Conditions:South Fork Clackamas River-20240909173027

Latest:	7 Sep 2024 (8 mos ago)

Reported by:	Briwellman (76 reports)
Quality:	Amazing
Waterflow:	Moderate
Wetsuit:	Thin wetsuit
Water temperature:
Difficulty:	Advanced
Time:	4 hours

Team: 3 people with experience level Advanced

Trip report URL:

Comments: After much searching, tapping, and discussion, we agreed on location for the DCL anchor. I rappelled DCL along the edge of flow testing areas to cross into the middle of the flow. The flow DCL is very strong and I had trouble finding a place to cross. I would descend and test and descend and test. I ended up above the rooster tail and didn't want to enter it. I chose to drop my pack at this location (about 150 feet up) even though I didn't want to, I hate dropping my pack from that high. I crossed it quickly and was fine. The middle is showery due to rocks above breaking up the flow. I'm going to try to cross at the pour over next time and avoid the strongest flow DCL. We did have a guy run the entire flow DCL through the rooster tail with his pack on. He said it wasn't that bad but I don't believe him because it was strong. I updated the beta and will continue to do so as I learn more about it.

All condition reports

Date	Quality	Waterflow	Wetsuit	Difficulty	Time	Team	Reported by
14 Oct 2024							Briwellman (76 reports)
Comment: We lost a florescent orange gear perspective rope bag on R3. It was empty and was tossed off the top above the pour over. We never found it at the bottom. We looked all around the bottom pool and even searched the sides. I guess the floatation was removed but I still thought it would have some type of neutral buoyance. The wet line on R3 is spicy. I tried to cross the flow at the top but swung back DCL. This might need a redirect if its possible. It will be a project for next year.
12 Oct 2024	Great	Moderate	Full wetsuit	Normal		3 people Advanced	Mads (61 reports)
Comment: New wet line on R3 is so much fun! It’s technical and requires good footwork and control in heavy flow on rappel. Not many drops like this one in the PNW - it definitely makes the canyon special. R1 webbing is a bit worn (we jumped it) but otherwise anchors are in good condition. We combined Memaloose and South Fork Clackamas and it took us 4.5 hours car-to-car. We saw 5 salmon spawning in the river after the last rappel! It was a great day 😊
7 Sep 2024	Amazing	Moderate	Thin wetsuit	Advanced	4 hours	3 people Advanced	Briwellman (76 reports)
Comment: After much searching, tapping, and discussion, we agreed on location for the DCL anchor. I rappelled DCL along the edge of flow testing areas to cross into the middle of the flow. The flow DCL is very strong and I had trouble finding a place to cross. I would descend and test and descend and test. I ended up above the rooster tail and didn't want to enter it. I chose to drop my pack at this location (about 150 feet up) even though I didn't want to, I hate dropping my pack from that high. I crossed it quickly and was fine. The middle is showery due to rocks above breaking up the flow. I'm going to try to cross at the pour over next time and avoid the strongest flow DCL. We did have a guy run the entire flow DCL through the rooster tail with his pack on. He said it wasn't that bad but I don't believe him because it was strong. I updated the beta and will continue to do so as I learn more about it.
7 Aug 2024	Great	Moderate Low	Thin wetsuit	Normal	3 hours	3 people Advanced	Briwellman (76 reports)
Comment: The water is warm and low for this time of year. There are some new log jams from burned trees in the creek, we will be experiencing effects of the fire for many years to come. We removed a large floating strainer log from the bottom of R4.
14 Sep 2023	Great	Moderate	Thin wetsuit	Normal	2 hours	2 people	K arc (371 reports)
Comment: Chest deep water at the Clackamas crossing. Followed an emerging use-path to the old road grade along the west side of the creek which takes you to the tunnels. Several bats in the longest one; a headlamp is a good plan. Great bedrock and warm water conditions. Expect a lot of trees to come down and fall into the watercourse over the next 3-5 years. Fun day out -- thanks for leading, Brian!
13 Sep 2022	Great	Moderate	Drysuit	Special challenges	3 hours	2 people Advanced	Rernst86 (87 reports)
Comment: Crossed the Clackamas. It is walkable at this point just above the rocky beach. The bush push to the old road grade is a little wild. Once on the ild road it isn’t too bad. The wooden car bridge is now gone at the confluence with Memaloose Creek. Tunnels are about the same. Off trailing is a bit more difficult as the ground is very loose. Worse than any other time I’ve been back there. First time was before the Box 36 Fire. We went to rescue a rope and ended up not being able to pull the ropes we used after freeing the left rope. Will go back and extend the bolted anchor to ensure a better pull. A case of beer or a few nice coffees to anyone who grabs them before we go back but highly unlikely. The biggest issue with the current state of this canyon is the rather large log that spans pool 2. It’s a strainer at any higher flow. Be wise and make sure you can negotiate it before continuing.
12 Jul 2017	Great	High	Full wetsuit	Special challenges	3 hours	3 people Intermediate to Advanced	Rockguac (3 reports)
Comment: Tell your friends to stop swimming here. Log bridge is now unsafe DO NOT CROSS take route up drainage Canyon Right. Also stop leaving your underwear up top. Trees all burnt out for last rap. Don't count on it being run anytime soon. Set fixed lines and ascend out.
24 May 2015	Unknown	Extreme					Tiffanie (139 reports)
Comment: Water flow was extremely high and we did not run the canyon (Memaloose or South Fork of the Clackamas). River crossing was not difficult.