Celebrate Oregon’s National Wild and Scenic Rivers

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the pivotal legislation enacted to protect free-flowing American rivers with “outstandingly remarkable values.”

Of the 200 Wild and Scenic Rivers in the United States, 58 of them are here in the state of Oregon. You could say we have more than our fair share. Perhaps one of the most famous is the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River, which was one of the original eight designated in 1968.

To celebrate this significant anniversary, my river guides and I have been exploring the Wild and Scenic Rivers of Oregon. Most recently we visited the Eagle Creek National Wild and Scenic River, part of the Clackamas River drainage near Estacada. (There are two other well-known Eagle Creeks in Oregon — in the Wallowa Mountains and in the Columbia River Gorge — of which the Wallowas river is also designated Wild and Scenic.)

Our trip began at Eagle Creek Trail #501. Carrying our lightweight BakRaft kayaks in our backpacks, we hiked upstream into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. It’s hard to believe that this well-maintained and stunning beautiful trail is just 41 miles from downtown Portland.

After three miles of hiking, we reached the creek. Excitedly, we inflated our kayaks and started paddling downstream. The whitewater was fun, with some Class IV rapids and occasional log portage. In layman’s terms, it was awesome.

Like our other experiences at the National Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon, we left inspired with a strong sense of appreciation for everyone who fought to protect our pristine rivers.

Oregon has more National Wild and Scenic Rivers than any other state. Please join me in celebrating these gorgeous waterways by enjoying one or more of them by boat, bike or foot.