The Clackamas River Trail is the most popular trail in the Clackamas and Roaring River Wilderness Areas.  It’s about 7.5 miles long, with an extra quarter-mile trail to Pup Creek Falls at about the halfway point.  So the out and back is about 16 miles with over 3000′ of ascent.  Fish Creek Trailhead is the most common starting point.  Indian Henry is the trailhead at the other end of the trail.  A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at either trailhead.

Fish Creek Trailhead is about 20 minutes from Estacada

Like many wilderness river trails, it is cut into steep bluffs that are chock full of rock, roots, and encroaching shrubs. The views, old-growth giants, and relatively mild elevation profile make it the area’s classic hiking and running trail.  The trail experiences all seasons, including fall foliage offering spectacular orange and reds from oak trees and vine maples.

Pup Creek Falls is a 240-foot waterfall is accessed by a side trail about the midpoint of the Clackamas River Trail

The trail does have some erosion and runs along with steep basalt cliffs, so it’s not for the runner who has a fear of falling.  Those susceptible to poison oak need to be careful as it is common along the trail.

Icicles form on the half cave along the trail on a February outing

One of the highlights of the trail is the Narrows, an area on the Clackamas River where the river flows through a tight basalt cavern. On hot days, this is a popular place to take a dip in the river.

 

The aqua blue color of the river along the Narrows in the winter

 

The trail mostly has gradually ascents among large cedars, Douglas-firs, and hemlocks.  Sword ferns share the soil with bright green moss and Oregon Grape.  Small creeks and waterfalls cross the trail several times on the route.  Look for the Roaring River’s entrance into the Clackamas a couple of miles from the Fish Creek trailhead.

 

Sword ferns carpet much of the 8 miles of the Clackamas River Trail