese made with cauliflower. If you’d like to browse the shops, check out Julie Cooper Designs for handmade jewelry, home goods and more.
Beer, Cider and Disc Golf
Ye shall not go thirsty here, either, not with Bent Shovel Brewing. Swing by to sample a rotating selection of craft beer from barrel-aged masterpieces to IPAs and craft ciders. Outdoor tables, bonfires and food carts round out the experience at this popular spot near the entrance to Milo McIver State Park, where you’ll find a campground, disc-golf courses and trails along the Clackamas.
Summer is also a great time to sip apple ciders that have been slowly fermenting since the fall, and the cozy tasting room on the family farm at Stone Circle Cider is the place to do it. The cidery — influenced by English traditions and a cidermaker with British roots — uses a blend of English and French bittersweet apples to create what’s known as a scrumpy-style cider that’s aromatic, rich and dry. Check the company’s Facebook page for pagan-inspired celebrations on notable days like the solstices and equinoxes, complete with Morris dancers, bonfires and live music.
Find more inspiration in the Estacada Field Guide, with visiting information about downtown shops, nearby farms and even a murals map. Pick up a free copy at Wade Creek Vintage Marketplace or other shops in town.
