Clackamas River:
What to bring, what to wear
Half Day & 1 Day
April 1 - Sept. 3
Class III (Summer)
Class III-IV (Spring)
1/2 day trips: 9:30 AM-12:30 PM, 1 PM - 4 PM. Full day: 9:30 AM- 4 PM.
What to wear on the river
Please come to the river prepared for all possible weather conditions. The weather in the river canyons of the Northwest is often different from that in surrounding areas, so you won’t really know how it will be until you get there. At that time, you may decide that some of the items listed here are not needed; but you need to have them along just in case! In addition, Clackamas River water is usually quite cool, even on a hot day. So please pay close attention to the following information and checklists, and help to insure your enjoyment of the day by bringing along the proper clothing.
Spring (and cool weather) trips
We strongly recommend that guests on our April, May and early June trips plan to wear a wetsuit while on the river. Wetsuits may be rented directly from O.R.E., and may also be available at windsurf or dive shops in your area.
O.R.E. rents wetsuit/splash jacket sets ($5 per day) in sizes to accommodate persons from 4’8" and 85 pounds to 6’4" and 240 pounds. Also included are wetsuit shoes (men's sizes 5 to 13). Our wetsuits are a 1/8" thick, one-piece "farmer john" style which fully cover the legs and torso but which leave the arms free. The splash jacket helps to protect your arms and torso from the cold water, and may be worn with a sweater or jacket underneath if needed for extra warmth. Reservations and advance payment are required for O.R.E. rental gear. To place a reservation for a wetsuit/splash jacket set please call our office at 800-827-1358 at least 24 hours in advance of your trip.
Summer trips
Wetsuits are usually not required. But be sure to bring along warm clothing just in case the weather (or the water) is cooler than anticipated.
Clothing tips
The best clothing is that which retains your body heat while wet, or one that dries quickly. Modern high-tech synthetic fabrics like Polypropylene, Capilene, and Polyester fleece do both, and are readily available at stores like REI. Polyester fleece is increasingly available, as well, at large department stores. (Just be sure to look for polyester fleece, not cotton fleece.) But if you don’t want to spend a lot on a rafting wardrobe look for wool clothes, which provide some warmth even when wet. Thrift stores and military surplus stores are good places to find inexpensive wool clothes. On all but the hottest days you should avoid wearing cotton clothing while on the river. When wet, cotton sucks warmth from your body at an amazing rate. (An exception to the "no cotton" rule: cotton shorts may be worn over a wetsuit to reduce slippage while sitting on a raft.)
Packing List for Spring (and cool weather summer or fall) trips
To Wear in the Raft
- swimsuit, or shorts and a T-shirt
- sunglasses with strap
- wetsuit socks or thick wool socks worn with athletic shoes or sport sandals (such as Tevas or Chacos), or hard-soled wetsuit shoes (available from O.R.E.)
- wetsuit and splash jacket, or a light weight rain jacket plus synthetic or wool (medium to heavy weight) long underwear tops and bottoms.
To Bring on the River
- wool or synthetic sweater or jacket
- wool or synthetic "ski" hat (for extra warmth as needed)
- wide brim hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
- water bottle or canteen*
- waterproof sunscreen, lip-balm
* Please note: the terms of our license - as well common sense - lead us to insist that you refrain from consuming alcohol during your river trip (even during lunch).
To Leave in the car
- a towel and complete change of clothes, including dry shoes, socks and a sweater or jacket.
Packing List for Summer trips
To Wear in the Raft
- swimsuit, or T-shirt and shorts
- sun glasses with strap
- wide brim hat or baseball cap (for sun protection)
- athletic shoes or sport sandals such as Tevas or Chacos
To Bring on the River
- water bottle or canteen*
- waterproof sunscreen and lip-balm
- wool or synthetic sweater, or lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
* Please note: the terms of our license - as well common sense - lead us to insist that you refrain from consuming alcohol during your river trip (even during lunch).
To Leave in the car
- a towel and a complete change of clothes, including dry shoes and a sweater.
