October 29, 2025

Canoeing River Currents Trip Highlight!

Clackamas River Barton to Carver : 1600ish CFS Estacada Gauge

Coach : Nathan Watt

This weekend, we took students out on the lower Clackamas River for our Canoeing
River Currents class. It had been raining for the last few days, and the river had bumped up to a
healthy flow. This was great news after being on the lower side all summer. This was the perfect
level for maneuvering canoes through the water and practicing various skills involved with
tandem whitewater canoeing. The first thing was suiting up in our new Level Six dry suits to keep
us warm on this fifty-degree rainy day. When we arrived at Barton Park, we started outfitting our
Wenonah Canoes with some NRS float bags to help keep the boats buoyant in the event of a
capsize.

I always enjoy paddling on misty rainy days like this. The mist glides across the surface
of the water and provides a very peaceful wilderness experience. Also, the wildlife becomes
more active. At the boat ramp, we spotted a great blue heron and some mergansers, both
hunting for a meal. Upon launching, we started by reviewing some basic canoe strokes and
getting comfortable with our edges. The first rapid of the run is a great spot to stop and scout, in
order to learn about hydrology. Students identified possible routes, hazards, and river features.
Everyone did a great job of hitting their line.

Further down the river, we experienced some wave trains and swirly eddy lines. We
found a couple of good eddies to practice peeling out and ferrying across the river. Throughout
the class, everyone made huge strides. The rain was intermittent during lunch, which was
perfectly paired with our break as I sipped hot tea from my thermos. During times like this, I
always think back to my backcountry skills instructor informing me about the concept of type II
fun: “Suffering through the elements and challenges of the day, but then feeling an
overwhelming sense of accomplishment and gratitude.” Towards the end of the run, we
practiced some flipping and self-rescue techniques, which was maybe on purpose or by
accident, claimed one of the students. Either way, folks were quick to get the boat over and
empty. Overall, it was a great way to enjoy the fall season here in the Pacific Northwest.