OWSR No. 26: Collawash River

Kayaking the Collawash River

Kayaking Boulderdash Rapid on the Collawash River | Photo: Zach Collier

Quick Facts

  • Managing Agency: Mt Hood National Forest (USFS)
  • Designated Stretch: From the headwaters of the East Fork of the Collawash River to its confluence with the Clackamas River
  • Designation Length: 17.8 miles (6.8 miles Recreational and 11 miles Scenic)
  • Outstanding Remarkable Values: Fisheries, botany, and Geologic/Hydrologic
  • Wild and Scenic River Designation: March 30, 2009

More Information

Celebrated by Zach Collier and Doug Wiedwald on September 21, 2017 by paddling the recreational section from the Collowash River Road Bridge to the Clackamas River.

Stories

Dougie paddling the Collawash RiverZach Collier: After an abnormal September rainstorm my friend Doug Wiedwald and I paddled the lower section Collawash River. We left the Onewheel at Two Rivers Day Use Area and drove up the Collawash River Road to a bridge 5.5 miles upstream. Along the way we scouted the rapids Boulderdash and Chute to Kill.

The water was low so the rapids had a creeky feel. We enjoyed the scenery and the fun rapids. After portaging Chute to Kill we immediately noticed fish swimming below us.

The lower 3.5 miles was fun Class II/III with some great play waves. After we were done paddling it was fun to revisit the river canyon by riding the Onewheel back up.

Doug Wiedwald: Running the Collawash was really fun. Low but plenty of water to get down. The river valley was green and lush even though it has been such a dry summer. Lots of moss covered rocks and overhanging trees.There is nothing like running a river for the first time where every corner is a brand new view and every rapid requires a new plan. This reminded me of running new rivers with Zach 20 years ago only now we have drysuits.

Learn about Oregon Wild and Scenic River No. 27: Crescent Creek >>

Partners

Northwest Rafting Company Exploratory Division